Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Ear Disease Management

Chronic ear disease causes significant pain in dogs, especially in breeds with narrow ear canals. Early treatment and preventative management reduce suffering substantially.

Key Facts

Otitis externa affects around 10-20% of dogs attending veterinary practice
Cocker spaniels, Labradors, and other breeds are disproportionately affected
Chronic otitis causes pain, head shaking, scratching, and secondary infection
Underlying allergies must be identified and managed to prevent recurrence
Surgical intervention may be required for chronic or end-stage disease

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ear disease is painful, progressive, and often poorly managed due to owner unawareness. Early intervention and addressing underlying causes prevent the prolonged suffering of chronic, recurrent otitis.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of ear disease including head shaking and odour
Seek prompt veterinary assessment for any suspected ear problem
Manage underlying allergies to prevent chronic ear disease recurrence
Follow through with complete courses of treatment and follow-up checks