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Old Dog Resources
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Dog Ear Care
 One of the most common problems that bring pets to a
veterinarian are ear infections. All ear problems have an underlying cause, which must be determined. Simply treating the ear for inflammation and
infection guarantees that the problem will reoccur.
Because of the many different causes of a dog's ear infection, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian,
who can then determine the proper medication or treatment.
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Signs of ear problems
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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
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Causes of ear infections
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Allergies - In dogs allergies manifest themselves as skin itching
and irritation. The ear is lined with very sensitive waxy skin, which
also becomes itchy in allergic dogs. These dogs scratch and rub at their
ears causing inflammation and the release of exudates that grow bacteria
and molds.
Types of allergies: dust mites - cigarette smoke - mildews - grasses - pollens - weeds - certain ingredients in their food.
Parasites - Ear mites are tiny infectious
organisms resembling microscopic ticks.
Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black ear discharge
commonly said to resemble coffee grounds.
Bacteria and Yeast -
Dogs have long ear canals that can hold water after a bath, swim, or run through tall,
wet grass. Add to this a floppy ear that prevents good ventilation of
the ear canal and you have a warm, moist, dark environment in which
yeast thrive. The more moisture yeast get, the worse the infection will
be.
Foreign object - It is not uncommon to find foreign objects in
the ears of dogs. The most common are grass seeds. These are irritating
and contaminated with potential environmental pathogens. Affected
animals are extremely uncomfortable and a common complaint is frequent
or persistent head-shaking or pawing at the head.
Trauma - An ear hematoma is simply a blood clot that forms
in between the skin and the cartilage of the ear. Ear hematomas are usually the result of
excessive blunt trauma that results in broken and bleeding blood vessels. This trauma is
usually self induced and a result of chronic itching.
Hormonal Abnormalities - Hypothyroidism is an inadequate
production of hormone from the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism commonly affects the coat and skin and can causes hair
loss (balding), excessive dandruff, poor hair re-growth
after clipping, increased pigment in the skin, and ear infections.
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How to clean your dog's ears |
Clean the external ear thoroughly with a moistened
cotton ball (water or veterinary-recommended solution).
Gently pull the ear flap over the head and drop the
medication into the lowest opening 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.
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Ear Diseases
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Aural Hematoma - An aural, or
ear, hematoma is a swelling in the earflap resulting from an injury.
When the tiny blood vessels in the ear’s cartilage rupture and bleed,
the hematoma—a firm, fluid-filled swelling—will appear within the dog’s
ear. The examining veterinarian will be able to treat this hematoma by
any of several procedures that drain the fluid.
Deafness usually brought on by age, trauma, loud noise or infection, can also be
hereditary or congenital. Unfortunately, once diagnosed, clinical deafness is a
lifelong condition
Ear Mites are common parasites that are highly
contagious, often spread from pet to pet. Excessive itching is the most common
sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that look like coffee grinds.
Haematoma 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.
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/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 veterinary surgeon will determine this during your
visit and suggest the best course of action.
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Ear Care Products |
Otoscope - A high intensity
Veterinary Quality Otoscope
lets you examine your pet's ears up close so you can detect ear conditions before they become problems.
Lighted scope magnifies up to 10 times in high resolution and includes three cones for different sized ear canals
Clensing Pads - Keeping your pet's ears clean and dry is your best defense against ear infections. It's
recommended you clean your pet's external ear canal 1-2 times per week.
Ear Clens® Pads
are convenient pads that work gently; yet contain powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal ingredients that help
change the pH in your pet's ear, making it much less likely to harbor the growth of yeast and bacteria. Simply toss these mess-free pads in
the garbage when cleanings are done.
Clensing Solution - For areas of the ear you cannot reach with a pad, squirt a few drops of
Ear Clens® Solution
in the ear. This solution contains the same active ingredients as Ear Clens® Pads.
You may also consider
Pet-Otic,
with salicylic acid and malic acid, which break down and remove wax and other debris.
Drying Agents - Relieve your pet's irritating ear itch and help prevent bacteria and fungal growth by keeping ear canals dry.
Dry ears stay clean and healthy and odor-free. After weekly cleaning with liquid ear solution, simply hold the
Ear Powder
applicator tip about an inch from your pet's ears and squeeze directly into the ear. Powder makes gripping with a
hair puller
much easier when you need to "strip" ear canal hairs on certain dog breeds.
Ear Mitacide - Ear mites can be a misery for your pet. An effective pyrethrin
Ear Miticide
can eliminate these irritating, common parasites that your pet can pick up. If itchy ears are accompanied by a black, crumbly
discharge, there's a good chance your pet has ear mites. And the constant scratching means that he'll be more prone to ear infections.
Ear Care Kit - A convenient way to keep everything you need to care for your pet's ears on hand is the
Ear Care Kit.
The three products included in this kit will protect your pet's ears from inflammation by cleansing, killing mites (if your
pet has them), and drying out moist ear canals.
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Helpful Articles
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Loss of balance may be related to ear problems
When your pet can't hear
Hearing Problems in Cats & Dogs
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Ear care products can be found at
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Drs. Foster & Smith - Pet owners can trust that Drs. Foster & Smith-brand products offer the absolute best quality
available. These products are made in America, are available only through Drs. Foster & Smith, AND are frequently less expensive than pet supplies found in
retail pet stores.
1-800-PetMeds
sales prescription and non-prescription pet medications along with health and nutritional supplements at substantial savings, direct to the consumer. Shop
there online store and get Free Shipping on all orders over $39
PETSMART
- At PetSmart, they believe pets are family, and encourage you to bring your pets into the stores when you shop.
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