Ear care for your dog is an essential part of good health. A dog’s ear canal is much different than a human ear, both in terms of structure and size. The longer canal can leave a canine much more prone to ear problems like infection.
Signs of a Problem
* Frequent scratching of the ears * Shaking the head continually * A bad odor from the ear
If you see your pet showing any of these signs, it is a good idea to take him to the vet for a complete exam and accurate diagnosis.
What’s Wrong?
One of the most common ear problems is a yeast infection, which is often suspected when the ear is red or inflamed and exudes a pungent odor. Yeast infections often occur after the dog has been in water, but can become chronic in dogs prone to allergies or hypothyroidism. Dogs that get frequent ear infections can particularly benefit from a regular ear cleansing routine.
Ear mites are another common culprit in ear problems in dogs. These tiny parasites can cause inflammation of the ear canal and plenty of discomfort for your poor pooch. Ear mites are transmitted from one dog to another, so if you have more than one pet, it is best to have all of them treated.
Paths to Prevention
The best way to treat ear problems in dogs is to stop them before they begin. This means keeping your dog’s ear canals clean with cleansing solutions, pet ear wipes or pet cleansing pads. It is also good to remove hair growing in the canal, since stray strands can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Always use cotton balls instead of swabs when cleaning your dog’s ears, since swabs can be painful for your pet. If you notice your dog shaking his head or scratching his ears, take him to a vet right away for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.
Please see our featured selection of ear care products for your dog below.
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