Our pal, Zoey, has been dealing with ongoing and fluctuating ear infections over the past few months. Some dogs are more prone to infection than others, but a few signs to keep an eye out for are ear shaking and rubbing, scratching, tenderness, odor, discharge, and redness. It’s important to identify the cause of inflammation in order to treat the condition and keep the infection from returning.
Zoey’s family have been vigilant at home with prevention, but with continued signs of infection, it was time for a recheck with Dr. Carly Hubbard and AJ. We suspect a likely food allergy, so a salmon-based diet with no other protein source (including treats) was recommended to start, along with daily Zyrtec.
We see many patients with ear infections and we know just how frustrating it can be! Prevention is key, so below are a few tips on how to properly clean your dog’s ears at home:
🐶 When cleaning a dog’s ear, it’s important not to use anything that would tend to push debris further into the ear canal. Cotton-tipped applicators should not be used!
🐶 Gather real cotton balls and ear cleaning solution recommended or prescribed by your trusted veterinarian
🐶 Squirt enough cleaner into the ear to fill the canal. Massage the base of the ear until you hear the solution “squish”
🐶 Gently grasp the base of the ear and pull the pinna up and away from the head in order to straighten out the “L” shape of the canal
🐶 Wad the cotton into a tubular shape and gently insert it into the canal
🐶 Gently massage the base of the ear to help work debris and cleaning solution towards the cotton and dry the canal
🐶 Wait a few minutes before using any medication in the affected ear as instructed by your veterinarian
Be sure to inspect your dog’s ears regularly and note any unusual temperature changes, alterations in skin color/condition, increases in moisture or signs of inflammation. If you’re uncomfortable ear cleaning at home, please don’t hesitate to ask our team for a demo at your next visit!
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