Healthy Ears For Happy Dogs

Ear care for your dog is an essential part of good pet health and your sanity. If your dog can’t hear you call, he won’t come. A dog’s ear canal differs greatly from the human ear, both in structure and size. The longer ear canal leaves a dog prone to ear problems like infections. To ensure your pet’s ears are in a top condition, consider these potential problems to watch out for and tips for care and cleaning.

Signs of a Problem

The first step in good pet ear care is to recognize the signs of a possible problem. Dogs who are suffering from parasites or infection in the ear will often exhibit the following characteristics:

* Frequent scratching of the ears

* Shaking the head continually

* A bad odor from the ear

* A history of ear infections

* Frequent water play or baths

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?

There are many possible ear problems that can plague your four-legged friend. One of the most common 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. Yeast infections are treated with a combination of cleansing and antimicrobial solutions. 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 to get rid of the ear mites for good. There are plenty of good over the counter ear mite treatments that can effectively keep pesky parasites at bay. However, get a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian before trying an ear mite treatment at home, since other ear problems can mimic the symptoms of ear mites.

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, ear wipes or 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.