While it is true that some health issues in pets are unavoidable, there are some things care givers can do to help prevent a serious health threat from developing.
For instance, plenty of fresh clean water, a healthy diet, adequate, clean shelter, and routine ear care can go a long way in heading off serious problems requiring professional veterinarian intervention.
Most pet owners are aware of the necessity of a sufficient supply of water to avoid dehydration, the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet, and sanitary living conditions. But many pet owners are not aware of the importance of routine ear care for their pets.
Professional dog groomers understand the importance of possible health hazards resulting from unhealthy ears. They usually include an ear exam and cleaning with their regular grooming services. There are several things they look for during their ear exam:
1.) Head shaking and ear scratching
2.) Ears sensitive to the touch
3.) Discharges coming from the ears
4.) Blood blisters (hematomas) on the ear flap
5.) Odors coming from the ears
6.) Tumors (melanomas) inside the ears.
Knowing the dangers of neglected ear problems - some of which are life threatening - responsible caregivers should give their dog ear exams and clean them in between grooming services; about once every week.
At Savvy Dog Lover web site, we recommend the following
When inspecting the dog's ears, caregivers should note if the ear area is sensitive to the touch. Gently handle the dog's ear; look inside the ear for any redness, swelling, foreign objects such as dirt or other organic matter, or accumulated ear wax.
Water trapped in the ear canal can cause the ear to develop an infection and become very painful. The damp environment in the ear canal is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Dogs with ear flaps are especially at risk. For this reason, it is a good idea to place cotton in the dog's ears during bathing. Ears should be checked after bathing to insure that the inside is dry.
Ear mites sometimes reside in ear wax. Dogs with ear mites often shake their heads and scratch at their ears. If the caregiver notices this problem, they should check any ear wax for mites. This can be accomplished by carefully removing accumulated ear wax without entering the ear canal too far, risking damage to the ear drum.
Use a sterile piece of cotton and a small amount of commercial ear cleaning solution to "swab" inside the ear no further down than one-half inch into the ear canal. Do not saturate the cotton with solution, as this could cause the solution to drip into the ear canal and cause other health hazards. (Do not go further down into the ear than one-half inch even if more wax, redness, or foreign matter can be seen. Instead, consult with a veterinarian.)
What to Look For
Under bright lighting, smear a sample of the ear wax on a piece of white paper. If ear mites are present small white specks will be seen in the ear wax.
Ear mites are very contagious and require repeat treatments. This is because the insecticide used to treat ear mites kills only adult mites. Repeat applications every 7 days, waiting 10 days for baby mites to mature before providing more treatments is usually recommended. If ear mites are noted in the ear wax, contact a veterinarian for treatment recommendations.
Whether or not ear mites are present, accumulated ear wax in a dog's ear can lead to ear canker and other serious infections. If a dark-colored discharge and foul odor is present, a veterinarian should be consulted at once.
While occasional scratching may be normal for a healthy dog, repeated scratching usually signals discomfort. Even if nothing can be seen during ear inspection, the dog could have an allergy that causes him to scratch his ears. Again, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Foreign debris caught in the ear can work down into the ear canal and create serious health problems that could be life threatening. If the debris cannot be readily extracted without entering the ear canal more than one-half inch, contact a veterinarian at once.
Regardless of whether or not health hazards are found in the dog's ear, clean the inside flap. Gently swab the inside of the ear flap using sterile cotton and a small amount of commercial ear cleaning solution. Swab outward to the ear flap, not towards the inside of the ear.
Repeat as needed, but do not "over clean." The inner ear flap is sensitive and could become irritated. Do not allow liquid to drip down into the ear canal while cleaning.
Remain observant while cleaning the ear. Possible health hazards such as redness or swelling, previously unnoticed, might become visible.
Summary
Regular routine ear cleaning to remove wax build up and dirt and checking ears for the above mentioned health hazards help avoid the risk of serious health problems that could become life threatening.
We at the Savvy Dog Lover web site care about your pet. Ear exams take only a few minutes and could save you a hefty vet's bill, or prevent the loss of your beloved pet.
For other canine health-related articles, healthcare products such as ear cleaning solution, and other pet products, visit the Savvy Dog Lover web site .
© Lori S. Anton
Savvy Dog Lover Editor
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