Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention of Canine Ear Infections
Unfortunately for dogs, ear infections and irritation are just one fact of life that many must live with. For floppy-eared 
dogs, dogs that love to swim, and breeds that are prone to excessive ear wax production, the chances of developing recurring ear infections is extremely high. Fortunately, there are steps that pet owners can take to prevent the dangers and discomfort of regular ear issues. Thanks to NuVet Therapeutic Ear Treatment, ear infections can become a thing of the past.
What causes ear infections in dogs?
There are a number of reasons a dog may suffer from this painful condition. At the most basic level, an ear infection is simply an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear that causes pain, swelling, and discomfort. Floppy eared dogs are more likely to trap these bacteria in the ear, as are breeds that have excessive ear hair growth, such as poodles, or dogs that naturally produce a lot of ear wax, like German Shepherds. In addition, certain parasites, such as ear mites, can cause irritation that leads to infection.
How do I know my dog has an ear infection?
There are many telltale signs that indicate your dog is suffering from ear discomfort. The most common symptom is excessive head shaking or pawing at the ears. A dog with a serious infection may even tilt its head to one side. If you look into the ear, the sensitive skin may appear red and inflamed, and you may notice a yeast-like odor. Ear wax may appear unusually dark or tar-like, and in the case of ear mites, you may notice what looks like coffee grounds inside your pet’s ear.
How can I prevent ear infections in my dog?
The best way to prevent an ear infection is to regularly clean your dog’s ears with a specially formulated ear cleaning solution. An ear wash will flush the ear of wax build up while removing debris and helping restore the sensitive tissue to the proper pH. If bacteria or yeast is present, the ear wash will remove the bacteria while neutralizing odors.
How to Clean a Dog’s Ears
To clean your pet’s ears, gently squirt the solution into the ear canal and massage the base of your dog’s ear in order to distribute the solution. Allow your dog to shake his or her head, and then use a q-tip or a Kleenex to dry the external portions of the ear. Never place an object directly into your dog’s ear canal, as you can easily damage sensitive tissues. The loosened ear wax and debris that is not visible will naturally work its way out of the ear.
Why use NuVet Therapeutic Ear Treatment?
What are the benefits of NuVet’s ear cleaning solution? This formulation is gentle enough for everyday use, which is perfect for dogs especially prone to ear problems. Ingredients such as eucalyptus and aloe vera soothe irritated skin and naturally reduce inflammation. In addition, this formula is proven to remove any unsavory odors caused by yeast or bacteria.
Read more on Releaving Hot Spots on Your Dog.
Joe Scarpy – Owner / Trainer
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