|
|
 For
your dog pets to enjoy time with you, they must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
|
|
|
|
| Clean, odor-free, pale pink color
and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy
ears. Check your pet's ears regularly. |
|
Signs of
Ear Disease
 |
Unpleasant odor |
|
Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head |
|
Sensitivity to touch, often resulting from pain |
|
Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side |
|
Black or yellowish discharge |
|
Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal |
|
Changes in behavior like listlessness, depression or
irritability |
|
Accumulation of dark brown wax |
|
Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation |
|
Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds |
|
|
Causes of Ear Disease
Some breeds are more
susceptible than others, including dogs with pendulous ears or
dogs with hairy inner ear flaps. Dogs with allergies are also
at risk.
Otitis Externa
Infection of the
external ear canal and otitis media, infection of the middle ear,
are usually caused by bacteria or yeast. Other possibilities include
accumulation of wax, matted hair, debris or a foreign object lodged
in the ear canal. When seeking treatment, act quickly. If your
dog has an ear infection, he or she will be in considerable discomfort.
Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections while antifungals
are administered for yeast. Ear infections can also be indicative
of other problems such as allergies, hormonal abnormalities or
hereditary diseases. Your veterinarian will determine this during
your visit and suggest the best course of action.
Ear Mites are common parasites that are
highly contagious, often contracted from pet to pet. Excessive
itching is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly
debris that look like coffee grinds.
Hematoma of the Ear Flap means blood has
accumulated in the ear flap (pinna). Vigorous head shaking, scratching
or trauma to the ear area result in damage to the blood vessels,
often set off by infection, mites, fleas or debris.
Deafness usually brought on by age, trauma,
loud noise or infection, can also be hereditary or congenital. Unfortunately,
once diagnosed with clinical deafness, it is a lifelong condition.
Prevention
Ear cleaning solution used
on an appropriate basis can be helpful in maintaining your dog's
ears healthy.
How to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to Dogs
|
|
|
Clean the external ear thoroughly with a moistened cotton
ball using a veterinary recommended solution. Read the
label instructions carefully for correct dosage.
|
|
Gently pull the ear flap over the head, squeeze out
the desired amount and apply it to the lowest part of the
ear canal.
|
|
Gently massage the ear area to help work
the medication deeper into the ear canal. If there is enough
medication in the ear, you will just begin to hear a 'squishing'
noise as you massage. |
|
|
|
|
|
