Your dog's ears are important. They allow them to know when
it's time for dinner, respond to your voice and help understand what is happening
around them. Ear cleaning can seem like a messy chore, but the importance of
this grooming task cannot be overstated. Due to their long “L” shaped ear canals
it’s difficult for debris that gets in to work its way back out, resulting in a
breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Therefore, by regularly cleaning your
pups ears it will keep them healthy and problem free.
Common Causes of Ear Infections
1. Similar to people, when dogs go for a swim, they can accumulate water within their ears. As the configuration of their ears differs from humans it can make it more difficult for water to escape. The moist environment created is a favorable environment for yeast and bacteria, which can then lead to the development of an ear infection.2. Inflamed and irritated skin are typical signs of an allergy in dogs, and the skin in the ear is not immune to the changes. An allergy, whether contact, inhalant, or food will influence the condition of the inner ear and surrounding skin.
Signs
- Shaking of the head
- Persistently scratching at ears
- Abnormal amount of wax build up
- Redness inside of the ear
- Bloody, brown, or yellow discharge
- Hair loss around the ear
- Swelling, crusting or scabbing around or on the ear
- Loss of balance, or excess shaking or tilting of the head
- Unusual eye movement
- Walking around in circles
Which Ear Cleaner to Use?
As there are various types of ear cleaners on the market it
can be hard to know which one if best for your pup. The most important thing to
remember is to only use good quality do ear cleaners and to never use olive
oil, vinegar, shampoo or any other substance in your dog’s ears; they’ll thank
you later! We recommend using the new RSPCA Ear cleaner as a once off or
regularly on dogs with wax build up. This product is designed to remove crust,
dirt and scales around the ear canal. It effectively dissolves oils, waxes and
debris in the ear canal leaving your pet with a clean, comfortable and fresh
ear.
How to Clean
Simply apply a few drops to the ear canal and gently rub the
base of the ear, then wipe the interior of the flap with a swab moistened with
the ear cleaner. Ensure you are gentle and do not put the swab into the actual
ear canal. This can be done once off or regularly, depending on your dog.
If your pet suffers persistent ear problems we suggest
talking to your local vet. Shop the RSPCA Ear Cleaner now!
If you’d like more vet approved pet health advice, sign up to our monthly newsletter here, or visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au/Pet-Health.
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