Have you looked at your pet’s ears lately? Fido has pretty amazing hearing! Actually, dogs can hear things from four times further away than most people can. Man’s Best Friend also has an almost supernatural ability to hear a cheese wrapper opening! While offering your cute pet lots of ear scritches is great, taking good care of Fido’s ears requires a bit more than that. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, a local vet discusses caring for your dog’s ears.

Fido’s Ear Shape

Dogs’ ear canals are full of twists and ridges. They’re also often quite moist. These features can make Fido’s furry ears a haven for bacteria, yeast, and parasites. The shape of dogs’ ears also means that dust and debris must gradually work their way out. Anything that gets stuck can cause dangerous ear infections. While ear problems can happen in any dog, they are particularly common in pooches with cute, floppy ears, like poodles and Cocker spaniels.

Warning Signs

Your canine pal can’t tell you if his ears hurt, so it’s up to you to watch for red flags. Some of the things to watch for are foul odors; swelling; scabbing; and redness. Fido may also paw at his ears, or shake his head, if he has an infection. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.

Cleaning Fido’s Ears

You should clean Fido’s ears regularly. Use a cotton ball that has been dipped in a doggy ear-care solution. You can also use mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide. Never put any objects inside your pup’s ears, and never scrub harshly. Ask your vet to demonstrate.

Ear Checks

Your furry friend’s ears should be checked annually by a vet. However, dogs that have a lot of ear hair and/or produce excessive earwax may need more frequent ear exams. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Ear Hair

If your canine buddy has a lot of hair in his ears, you may need to get it tweezed or trimmed by a professional groomer. However, don’t do this without checking with your vet. In some cases, removing pets’ ear hair can actually increase the chance of infection. You definitely don’t want that! Please contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!