Keeping Your Dogs Ears Clean
There are many things to do in between grooms to keep your dog healthy. Teeth brushing and cleaning your dog’s ears are great ways to watch and beware of early signs of infection or problems that may be beginning. Signs of ear disease to watch for are:
-odor
-scratching or rubbing ears or head
-discharge from the ears
-redness or swelling of the ear flap
-shaking and tilting of head to one side
-pain around ears
-changes in behavior such as depression and irritability
If you notice any of these also be aware of the causes of most ear infections. Common causes are allergies, parasites, foreign bodies, trauma, hormonal abnormalities, hereditary causes, and the ear environment. Keeping the ears clean and checking them weekly will help prevent some of these infections from occurring as well as enable you to catch early signs of infection. Using an ear cleaner that is slightly acidic but does not sting the dog’s ear is suggested. Lightly wet a cotton ball and wipe around the ear from inside the canal and out towards the ear flap. With regular ear cleaning and grooming any infections should be prevented or caught at an early stage.