Dog Health Care Article: How To
Avoid A Dog Ear Infection Or Other Canine Ear
Problems
Author:
Terrie Simpson
In this article, "How To Avoid A Dog Ear Infection Or Other
Canine Ear Problems", we investigate the some causes of ear
infections and other related ear problems as well as providing
some pratical advice on how to keep your dog's ear in good
working order.
Regular examination of your dogs ears should be another
integral part of your grooming routine. Your examination should
not only be checking for dirt, excessive wax, offensive odors,
but also for tears and swellings. There are three main parts to
a dogs ears: the outer flap (the pinna), the ear canal, and the
middle or inner ear.
The pinna can either be pendulous (floppy) or erect. It can be
covered in long hair in breeds such as spaniels and setters or
with short hair in breeds such as shepherds and terriers. The
ear canal is L-shaped. It starts of at a vertical angle and
then makes a horizontal turn. Because of this shape we can only
make a cursory examination. A veterinarian can make a complete
examination using a device called an otoscope. Using the
otoscope the veterinarian can also check the inner ear.
A dog which shakes its head, scratches or rubs it head against
the floor or furniture is indicative of a dog with a possible
ear problem. Offensive odors could also be indicative of an ear
infection. These as well as tears and swellings on the outer
ear should be checked and treated by a veterinarian.
Cleaning of the ear canal can be accomplished by using various
solutions. There are cleansing solutions, ear-wax loosening and
removal solutions and ear drying solutions available through
your veterinarian and pet stores. Before putting anything in
your dogs ears, consult with your veterinarian.
If the ear flap is dirty, it can be cleaned with a soft moist
cloth or gauze wrapped around a finger tip. Q-tips can be used
inside the small outer crevices. Gentleness is essential so as
not to cause trauma to the outer ear or cause wax or dirt to be
forced down the ear canal. Dogs with excessive hair such as
spaniels should have the hair on the underside of the flap
removed by trimming it, thus causing adequate ventilation and
drainage. A build-up of dirty waxy hair can seal off the ear
canal creating an environment suitable for bacterial growth
such as yeast infections, or a breeding ground for parasites
such as ear mites.
Another good time to check your dogs ears is when you come home
from exercising in open fields or in the forest (hunting or
tracking). Check for bugs such as ticks and for tears. A good
brushing and bathing can remove dirt, bugs and allergens, which
can also affect the ears.
Because of the shape of the dogs ears damage to the ear drum is
rare but caution should be exercised when cleaning the ears.
Again, never put anything in your dogs ears unless advised by
your veterinarian and use extreme gentleness when cleaning the
ears. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you have any
concerns. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of
cure.
About the Author:
Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28
years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer
Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has
amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog
healthy. Terrie brings her years of experience to the K9
KlearUp team. K9 KlearUp is an organic dog balm that helps
clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems.
Visit www.k9klearup.com for more
information...
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com -
Dog Health Care Article: How To Avoid A
Dog Ear Infection Or Other Canine Ear
Problems
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