Dog Ear Problems
When giving your dog a weekly check, you should make sure his ears are perky and healthy. Deafness in your dog can point to an infection or illness. This task is made simpler in sleek dogs with shorter fur as any cuts are easily observed. For breeds of dogs that have longer fur and ears, you might have to be more meticulous when examining his ears. Check to see if the ear canal seems to be wet or shows signs of inflammation that require a vet’s attention.
Tiny white mites and parasites can plague dogs. If mites are present you may notice a black, crusty exudate which is the telltale sign of mite infestation. Mites feed on earwax and the resulting debris harbours bacteria. Over time, this leads to inflammation and infection of the ear canal.
Wash your dog’s ear gently with a mixture of warm water and an ear wash solution recommended by your vet. Never put Q-tips or anything similar down the ear canal to dig out any ear wax – you may well damage the lining of the ears or puncture his eardrum. You should pay attention to chronic ear infections, as it could be a sign of allergies or other problems.
