If you’re asking, “Why does my dog’s ear make a crackling noise?” Dog Ownership Guide can help you and your best furry friend. The following information will help you identify the cause of the crackling noise and know what to do about it.
Possible Causes of Crackling Noises in Dogs’ Ears
The following possible causes of crackling noises in dogs’ ears can help dog owners on the path to diagnosis and treatment.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on the wax and oils in the ear. They can cause irritation, inflammation, and a crackling or popping sound in the ear.
Allergies
Allergies can cause inflammation and itching in the ears, which can lead to scratching and a crackling sound.
Fluid in the External Ear Canal
The crackling noise in your dog’s ear may be pus or other fluid in the external ear canal. The most likely cause of pus or fluid in the ear is a bath. If not careful, water can make its way into the ear canals and become stuck. Since the environment is dark and warm, bacteria and yeast growth.
Dogs with fluid or pus in their external ear canal will shake their head often. They will also scratch the ears to try to get the sound to go away.
As you can imagine, if you can hear the crackling and it’s annoying you, those loud noises are most likely annoying your pup as well.
Ear Infections
According to the American Kennel Club, ear infections are one of the most common causes of crackling noises in dogs’ ears. They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
- Scratching or rubbing at the ears
- Head shaking or tilting
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal
- Discharge or odor from the ear
- Pain or sensitivity when the ear is touched
- Loss of balance or coordination (in severe cases)
What to Do About Your Dog’s Ear Clicking Noise
Unfortunately, reaching out to your veterinarian is the only way to get rid of your dog’s ear making a clicking sound. In either case of a dog’s ear clicking, the vet will have to swab the ear and look under a microscope to see what type of bacterial infection may be present, if any.
The vet will likely flush the ear to remove debris, fluid, or pus from the ear, which will give it a chance to heal. This process may be uncomfortable for your dog just as you can imagine having your ears flushed, but it is a great way to speed up the recovery process.
The most common course of action to solve the problem of your dog’s ear clicking is medication. An antibiotic may be prescribed along with an anti-inflammatory if inflammation is present.
Seek Treatment When Your Dog’s Ear Is Making a Clicking Sound
Dog ear infections don’t go away on their own. They require medication(s). The longer dog owners wait to take their precious pup to the vet, the intensity of the ear pain increases. So, if you’re hearing certain sounds from your dog’s ear, call the vet now.
Ear pain isn’t the only consequence of having trapped fluid/pus in the ear or an ear infection, a dog’s hearing can be affected as well. If not treated in time, a dog may suffer from permanent hearing problems.
Prevent the Causes of Clicking or Crackling Noises from a Dog’s Ear
Cleaning your dog’s ears every 1-2 weeks is a great way to prevent an ear infection. Mix one part (1/4 cup) of rubbing alcohol with one part (1/4 cup) of white vinegar in a bottle and keep it accessible in your house.
Simply use a cotton ball to rub the external ear canal and squirt a tiny bit of it into the canal and massage the ear canal gently with the top of the fingers on one hand.
The Cost of a Veterinarian for Ear Pain
Are you hesitating to call the vet because of your fear of the bill? Depending on your financial situation, you may be happy to know it will likely cost $100 – $300 to resolve the issues with your dog’s ear. If fear has really set in now, you may want to consider dog insurance for your pup.
Dog ear infections, environmental allergies, ear mites, and so many other ear-related conditions can be covered with dog insurance. These are medical conditions that are covered in most dog insurance policies.
