Cleaning Dogs Ears - The Simple Solution


by Steve Willis - Date: 2010-05-26 - Word Count: 582 Share This!

Cleaning dog's ears is a big deal, especially if your canine friend's ears are prone to infection. Dog ear infections are usually called Otits Externa; this means an infection in the outer ear, where as Otis Interna would be the
opposite. Otis Externa, or "outer ear" infections can make up about 90% of common infections in canines, and making it the most common problem.

Some dogs with allergy problems may experience more ear troubles than other
pets. Usually ear mites will be present with infections, making cleaning dog's ears all the more important. Wax build up can contribute to both the presence of mites and infection. This is because the wax is literally what ear mites feed off of. They die and then create blockage/build up and possible infection. However, this can also be caused by excessively long ear hair which can trap dirt and debris along with the wax.

Cleaning dog's ears on a regular basis is important for numerous reasons. For one it certain will keep them free of wax and infection, but also get them used to the process. If you make it a happy experience by rewarding them with love and treats afterward - you should have no problem.

Now for the details - they are really quite simple. You can pick up a solution at your favorite pet supply store for cleaning dog's ears. After you have acquired this, simply use a cotton swab or soft cloth and dabble a little bit of the solution onto it. Then gently rub/massage the ears. Keep doing this until you feel that you've gotten all (if any) gunk off.

Regular ear cleaning is a powerful preventative measure; particularly if you have a dog who is at a high risk for ear infections. Dogs that swim routinely believe it or not are also more prone to ear troubles. If you are wondering about whether or not you need to be cleaning your dog's ears then here are some tell tale signs.

a) smelly ears
b) discharge
c) constant head shaking
d) redness of the ears
e) swelling around the ears
f) constantly scratching ears

If your dog is constantly scratching their ears this can cause a great deal of distress on the animal. If your pet is scratching too hard this can even break blood vessels and cause swelling and bleeding.

Vinegar believe it or not is actually a good solution to used for cleaning dog's ears. It will remove dirt, while at the same time promote growth of good bacteria. Use vinegar just like you would the solution. Sometimes this can even help with an already present infection. If your dog's ear infection seems really out of control, do not hesitate for one moment to contact a vet. This can be taken care of easily and fast. Some simple antibiotics will do the trick and Fido will be back to his old self again in a jiffy.

If your dog has recurring ear infections the vet might suggest that you clip the hair around the ear or the vet might clip the hair around the ear. This often helps. Every now and then if it appears that the infection is way more severe than at first thought, a vet may suggest to you surgery that will allow the ears to properly drain. Also note that some breeds have a harder time with certain conditions. When choosing a new dog, you should always do you research into common medical ailments, and disposition.

By now you should be a total pro at detecting ear infections and cleaning dog's ears.

Related Tags: cleaning dogs ears, clean a dogs ears, dog grooming tips

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