Other than occasionally swabbing your ears with a Q-tip, you probably often forget your ears are even attached to your body. Dogs–especially floppy-eared dogs–require more proactive, regular ear care to prevent ear infections and other diseases.
To keep your dog’s ears healthy, there is plenty you can do to stay on top of it.
4 WAYS TO PREVENT EAR DISEASE
Keep ears clean & dry
The vertical nature of a dog’s ear canal makes it easy for bacteria and debris to get trapped. Make sure your dog’s ears are dry so they don’t become a breeding ground for bacteria and clean them with a solution you trust.
Some cleaners include hydrogen peroxide, which can cause irritation to an already inflamed ear canal while others can safely defend against bacteria and effectively remove wax build-up. If you’re not sure what cleaner to choose, consult with your veterinarian.
For an all-natural solution, pawTree’s Ear Wash and Ear Dry contains from-the-earth ingredients, including yucca, aloe vera, echinacea, and chamomile.
Look for debris
After cleaning your dog’s ears with a trusted cleanser, wipe away debris that emerges with a cotton ball or gauze. You’ll also want to remove any debris around the ear to prevent it from getting trapped in the ear canal later.
Trim the fluff
Extra or unruly hair around the ear can make it easier for debris to get trapped and cause infection. Keep hair around the ears trimmed short so it’s easier to keep the area clean.
Consider supplementing
If allergies are at the root of your dog’s ear infections, adding an omega-3 supplement to his diet can only help. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. Try a high-quality fish oil, such as pawTree’s Salmon Oil Drops.
SIGNS A VET VISIT IS IN ORDER
Even with regular maintenance and prevention, it’s likely your dog will still get at least one ear infection in his lifetime. If you notice your dog scratching at or rubbing his ears consistently, that’s an important first sign that something isn’t right.
Depending on the type of bacteria in your dog’s ear, an infection can smell sweet or rancid. An infection can also cause an unpleasant yellow or brown discharge.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to even more serious symptoms. If the infection goes deeper into the ear, causing a middle ear infection, you might notice your dog tilting his head often or losing coordination. If you witness these symptoms, get your dog to a vet ASAP to prevent further damage.
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Are you passionate about preserving your pet’s health and well being? Join our supportive Facebook group “Raising Pets Naturally” for weekly insights and resources that help you raise happy, healthy cats and dogs. We also have monthly drawings for prizes. The prizes available for April include a Mac Airbook, cash, or gift cards!
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ABOUT KRISTI DIAZ
Dr. Diaz’s nurturing nature led her into medicine where she became a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. While she loved her career and her patients, she also wanted to be a stay-at-home mother. After retiring from her practice and achieving her goal of being a home-based parent, Kristi began looking for ways to give back to her community. At the same time, she and her husband were looking for home-based business opportunities.
Kristi knew she found the perfect opportunity when she discovered pawTree. The value Kristi placed on diet and nutrition for health and wellness, coupled with her family’s love of animals, aligned seamlessly with pawTree’s company values.
Dr. Diaz’s philosophy is that diet, genetics, and luck all work together to create the quality of a pet's life. While owners can’t control their pets’ genetics or luck, they can control their diet. Pets have no choice but to count on their owners their entire lives for great nutrition. Feeding dogs and cats high-quality food and supplements will give them the best chance to live healthy, vibrant lives.
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