Ear Health in Dogs

Whether they're floppy or they stand at attention, there are a number of issues that can effect the health of your dog's ears. While certain types of irritation are obvious, such as shaking of the head, other ear related problems may not be so easy to detect. It's because of this that you must understand and keep a watchful eye on your pet's ear health.

It's important to examine your pet's ears on a regular basis to ensure that there are no signs of potential problems that could cause excessive irritation, damage or even loss of hearing. There is a host of problems that can be problematic for your canine companion, such as ear mites, infection, blisters, hematoma or even cancerous growths. While dog owners can't expect to accurately diagnose a condition that their pet may have, observation can quickly alert them to a problem and the need to see a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Observe your pet's behavior on a daily basis. If he's vigorously scratching or rubbing his ears repeatedly against surfaces, tilting his head to one side or shaking it frequently then look at his ears as soon as possible. When looking into your dog's ears, hold the flap up and open so that you can see the folds. Some of the obvious visible signs of problems include a waxy buildup, redness or swelling and muddy or dirty buildup. Take note if there is unusual discharge coming from the ear or if there is a foul odor coming from them. These are all signs of concern that should have you making an appointment to see your veterinarian.

If your dog's ears look healthy and there are no unusual signs of discomfort, routine care can help to keep them problem-free. Ask your veterinarian what type of cleaning solution is best for cleaning your pet's ears. Unless instructed otherwise, clean your dog's ears on a weekly basis using a cotton pad or gauze. Only wipe the visible area of the ears and the folds, but never go into the dog's ears. This will help reduce the chance of wax building up and becoming problematic. If you feel uncomfortable, ask your vet to also demonstrate the best way to clean them.