Do you regularly clean your furkid’s ears? If so, great! Keeping your pet’s ears clean will lower the risk of ear infections and keep extra wax from building up in your furry friend’s ears. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your pet’s ears will also alert you to any developing problems early on, which can make treatment easier and more likely to be successful. In this article, your vet Conway gives some basic tips on ear care for pets.
Signs of Ear Problems
Discharge, odor, redness, and swelling are all indications of ear issues. Your pet may also paw at his ears, and/or tilt or shake his head if his ears are bothering him. Make it a habit to routinely clean and check your pet’s ears. Usually pale brown wax is fine, but if you see red or black discharge, or pus, contact your vet immediately.
Cleaning Your Pet’s Ears
Good grooming habits will naturally help keep your pet’s ears healthy by reducing the amount of dead fur, dust, and dander in your buddy’s fur coat. All of these things can wind up in your pet’s ears and cause problems. While excess ear hair can sometimes cause problems by reducing airflow, removing the hair in your pet’s ears is not always a good solution, so consult with your vet before having your pet’s ear hair clipped. If your pet has healthy ears, you can clean them using a product made specifically for pet’s ears. Avoid using vinegar, alcohol, or peroxide. Apply the solution according to directions, and use a soft cotton ball to gently wipe your furball’s ears clean. Remember to follow up each session with a treat! Generally, dogs will need their ears cleaned about once a month, though some need more frequent sessions. With cats, it varies. Some kitties keep their ears clean with little or no help, while others may require regular cleaning. Check with your vet for recommendations.
Common Ear Problems
Ear mites, bacterial infections, yeast infections, allergies, fungal infections, wounds, mange, and tumors are all things which can affect pets’ ears. Left untreated, ear problems can become very painful, even debilitating, for your pet, and can lead to other health issues, such as hearing loss. While any cat or dog can develop ear problems, certain breeds are more prone to them than others are. Dogs with ‘flap’ ears, like Beagles, are more likely to develop ear issues than those with pointy ears. In cats, Persians and Himalayans tend to be highly prone to developing ear problems. If you know or suspect that your pet has an ear problem, please call us immediately. As your vet clinic Conway, we are here to help.
