Fleas, skin problems and regular shots might be among the top reasons for dog owners to get their pets to the veterinarian, but the number one issue prompting vet visits is ear issues.
Dogs’ inner ears are a serious of twists and turns of cartilage that offer yeast, bacteria and parasites an excellent habit to live. Most infections begin with debris that’s gotten trapped, but dogs with allergies will likely see more issues than dogs without allergies.
There are a number of factors that lead to some dogs having more problems with their ears than others. For instance, dogs with an abundance of hair inside their ears will need more dog ear care than those with hairless ears. Dogs with ears that are long and floppy generate more dirt in their ears than dogs with short ears because there is less air circulation.
Veterinarians say the best dog ear care an owner can provide is frequent cleaning of the ear canal. But many dogs dislike having their ears cleaned. Regardless of how much they dislike the routine, it’s essential. Some dogs will require two people – one to hold and the other to clean.
Veterinarians recommend cleaning as much of the ear as can be reached with a cotton ball. Going any farther than what can be reached with a finger and the cotton ball could damage the dog’s ear. Check the cotton ball to see how much dirt it collected. If you see an irregular amount, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, as this could be a sign of more serious issues.
Other issues to look for are accumulations of debris, wax, foul odor coming from the ear, crusty skin, loss of hair, redness, a discharge coming from the ear or an accumulation of wax. These too are indicators of infection. Ear mites are a common ailment. To identify these, look for a build up of what appears to be coffee grounds.
There are a variety of ear cleaners available over-the-counter that won’t be too harsh on the dog’s ear. Don’t use alcohol, as this is not good on the dog’s skin. Some owners will use a vinegar solution that is nine to 10 parts water to one part vinegar, but never pour any cleaner down the dog’s ear canal as this can lead to more dog ear care issues. Check with your veterinarian for advice on which cleaner they recommend.
If you’d rather skip home remedies that may or may not work, it’s a safe bet to consider Clear Ear from ProLabs. Dogs with chronic ear problems get fast relief through Clear Ear’s pH-balanced solution that nourishes and replenishes the ear’s epithelium.
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