Introduction
Ear problems in dogs cause irritation and aggravation for dogs and their pet owners, and dogs themselves often suffer from severe pain due to ear problems. In order to help prevent ear problems in your dog, always keep these words in mind: vigilance, care, and common sense.
Preventing Ear Problems in Dogs
Vigilance
While pet owners try to be aware of their dog’s health, many ear problems are missed until they start to cause severe pain and damage to the dog’s ears. Vigilance will help pet owners to ensure that they catch any developing ear problem quickly. Ears should be looked at on a weekly basis. Just a quick look inside to make sure everything is as it should be. Pet owners who have floppy eared dogs should get into the habit of lifting up the ear flaps frequently to check on their canine companion’s ears. Periodic scratching or head shaking of the ears is normal, but if you notice excessive head shaking and scratching then your dog’s ears need a closer, professional, examination.
Care
At home ear care will help to keep your dog’s ears clean, and clean ears won’t become a hotbed for parasites, yeast, and bacteria. You can either clean your dog’s ears out using a homemade ear cleaning solution, or you can buy a solution at a pet store or veterinarian clinic. A terrific homemade ear cleaning solution is a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Use a solution to clean your dog’s ears out once every two weeks; for those who live in hot, humid, climates once a week ear cleanings may be needed.
Common Sense
Common sense will also help you to prevent ear problems from developing in your dog. Never clean your dog’s ears with q-tips, and make sure you are cleaning your dog’s ears properly. If your dog’s ears become red or irritated from periodic ear cleanings use less solution, lengthen the period of time between cleanings, or ask your veterinarian for a very gentle, but effective, cleaner.