Care for Your Dogs Ears

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog's ears, serious conditions may still arise. Also, beware when your dog flaps its ears too much; this can cause a hematoma, which I will discuss a little further on. My Golden had to be operated for this.

Regular inspection of your dog's Ears

By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. I have "smelled out" more serious problems using my nose. This method can detect ear infections early. Normally a dog's ears shouldn't smell foul in any way. A dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. A pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this is a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause a foul smell in your dog's ears. My Golden had very sensitive ears. If something feels wrong, make sure you have your Veterinarian check it right away. Have your Vet show you what to look for, and how to look for potential problems! My Vet is an amazing teacher and he is always willing to show me things. What dogs are more susceptible to ear problems?

Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa Apso, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. Dogs that frequently swim are more susceptible to ear problems. And, Goldens can be very susceptible to ear problems.

If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to remove the hair that grows inside your dog's ears. This is not very difficult and if you have a problem, find a good groomer to do it for you.

How to clean your dog's ears:

Your dog's eardrum is better protected than a human's, but you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Do not insert anything into your dog's ear. Use only the small square cleaning pads, or cotton balls. Use anything that is very soft, but has no tips. Ask your groomer or Vet to show you the best way to clean YOUR dog's ears...

Checking your dog's ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog's ears need a cleaning don't put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful.

Hematomas

My Golden had one once, a big one, from shaking her head because of her ear condition. My Vet says a hematoma can turn into a very serious condition if not treated. Hematomas are collections of blood. They are common in ears because there doesn't seem to be anything in the ear to generate enough pressure to stop bleeding until the ear swells enough with blood. Ear infections, ear mites, fly bite irritation, mosquito bites, allergies and immune mediated diseases have all been implicated as underlying causes for this problem. Anything that causes the dog to flap its ears can make this happen and it appears to occur spontaneously in a number of dogs. Large hematomas should be treated surgically or medically.

Surgery usually involves making an incision on the inner aspect of the ear and draining the blood, removing any blood clots that are left and then suturing the two sides of the ear together by putting sutures all the way through it, in a "mattress" pattern. Sometimes it is possible just to place a drain and massage the blood out of the ear daily until it heals.

Side note:

If you use a commercial ear product please make sure it is of good quality and please make sure it is the proper product for the condition. So many dogs have had tremendous ear pain and complications because of the wrong product, or the wrong use of a product.

An educated dog owner is the best kind of dog owner.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. http://www.happypetstop.com http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

---

10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More

Dog Training - How To Win Your Dogs Confidence

Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More

A Pregnant Stray Cat Adopted You ? And Now What?

It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More

The Different Breeds Of Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More

Does Your Bichon Frise Eat His Own Poop?

Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More

A Short Introduction To Flowerhorn Cichlids

Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More

Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children

Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More

Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies

Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More

How To Install An Emergency Brake On Your Horse

Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More

Female Dog Care

As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More

Training Your Dog To Sit

A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More

Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free

So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More

Pet Doors: Giving Your Pet Freedom to Come and Go as They Please Helps Solve Behavior Problems

Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More

The Background and Use of Clicker Training For Dogs

Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More

Maintaining your Fish Bowls

Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cage Covers

As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More

Which Parrot is Right For Me?

Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More

My Dog Died !

Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More

Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More

Love of Horses

My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More

BARF Diet For Dogs - Not As Gross As It Sounds!

Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More

Care for Your Dogs Ears

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More

Fur Isnt Such a Good Sunscreen

You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More

A Dog Name is Something To Be Chosen Carefully

How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More

Guinea Pig History

Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More

Breed Success in Your Puppy Search

The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More

Apistogramma , Dwarf Cichlids in the Aquarium

The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More

West Highland White Terrier ? How To Capture the Best Pictures of Your Westies

For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More

Rabbit As Pet

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More