Despite the fact that ear
infections in dogs are preventable, it is still one of the most common reasons
for a visit to the veterinarian among dog owners. In order to save your dog (and
pocketbook) some grief, make sure you devote a little time each week looking at
your dog’s ears.
The sense of hearing is
very important to dogs and therefore when you clean your dog’s ears, you need to
make certain you are doing it the proper way. Both the inner and outer parts of
your dog’s ears are very sensitive, so it is crucial that you abide by proper
cleansing procedures. The following tips will assist you in keeping your dog’s
ears clean without doing harm:
Check over your dog’s
ear flaps on a regular basis for any abrasions especially after a clash with
some other dog or animal. Even microscopic cuts in these sensitive regions can
become easily infected, so keep an eye out for injuries and give your
veterinarian a call if necessary.
Take away any minor
debris from the fur encompassing the dog’s ears. It’s also important to clean
under the ear flaps, particularly if your dog relishes running through tall
weeds, bush or grass. Foreign objects can get into the ear, inducing
infections or discomfort, so be sure to remove anything that you may find at
once.
Allow for regular
protection against contracting water in your dog’s ears by placing cotton
swabs in his ears during baths or water play.
Cleanse your dog’s ears
at least once a month. The best technique is to use a cotton ball doused in a
gentle cleansing solution, such as mineral oil or diluted peroxide. Your
veterinarian might also be able to make product recommendations. Employing
tender strokes, carefully dab both the outer and inner portions of the dog’s
ear, minding not to drive any wax further into the ear. Clean only the parts
of the ear that you can distinctly see, and do not get rid of all the wax.
Dogs require a bit of wax to protect their ear canals.
If you have an English
Spaniel or Poodle breed of dog, you should routinely crop the hair close to
their ears. Unreasonable hair growth in or about the ears can encourage
infection. Clipping the hair will better air circulation and diminish the
probability of infection.
