Scientists reveal the dog breeds most affected by ear infections – with Basset Hounds topping list – Daily Mail
Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles are the dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections, new research has revealed.
Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed more than 22,000 dogs in the UK to understand which breeds were at highest risk for ear infections.
Their findings suggest that dogs with long and hanging ear flaps are at much higher risk of infection tha…….
Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles are the dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections, new research has revealed.
Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed more than 22,000 dogs in the UK to understand which breeds were at highest risk for ear infections.
Their findings suggest that dogs with long and hanging ear flaps are at much higher risk of infection than dogs with pointy ears, while smaller breeds, weighing under 22lbs (10kg), are at lower risk than larger breeds.
Worryingly, if left untreated, ear infections can spread deep into the ear canal, causing serious harm to the affected dog.
The team hopes the findings will help owners to better spot the signs of ear infection and respond early.
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: ‘This useful research into such a common canine complaint – and helping to identify which dogs are most at risk of ear infections – certainly will inform better treatment and prevention.’
Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed more than 22,000 dogs in the UK to understand which breeds were at highest risk for ear infections
Basset Hounds (stock image pictured) Chinese Shar Peis and Labradoodles are the dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections, new research has revealed
How to tell if your dog has an ear infection
Key signs of an ear infection in dogs include:
– Pain when ears or head are touched
– Ear discharge
– Unpleasant smell coming from ears
– Itchy ears
– Shaking their head often
– Holding their head to the side
– Swelling around their ears
If your dog shows any of these signs, call your vet for an appointment.
Source: Blue Cross
Ear infections, also known as ‘otitis externa’, are common in dogs and occur when the lining of a dog’s ear becomes inflamed and thickened.
In the short term, the infection can be smelly, irritating and painful for the dog.
However, if left untreated, it can spread deep into the ear canal, causing more serious harm.
In the study, the researchers analysed the health records of 22,333 dogs in the UK.
Their analysis revealed that 7.3 per cent of the dogs had suffered from ear infections, with certain breeds found …….
