These 9 Breeds Might Need Trimeprazine - Is Yours One?

Ear infections aren't fun for any pooch. They're painful, annoying and can cause serious hearing damage in some cases. While any dog is susceptible to an ear infection over the course of their lifetime, some breeds are more likely to have this frustrating condition. Luckily, there are medications like trimeprazine that can help.

9 Ear infection-prone breeds 

Certain breeds are more likely to come down with ear infections, not because they're dirty or attract bacteria, but because of the construction of their ears. Dogs with long, floppy ears, narrow ear canals or elevated ear canals are most at risk because these ears are harder to clean and retain more water, thereby allowing for more bacteria to grow. Nine of the most common breeds for ear infections are:

• Poodles
• Boxers
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Old English Sheepdogs
• German Shepherds
• English Bulldogs
• Shar Peis
• Labrador Retrievers.

Another major factor for ear infections - outside of ear shape and size - is that some dogs are more attracted to swimming, like Labradors, and therefore put themselves at greater risk for ear infections.

Treating ear infections 

If your pooch has an ear infection, you'll want to visit the veterinarian for a prescription medication that will help clear up the problem. 

is one of the most common and popular medications veterinarians turn to. It's an anti-inflammatory prescription drug that helps clear up ear infections as well as kennel cough and other itching and swelling issues.

is another option that veterinarians may prescribe. Rather than a pill like trimeprazine, this antibacterial, antifungal steroid gets right to the source of the discomfort and pain. It helps treat yeast as well as bacterial infections and reduces inflammation and pain for your pooch.

Identifying and avoiding ear infections 

Before you can start thinking about treating your dog's ear infections, you need to look for signs that your pooch is trying to tell you they need some help. Dogs may display a loss of hearing, redness or swelling in the ear, trouble balancing, and nonstop scratching or rubbing of their ears. Additionally, if you examine their ears more closely, you may notice extra wax, pus or blood, and a foul odor.There are three types of canine ear infections to look out for.

1. Bacterial infections are similar to human ear infections, where bacteria, often from trapped water, grow in the ear and create pain, swelling, and possibly blood.
2. Yeast infections in your dog's ears have a similar result, but release a yellow discharge and smell stronger.
3. The third type of infection is caused by small ear mites and make your pooch have a sandy ear wax discharge.

No matter what breed your four-legged friend is, you can help them avoid an ear infection by doing some basic grooming. Trimming the hair around your pooch's ear may help prevent infections. Similarly, after your dog swims or is bathed, make sure their ears are able to dry out completely, so no water gets trapped in their. The best way to prevent ear infections is regular cleaning of the ears with recommended solutions and medications. Talk to your veterinarian for suggestions.

Use your PetPlus membership to help your four-legged friend when they're in pain without spending full price on their medications.