It’s important that you regularly care for your dog’s ears, just like how you trim their nails to keep them comfortable.
While pretty much every dog owner knows how important it is to keep nails trimmed, many simply do not know that it is just as important to maintain their dog’s ears through regular inspections and cleaning. Every dog has a different level of risk concerning ear infections based on many factors, such as breed, climate, frequent activities, ear shape, and stature. The fact is that every dog benefits from having their ears cleaned regularly.
How to Check & Clean Their Ears
Checking the ear is a simple process of turning the ear up towards the sky and taking a good look, preferably with a small flashlight that can help you see a little more clearly. You should also note the way the ear smells, even though the idea of smelling your dog’s ears probably sounds pretty weird. You don’t need to shove your face into their ear like you’re checking a baby for a dirty diaper—when you fold the ear over, an infected ear will often have a strong smell.
Which ear cleaner you should use actually depends on your pet and their needs. It’s a good idea to bring this up with your veterinarian and ask them for advice on which ear-cleaning solution would be best for your pooch. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends against using any ear cleaning solutions that have hydrogen peroxide or alcohol in them, as these can actually be irritating to your pup.
Signs of Infection
There are a few common symptoms that point to a possible ear infection:
- Excessive head shaking
- Excessive scratching of the ears
- Ears are painful to the touch
- Ears are red and inflamed
- Ears have a foul odor
If your dog has any of these symptoms, and especially if they have more than one of these symptoms, it’s time to see your vet for a check-up and treatment.
See Your Vet
If you discover that your dog does have an ear infection, don’t try to handle it yourself. You should make an appointment with your veterinarian right away to receive the appropriate medicated ear drops or cleaning solution. This is critical because not every ear infection is the same. Your dog could have an outer ear infection, a middle ear infection, or an inner ear infection, all of which require different forms of treatment. The infection could be bacterial, viral, or even fungal. This should be handled by your veterinarian to ensure that your furry companion receives the correct treatment and gets back to 100% as quickly as possible.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.