WHEN AND HOW SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR POOCHES EARS?
Even if your pet pooch doesn’t go out foraging on walks or playing in the dirt, they will still develop a certain amount of dirt in their ears, and it’s important to know when and how you should clean them: Let’s look a little closer at your pooch’s ears: Dogs ears are for the most part, self-cleaning, and so you shouldn’t worry if you see a light brown secretion in your dog’s ear canal, this helps to protect the more sensitive parts of their ear. If you notice more of the waxy substance than usual however, it may be an indicator that your pet has a problem with their ear, and you should pay a visit to a veterinarian to get them checked over. Other signs to look for in your pet’s ear that may indicate they have a problem include:
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Discharge of any colour Swelling and/or inflammation Scratching around the ear area Shaking of the head in a frequent and violent manner Bleeding from the ear Discomfort when the ear is touched
One common cause of ear canal problems in dogs are ear mites, and they look a little like coffee grounds, usually black or brown in colour. They are nothing to worry about, but your dog will need treatment for a month otherwise the mites can return, and can also spread to other parts of your pet’s body.
How to prevent problems with your pooch’s ears: Basically, when your pet’s ear is dry, it’s a healthy ear. Dogs ears can quickly become damp after a bath or when they’ve been swimming, and this makes them a desirable place for fungus and bacteria to grow in. Those dogs who have ears which flop and hang down are at a higher risk of infection, since their ears will not dry so quickly. Placing a cotton ball in both ears before you bathe your dog can help to minimize the moisture, and you should always dry your pet well after they’ve been swimming. You can also buy ear cleaning solutions for dogs that can help to reduce the risk of infection.
In much the same way as a dog’s gut (or human’s gut, for that matter) requires a balance of microflora, as do ears, and this usually prevents harmful pathogens from growing there and multiplying. Check your dog’s ears regularly and get to know the difference between a healthy ear and an infected one. If your pet has droopy ears, then it will be even more important to check them over often, and if you are ever unsure as to whether your beloved pooch has a problem with their ear or not, then a quick trip to see the veterinarian is always advisable.
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