An Earful Of Advice: 3 Tips To Reduce Your Dog's Risk Of Ear Infections
Maintaining your dog's health can become overwhelming. Not only do you need to ensure they eat well, but exercising and vaccinating your dog is also important. Unfortunately, your dog may still develop certain conditions that can cause discomfort at one point in time. Caused by the presence of yeast or bacteria, ear infections are a common problem that many dogs develop. Thankfully, preventing these painful infections is possible. Here are a few tips to help protect your dog from ear infections.
Dry
First and foremost, you need to keep your dog's ears dry at all times. Of course, this can become challenging when it is raining outside or when you are bathing your dog.
Both yeast and bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas, so the inside of your dog's ears is an appealing place for this growth. Check your dog's ears regularly for signs of moisture. Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the ears if they feel damp in any way.
Make sure to dry your dog's ears immediately after bathing. If they spend a lot of time outdoors in the rain or swimming in a pond, lake, ocean, or pool, dry out their ears regularly.
Clean
Ensuring they are dry is important, but making sure your dog's ears are clean is imperative. Unfortunately, cleaning the ears improperly will only add moisture that can lead to the growth of yeast and bacteria.
To clean the ears properly, use an ear-cleaning solution specifically designed for dogs. Lift up your dog's ear flap and add the ear-cleaning solution directly into the ear. Massage the base of the ear, allowing the cleaning solution to seep deeper into the ear canal.
Allow your dog to shake their head if they feel the need to do so, since this will let the cleaning solution move around the ear more effectively.
After a few seconds, use a clean towel to wipe out the remaining solution and any waxy residue.
Supplement
Last, but certainly not least, consider giving your dog dietary supplements to reduce the risk of ear infections.
Omega-3 fatty acids offer anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and swelling inside the ear. A probiotic supplement is also beneficial, since it can help balance out your dog's immune system and digestive tract. This can help your dog fight off infections.
It is important to note that you should consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any new medication or supplement.
Protect your dog from painful ear infections that can reduce their ability to hear and live a normal, comfortable lifestyle. This guide and your dog groomer's help will offer tips to reduce your dog's risk of ear infections.