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Buying a Puppy? Use This Puppy Checklist
So you've decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter,
love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life.
However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before
you choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use...
Cat Training Collar
Cat like dogs, you will need to get a collar for your cat. There
will be times when you will want to walk the cat or let your cat
out on a leash. With having a collar it will be easy to do both
of these.
Collar training does take time,...
Dog Training: How To Train Your Dog Not To Chew
Chewing is something that comes naturally to every dog. Every
dog feels the instinctual need to sharpen its teeth and hone his
biting skills. Chewing on the right things, like specially
designed chew toys for instance, can even help the dog clean...
Getting The Dog You Always Wanted
Do you look on with envy as your neighbor jogs through the
neighborhood, his faithful dog trotting happily and calmly by
his side? Does your arm ache after every walk with your dog -
sore from almost being pulled from the socket? Do you watch...
Shih Tzu - Dealing With Housetraining Problems
The best house training uses the shih tzu's own instincts to
avoid soiling its bed to train the shih tzu where and where not
to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which
the shih tzu is confined to its crate in the absence of...
Siberian Husky Complete Profile
Key Facts: Size: Medium Height: 45 - 50 cm (18 - 20 inches) Weight: 14.5 - 15.5 kg (32 - 34 lb) Life Span: 14 years Grooming: Straightforward Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Alert & reliable Country of Origin: Germany AKC Group:...
Test Your Feline Felicity
1. The Cat Family, or the family Felidae, includes at least 35 species of cats that are similar in physical characteristics. Which is NOT a member of the Cat Family? A. Kodkod B. Margay C. Ocelot D. Fox D. Fox TBD: Did you know that cats are...
Tips For The Novice Shih Tzu Show Dog Handler
If you will not be hiring a professional Shih Tzu handler for
the show ring, there are a few things you should know about how
to protect yourself and your Shih Tzu so that neither of you are
too discouraged right at the start.
Try to...
Which Breed Is Right For You?
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?
Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy...
Why Not Consider The Manchester Terrier Dog?
The Manchester terrier is one of those dogs that puts a lot of
personality into a fairly small package. A remarkably attractive
pet with a convenient smooth and short-haired coat, this terrier
is one of those breeds with an interesting background...
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Care for your dog's ears.
Regular ear care for your dog
Routine ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Perform regular checks and cleaning between visits to your veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. This is extremely important to do. I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog’s ears, serious conditions may still arise. Also, beware when your dog flaps its ears too much. This can cause a hematoma, which I will discuss a little further on. My Golden had to be operated for this.
Regular inspection of your dog’s Ears
By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. I have “smelled out” more serious problems using my nose.
This method can detect ear infections early. Normally a dog’s ears shouldn’t smell foul in any way. A dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. A pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this is a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause a foul smell in your dog’s ears. My Golden had very sensitive ears. If something feels wrong, make sure you have your Veterinarian check it right away. Have your Vet show you what to look for, and how to look for potential problems! My Vet is an amazing teacher and he is always willing to show me things.
What dogs are more susceptible to ear problems?
Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa Apso, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. Dogs that frequently swim are more susceptible to ear problems. And, Goldens can be very susceptible to ear problems.
If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to remove the hair that grows inside your dog’s ears. This is not very difficult and if you have a problem, find a good groomer to do it for you.
How to clean your dog’s ears:
Your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human’s, but you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Do not insert anything into your dog’s ear. Use only the small square cleaning pads, or
cotton balls. Use anything that is very soft, but has no tips. Ask your groomer or Vet to show you the best way to clean YOUR dog’s ears...
Checking your dog’s ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog’s ears need a cleaning don’t put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful.
Hematomas
My Golden had one once, a big one, from shaking her head because of her ear condition. My Vet says a hematoma can turn into a very serious condition if not treated. My golden had to have an operation for it.
Hematomas are collections of blood. They are common in ears because there doesn't seem to be anything in the ear to generate enough pressure to stop bleeding until
the ear swells enough with blood. Ear infections, ear mites, fly bite irritation, mosquito bites, allergies and immune mediated diseases have all been implicated as underlying causes for this problem. Anything that causes the dog to flap its ears can make this happen and it appears to occur spontaneously in a number of dogs. Large hematomas should be treated surgically or medically.
Surgery usually involves making an incision on the inner aspect of the ear and draining the blood, removing any blood clots that are left and then suturing the two sides of the ear together by putting sutures all the way through it, in a "mattress" pattern. Sometimes it is possible just to place a drain and massage the blood out of the ear daily until it heals.
If you use a commercial ear product please make sure it is of good quality and please make sure it is the proper product for the condition. So many dogs have had tremendous ear pain and complications because of the wrong product, or the wrong use of a product.
An educated dog owner is the best kind of dog owner.
About the Author
My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. http://www.mimfreedom.com
http://www.happypetstop.com
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