Canker Powder For Dogs Ears? The 103 Latest Answer

Ear cancer is a common problem for many dogs. It can cause pain and discomfort, so prompt treatment is important.

What exactly is ear cancer and how can it be treated quickly and effectively to make your dog feel good again?

What is ear cancer?

Ear cancer simply means infection or inflammation in a dog from cat ears. It can affect one or both ears.

Common signs that indicate your dog might have ear cancer include:

An unpleasant smell from the ears

Scratching the ears and head, including rubbing the floor or other objects

shaking his head

Upon closer inspection, you may notice dark orange, brown, or even black discharge in your dog’s ears, or that the ears appear sore, red, and inflamed. Your dog may also whine or howl when his ears are touched if his ears hurt, and sometimes cancer is accompanied by other skin conditions because the ear canals are an extension of this protective outer layer.

What causes ear cancer and why can it come back?

Common causes of cancer are yeast infection and ear mites. Ear infections can also be caused by allergies to things like pollen or certain foods, as well as foreign objects like grass seeds that are lodged in the ear canal. Some dogs are prone to ear infections, especially those who swim a lot or those with floppy ears. Certain breeds such as spaniels and basset and blood hounds fall into this category. This is because floppy-eared dogs’ ear canals don’t drain as effectively and dry out, making them more prone to staying warm and moist: the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow.

Ear cancer is difficult to treat and can therefore often recur.

This happens when the underlying cause, such as B. an anatomical problem, excessive swimming or even a food allergy, has not been diagnosed and corrected. Because of this, it is important that you seek veterinary care if your dog’s cancer comes back. Your veterinarian may need to investigate whether a change in your dog’s diet is necessary, for example if a food allergy is diagnosed.

Ear cancer can also occur frequently if preventive measures, such as regular ear checking and cleaning and keeping dry, are not taken.

Likewise, many treatments must be continued for longer periods of time.

How to treat and prevent ear cancer

Over-the-counter topical ear medications can be used to treat cancer, but when symptoms are more severe, medications prescribed by your veterinarian are usually the most effective.

First, it’s important to wash your dog’s ears with a specially made pet ear cleaner, and then dry them thoroughly.

Cleaning your dog’s ears first can make the treatment more effective. Wait a few minutes before applying ear medication as instructed.

You can help prevent ear cancer by keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry and by examining their ears regularly to monitor changes on the inside of the ears.

Although ear cancer is a common problem in dogs, you can treat it quickly and easily to relieve symptoms and help your dog feel more comfortable. If your dog’s ear problems persist, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

Rabbit ear mites, or Psoroptes cuniculi, are a common parasitic problem responsible for the condition known as ear canker. It is considered one of the most common rabbit mites and also causes infections in guinea pigs, horses, goats, antelope, sheep and cattle. Left untreated, cancer can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the skin or invade the middle and inner ear, causing neurological disorders and fatal meningitis.

Type

P. cuniculi is a large, non-burrowing mite of round to oval shape that can be seen by an infected animal with the naked eye. However, the mites often penetrate into the deeper regions of the external ear canal, where they are not visible. The mite is clearly visible when it is on the outer folds of the ear and in the pinna (ear flap). Mites pierce the skin at the base of the hairs and use bell-shaped suction cups to feed on the host’s lymphatic fluids. The mites’ mucus and feces cause an inflammatory response that causes severe itching.

life cycle

Depending on the environmental conditions, the cycle of P. cuniculi is about 21 days. Mites lay eggs in the host’s earwax or dead skin. Larvae hatch from the eggs in about four days. At this stage the larvae have six legs and remain in this stage for four days and then begin to molt. After another three to ten days, they become eight-legged protonymphs. The protonymphs then molt into adults who can mate and lay eggs.

The mites can survive four to 21 days without the host. Survival is greatest when temperatures are low and humidity is high (greater than 75%).

transmission

Rabbit ear cancer is extremely contagious and is generally spread through direct contact from an infected to an uninfected animal. Mites just crawl from one to the other. The mites can also be transmitted through contact with the environment, when an animal scratches or shakes itself, causing flakes of the mite-infested canker, which contains live mites and eggs, to fall off. Pre-existing wet dermatitis is believed to provide a suitable environment for mite infestation.

Transmission is more likely when large numbers of rabbits or other susceptible hosts are housed in close proximity, such as B. in crowded stables, pet shops, shelters, rabbit breeding facilities and wild rabbit enclosures.

signs and symptoms

A first infestation can be missed if it starts deeper in the ear canal. Owners may notice ear scratching and head shaking at this early stage. Other signs include redness, heat, and swelling of the ear canal. As the mites multiply, the infestation spreads to the outer ear and is clearly visible at this point. It is not uncommon for only one ear to be affected.

The host animal is usually very restless at this stage, frequently itching and scratching its ears and head. The self-trauma of itching and scratching damages the ear skin even more, leading to more inflammation, itching and scratching. The inflammation also causes serum and white blood cells to ooze to the skin’s surface, which traps and then dries out mites, feces, and skin cells. This leads to crusting, scabbing, and thick scales, or gray, scaly bits of skin that stick to the inside of the pinna. Under the crust, the skin is moist, hairless, and rough.

The crusting and scabbing can spread to the head and neck and other parts of the body with grooming or untreated infestations that multiply. A hanging ear can also be due to the weight of scabs around the outside of the ear.

Left untreated, ear cancer can lead to secondary bacterial infections that increase the pain and discomfort. A foul smell in the ear is an indication of an infection. Head tilt and signs of imbalance are also indicators of secondary infection and possible chronic disease.

treatment

It is important to treat the infected animal and the surrounding area at the same time to prevent recontamination. It is recommended that while the animal is being treated, the infected animal should also be removed from its living environment to give the mites and eggs a chance to die. A large box or box of clean disposable bedding is good temporary housing.

There are two main treatment options available to treat ear mites. Systemic treatments use oral, injectable, or dermally absorbed antiparasitic drugs. In topical treatments, antiparasitic medications are applied directly to the infected areas in the form of drops, powders, or oils. Systemic treatments are usually preferred because they require fewer repeated doses, are easier to administer, and produce better results.

P. cuniculi are effectively treated with avermectin drugs, including ivermectin and selamectin. Injections or oral doses of ivermectin repeated over 14 days are more effective than topical applications of the same.

Moxidectin, also an avermectin, has also been shown to be effective against ear canker mites.

Removing the crust and scab can be extremely painful for the animal and there is debate as to whether or not this should be done. With proper treatment, the medications allow the scab to be easily removed within a few days, or it will begin to fall off on its own within 10 to 14 days of treatment.

Since rabbit ear mites can live on a host animal for up to three weeks, it is important to decontaminate stalls, cages, burrows, feeding sources, and other items around the infested animal.

Physically remove all contaminated and potentially contaminated bedding. It is almost impossible to chemically decontaminate the large surface area of ​​bedding, whether paper, straw, hay or wood shavings. It is best to simply remove everything and replace with fresh, clean bedding.

Rest the animal’s environment. Leaving the area free of any rabbits or other animals for 4-6 weeks will ensure that it becomes mite free. Treat stalls, cages and bedding with an insecticide suitable and safe for the animal. Always read the label carefully before using an insecticide on an animal or its environment. Some insecticides are toxic to rabbits and guinea pigs.

Replace or move housing. Some hutches, especially those made of porous wood, are difficult to clean and remove mites once established. In these cases it may be easier to replace a hutch or cage. If the animal’s housing is nearby and accessible to wildlife populations, consider moving or remodeling to prevent wild mite carriers from coming into contact with your animals.

references

Scott, D., Miller, W., and Saunders, W.B. (2001). Dermatoses in rodents, rabbits and ferrets. Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology, (6th ed., pp. 1415-1453). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: C.E. WB Saunders Company.

Hansen O, Gall Y, Pfister K, and Wieland B (2005). Efficacy of a formulation containing imidacloprid and moxidectin against naturally acquired ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi) infestations in rabbits. International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 3(4), 281-286.

description

Ear Stuff Soothing Ear Drops contain natural active ingredients specially formulated to soothe irritated ears.

Ear Stuff soothes itchy, irritated ears, repels dust mites, softens earwax and removes dirt.

ingredients

Cold-pressed Nigella sativa (black seed oil), native cold-pressed Olea europaea (olive oil), Cocos nucifera (coconut oil).

Only the highest quality and most effective ingredients are used in our products. For this reason, all of the oils we use are cold pressed, as unlike other extraction methods no chemicals are used – this guarantees high quality, natural ingredients.

how to use

Shake well before use.

Perform a patch test 24 hours before use.

Gently pull the tab of the ear up and slightly back. Apply 1-2 drops into the ear and gently rub the base of the ear against the head in a circular motion. Apply 1-2 times a day as needed.

We recommend starting with the smallest amount possible (1 drop once a day) and then gradually increasing as needed. We recommend using no more than 2 drops twice a day.

Please be careful not to squirt the product into your ears, a few tiny drops will suffice.

For prevention, apply 1-2 drops around the ear opening 2-3 times a week.

If irritation persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian.

Stinky Stuff products are 100% natural. This does not exclude the risk of sensitivity. Always patch test before use. If your pet shows signs of sensitivity, stop use immediately and clean the area.

ear disease

A page on dog ear diseases that describes the cause, clinical signs, diagnosis and control.

introduction

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as “canker,” is one of the most common dog ear problems and simply involves inflammation of the ear canal. Otitis externa affects around 1 in 5 of all dogs in Ireland and is most common in young dogs (2-4 years of age).

etiology

Otitis externa (OE) is classically underpinned by factors that directly cause disease and those that either predispose to or perpetuate disease. The latter two clusters of factors are further assessed in the Epidemiology section. A number of causes lead directly to OE without the need for other factors, as follows:

a) Parasites, including fleas, ticks and mites, can all lead to the development of ear diseases

b) fungal infections e.g. tinea

c) Allergies – Caused by a reaction to inhaled allergens (atopy), food, contact with materials or drugs to which the animal reacts, the clinical presentation of the disease may be OE, which may be accompanied by scratchy skin disease in other areas or not e.g. the paws.

d) Foreign object – Something that falls into the ear and gets lodged there, e.g. Grass seed, can cause significant discomfort and OE

epidemiology

A number of factors can increase the risk of otitis externa, while others aggravate or prolong the condition.

Predisposing factors include:

a) Anatomy – Drooping pinnae, hairy, stenotic, or long, steeply sloping ear canals

b) Trauma – Improper cleaning with cotton swabs etc. can cause physical damage to the delicate ear canal or eardrum

c) Concomitant disease – Other diseases can make the ear canals more susceptible to developing local disease

d) Lumps in the ear canal such as tumors, polyps or cysts. Fortunately, these are relatively rare

e) Humidity damage – fairly common – resulting from prolonged wet conditions, e.g. swimming, leading to persistently high levels of humidity in the ear

Factors that perpetuate an otitis externa episode include those factors that exacerbate an existing condition or prevent resolution of the primary condition. These include:

a) Bacteria – A number of bacteria exploit and prolong existing damage including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. These agents are generally considered incapable of causing disease on their own.

b) Fungi – Malassezia pachydermatis – As for bacteria above

c) Complicated ear disease – chronic narrowing, ulceration, tumor development or progression into deeper parts of the ear (middle ear)

d) Iatrogenic – prolonged use of inappropriate ear medications or systemic antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant organisms that prolong the disease as in a) above

clinical signs

Clinical symptoms vary from mild to severe. The disease can begin when an animal tilts its head, shakes its head as if irritated, and this can result in the animal pawing at its ears. The disease is often bilateral. Animals can traumatize themselves, which can result in scratched pinnae or even the development of an ear hematoma (reddish bump under the skin of the ear with thickening of the ear). Animals can experience quite a bit of pain and discomfort with this condition, and early treatment for pain relief is warranted, as is management of the affected pathogens. There may be a visible exudate (discharge) in and around the external ear canal, which may or may not be accompanied by a foul odor (bad smell) from the ear.

diagnosis

In clinical cases, when the ear is examined with an otoscope, the canal appears red and swollen. Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain, and this maneuver on physical examination is important in making the clinical diagnosis. Your veterinarian can view the eardrum with an otoscope unless narrowing of the ear canal due to inflammation and the presence of drains and debris rule this out. A useful guide to the results of the otoscopic examination can be found here.

Both ears should be examined, as the results are often quite different… it is even advisable, if sampling is carried out, that each ear is sampled separately.

control

Your veterinarian can best advise you on this. However, the most important steps are as follows:

a) Efficient cleaning is important initially as it allows the vet to observe the changes that are present, allows medication to work better and facilitates the removal of microbes/dirt

b) Drying after cleaning is equally important – these steps may require sedation or light anesthesia.

c) Otitis externa is invariably treated with topical medications. Antiparasitic drugs can be included in the medication, although a more common approach is to have your vet prescribe other medications if parasites are suspected. Topical medications typically include:

1) Antimicrobials, ideally chosen based on the culture and sensitivity of the bacteria present. Commonly included antimicrobials include neomycin, gentamicin, polymixin B, or fluoroquinolones

2) Antifungals – Ask your vet about the different active ingredients as some are more effective than others e.g. Azole compounds for Malassezia pachydermatis.

3) Anti-Inflammatory Compounds – Again, ask your vet about the different active ingredients, as some are more effective than others at reducing pain.

Topical ear remedies containing antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients will be prescribed by your veterinarian, who must be consulted for advice.

Occasionally, systemic treatment is warranted, particularly in the absence of response or otitis media. If the eardrum is ruptured, caution should be exercised with topical medications. Again, your local veterinarian is best placed to prescribe and advise on appropriate products.

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By AleK on April 29, 2022

PREVENT ear infections before they happen

Our Australian is prone to ear infections and over the years I have figured out how to prevent them in the first place. She is more comfortable and we spend less time and money going to the vet. We clean her ears weekly with an ear cleaner made for dogs who like to swim (she doesn’t swim, these cleaners just keep the ears dry) and then once a week sprinkle a small amount of this powder right at the opening to keep her ears dry . If she starts shaking her head or even the slightest bit dropping an ear, we clean her ears and powder them and that usually suffices. A little goes a long way and this powder can build up in the ear, so you’ll need to monitor it (we use a flashlight to check for dirt or debris in there). Thanks to this fantastic powder we haven’t had an ear infection in years!

A dog’s hearing is just one of its many superpowers. Your ears can detect pitches at frequencies three times higher than our human ears! Whether chasing prey or their favorite squeaky toy, dogs need their ears in tip-top shape.

But your dog’s favorite massage spots are prone to a number of health problems. And many of these problems can lead to the most annoying symptom of all – constant itchy ears. If you catch your dog scratching his ear to ear in frustration, don’t panic. To help our favorite furry friends, we have a guide to all the ways to relieve your dog’s itchy ears.

Start with symptoms and signs

At the first sign of a frantically itchy ear, stop before speed dialing your veterinarian.

At Vetericyn, we know that your pet’s health comes first – and it should! But not every head shake or ear scratch is a red flag. However, if your dog’s itching remains constant, look for signs of underlying ear problems first. After all, nobody wants to pay for an unnecessary visit to the vet.

To that end, here are some ear symptoms that often accompany persistent itching:

swelling

redness

Funky or fruity smells

discharge (usually yellow or brown)

New bumps or spots

Bleeding or dried blood

deafness

Sudden loss of balance or sense of direction

If any of these signs appear, your dog may need a little more than a scratch behind the ears. Ask your vet to take a look inside your pup’s ears just to be sure.

Find out what scratches

Sure, you could swallow a Tyelnol with every headache. But to find a real cure, you must first find out why your head hurts in the first place. The same is true if your dog scratches his head – temporary relief but not a cure.

From microscopic bugs to seasonal sniffles, let’s go through the many causes of itchy dog ​​ears.

Creepy Creatures

Maybe your pet is a fan of muddy hikes. Or maybe they love to fool around at the dog park.

Regardless of the activity, dog-eared animals encounter millions of tiny organisms every day. And these critters can cause serious ear itches and health problems.

If you’re noticing pain and discharge alongside fits of ear scratching, your dog could be harboring one of these culprits:

Mites – While visible to the eye, mites are sneaky creatures. They usually appear on the body first, so scabs and general itching are common symptoms. Also, if you notice crusted black or brown discharge from a dog’s ear, mites are likely the cause.

Bacterial Infections – Common and dangerous bacterial infections can affect the outer, middle, and inner ear. Symptoms such as yellow or brown discharge, swelling and redness appear quickly. Treat a bacterial infection as soon as possible, as a suppurative ear infection in dogs can cause hearing damage.

Yeast or Fungi – Although somewhat less common, yeast and fungi (such as Malasezzia or Aspergillus) often cause foul odors and hair loss in addition to the symptoms of a bacterial infection.

other causes

It’s hard to top a dog’s enthusiasm for playtime – that’s what makes them so adorable! But sometimes this playful nature can lead to accidents. And sometimes life just happens.

Tiny critters aside, there are a few other reasons you might google “dog itchy ear.” In this case, these are some non-living culprits that could be the cause of the problem:

Trauma or Injury – Anything from a small cut to a ruptured eardrum counts as ear trauma. If your dog shows signs of pain, treat their injury as soon as possible to avoid an unwanted ear infection.

Allergies – Your child’s 4th grade classmates aren’t the only ones with severe allergies. Dogs can have allergic reactions to substances found in food, the environment, and elsewhere. Ask for an allergy test if you notice swelling, watering, and redness with itchy ears.

Foreign Objects – Do you remember the dog’s sense of play? While playing fetch in the yard, your dog’s ears may pick up a “toy” of their own. Again, a vet’s tools are the only way to determine if a foreign object is the culprit.

Tumor or Polyps – Before you freak out, know that not every pinna is cancer. Sometimes a buildup of earwax or infection can lead to polyps. Tumors and polyps often hide in the ear canal, so be sure to consult your veterinarian for an expert diagnosis.

Plain ‘Ol Dirt – If you notice an itch in your ears after a few minutes of hiking with your pup, don’t worry. Sometimes a bit of dirt can work itself out. As long as the scratching stops after a few hours, your dog is safe.

Create an Itch Relief Toolkit

You went to the vet. You got the diagnosis. You picked up the prescription. Now it’s show time.

Well, your dog might not agree. Getting your pet to tolerate tedious routines takes a lot of patience (and treats). But with these tips, we’ve got your back and ear health covered.

Apply with care

“A spoonful of sugar” is the motto here. Try to cushion your dog’s ear medication with as much reassurance and praise as possible. After all, it’s not the most pleasant experience for them.

Antibiotics and other pills are easy to hide in a liverwurst. But when using liquid medication, here are a few important tips:

Vet Assistance – Before flying solo, ask your vet if they can demonstrate the correct use of medication. This way you can avoid weeks of ineffective treatments. Grab a Partner – A helping hand can make all the difference, especially with larger dogs. Have a friend hold your puppy still while you administer the treatment. STAY CLEAN – Most ear medications have a pinch tip for easy application. However, try to keep that tip from touching your dog’s ear – that way you don’t spread germs. Rub it in – After applying, take a moment to massage your pet’s ear. This ensures that the treatment is properly distributed throughout the ear area.

home remedies

Most dog ear medications eventually cure the cause of the annoying scratching. But during the healing period, you should consider a safe over-the-counter or natural itch remedy.

A few dog-friendly at-home treatments:

Calendula lotion

apple cider vinegar (diluted)

hydrocortisone ointment

mullein oil

antihistamines

Remember – do not drip these substances into the ear canal unless approved by a vet. Instead, stick to applying along the outer cartilage and skin.

keep it clean

Nothing scares germs like hygiene. To keep dog ear infections at bay, start with monthly ear cleaning sessions. Unless your dog has daily “mud visits,” you probably don’t need more than that. For those new to ear cleaning, you’ll need to gather a few simple materials:

Scissors – For extra furry friends, mini scissors with rounded edges will get rid of annoying ear hair. For proper and safe cleaning, you need maximum visibility.

Cotton Material – Pads, cloths or tissues will all work here. A cotton ball is strong enough to pick up dirt but gentle enough not to irritate your pet’s sensitive ears. However, stay away from Q-Tips. A pokey swab could potentially cause inner ear injuries.

Ear cleaning solution – water will not do here. You need an ear cleaner that can fight germs and relieve irritation or itching. As a non-toxic solution, Vetericyn’s antimicrobial ear rinse does the job. No pungent alcohols, no harmful steroids, just quick itch relief and efficient cleaning for your dog’s ears.

Rewards – Like administering medication, cleaning a dog’s ears requires a little extra pampering. Rewarding your dog teaches you to tolerate a less than pleasant situation. Treats, tummy rubs, and kind words usually do the trick.

An ounce of prevention…

…is worth a pound of expensive vet bills. Isn’t that the saying?

Holistic skin care gets a bad rap as a new age fad. But your dog could benefit from a top-down healthy lifestyle, too. From feeding time to play dates, let’s break down how you can improve your dog’s protection from itchy infections.

diet

Allergies are an issue. But according to experts, your dog’s diet also plays a big role in his immune system.

Your dog’s microbiome—a collection of beneficial, germ-fighting bacteria—lives primarily in the gut. These protective bacteria love a natural, carnivorous diet. However, stale kibble can lead to bacterial imbalance and lower immunity.

Leave out the dry chow. Instead, switch to moist and natural dog food options (fiber and whole ingredients are key). From shinier hair to fewer infections, your dog will reap the benefits.

additions

Not all dietary supplements are created equal. To specifically treat itchy or infected ears, look for anti-inflammatory substances like:

fish oil

vitamin E

turmeric

probiotics

To be safe, get your veterinarian’s approval before giving your pet any supplements.

Surroundings

From grassy fields to sandy lakes, dogs love to roam the great outdoors. However, nature does not always return love in the same way.

If you own a champion doggy paddler, you need to step up ear care efforts. After each swim, lightly dry your pet’s ears with a soft towel or t-shirt. Removing all moisture will prevent the most contagious germs from entering your dog’s ear canal.

Watch out for seeds of foxtail and other grasses in dogs that love woods or meadows. Always follow adventures with an ear check and call the vet if symptoms develop after spending time outdoors.

Say it’s over with itching

No dog deserves to be in pain. Whether it’s a minor scratch or a repeat yeast infection, we hope this guide to relieving itching will bring some peace to your dog’s ears. With tender loving care and the right tools, like Vetericyn’s effective ear solutions, your dog can keep their super strong ears in great shape.

Most importantly, if you are concerned about the cause of the itch, contact your veterinarian. You will likely be able to diagnose the problem right away.

Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Vet

Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Originally from rural western Nevada, Dan attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate studies and Oregon State University for veterinary school. The Richardson family loves camping and likes to spend time water fishing, paddle boarding or somewhere warm to put your feet in the sand.

Sources:

Dog ears: to pluck or not to pluck

Ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s regular grooming routine. Keepers have differing opinions on how ears should be cleaned, and by cleaned we mean plucked. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what’s going on in your dog’s ear and how we approach cleaning – when and why.

The ear canal is shaped like an “L” with the eardrum at the end. The ear canal consists of three distinct parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. If you look inside your dog’s ear, you will see the outer ear and part of the middle. Under normal conditions, skin cells develop from the inside out. This creates a lower layer of skin that rises upwards. However, any stimulus (chemical or physical) can accelerate this skin cell production. When this happens in your pet’s ear canal, the extra skin cells die and have nowhere to build up. In a healthy ear with normal cell production, the ear functions as a self-sustaining system that keeps the ear in good balance. The skin flora – microorganisms that live on the skin’s surface – help to remove these dead cells. Ear problems can be caused by a variety of different things: parasites, food allergies, the environment and moisture, especially in breeds with low hanging floppy ears. Although you can see down the middle beyond the outer ear, it is important that you never try to probe deeper than the outer ear.

Now that you have some information about the anatomy of the ear and how it works, let’s discuss the appropriate method for cleaning your pup’s ears. At HOTD, we put a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the base of the outer ear and then massage it in. This helps loosen and push out wax and dirt in the middle and inner ear. Then we use a cotton ball to wipe away the waxy buildup.

Of course, dog ears can vary significantly depending on the breed. For example, Beagles, Bassett Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Springer Spaniels all have floppy ears that hang low and restrict airflow. Once the bacteria get into the ear, it has a perfect dark and humid environment in which to thrive. For these breeds we use ear cleaners and cotton balls. A dog with erect ears, like German Shepherds and Corgis, is less likely to have this problem, but we still clean the ears as part of general grooming.

The breeds that need hair plucking because the hair tends to get rooted deep in the ear canal are Maltese, Poodles, Terriers and Labradoodles to name a few. As long as the ear doesn’t have an extreme buildup of earwax or odor, we pull up and pluck that hair. Too much earwax or a bad odor is usually caused by excess hair in the ear which, similar to the floppy eared breeds, restricts airflow and creates a favorable environment for bacteria. In these breeds we give ear powders to keep the inner ear dry and reduce inflammation of the ear canal. Then we tug – and your pup is grateful because it must feel so good to have a waxy tuft of hair sticking out of its ears so you can hear the word “treat” more clearly than ever.

At Hair of the Dog we rate each pet individually. We never want to cause your pet discomfort by plucking their hair when it is not necessary. If your vet has given you a recommendation about ear plucking, please let us know so we can put it on your pet’s record.

One of my favorite grooming routines is cleaning dogs’ ears. Believe it or not, I used to get an adrenaline rush when customers brought in their dogs with the nastiest, dirtiest, hairiest ears. Not that I was happy to see her in that condition, but because I knew how relieved we would both feel when I finished cleaning her.

If your dog has large and/or floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Weimaraners; If they’re not cleaned regularly, they can build up earwax, which can lead to serious ear problems. While a little earwax is fine and helps protect the inner workings of their ears, excess earwax can indicate or lead to infection and should be treated promptly. This balance can be difficult due to the composition of the dog’s ears. Instead of running one canal straight into the ear, dogs actually have two that form a right angle. While the first can be fresh and clean, the second can retain moisture and form wax.

And if you have medium to long haired dogs, there is likely to be ear hair growing around and in the canal. While it’s a built-in defense against infection, loose hair that falls into the canal can actually cause infection itself and should be removed. You only have to pluck the hair every 14 days or a little later. It’s not as painful as you might think if you do it with the right tweezers. Do not use eyebrow tweezers, the sharp edges can hurt your dog’s ear as this area is very sensitive and can cause bleeding if you are not careful.

Once you’ve gotten the earwax and hair out of the way, you’re left with clean smelling ears and a very happy dog ​​with 100% hearing!

Easy steps to clean your dog’s ears

Invest in a good set of hair tweezers that won’t cost more than $20. They have multiple purposes; They can be used as ear swabs to remove ticks, grass seeds, ear hair and smaller particles lodged on any part of the body. Any decent ear powder will do the job effectively. Personally, I don’t see any difference between the high-end and the ordinary ones, so don’t spend more than you have to. Now you are ready to clean your dog’s ears like the professional groomers at a fraction of the cost.

Materials needed:

ear powder

ear cleaning solution

A pair of hair tweezers (either straight or curved)

Cotton

Steps:

Apply some ear powder into your dog’s ear. This helps absorb oil and makes it easier to pluck hair in the ear. Using hair-pulling tweezers, pluck the hair around the ear opening until the ear canal is exposed. This is for hygiene and prevents ear dirt from sticking to the hair and breeding bacteria. Put a few drops of ear rinse solution into your dog’s ear and gently massage the back (towards the base area) of the outer ear. Place the cotton on the opening of the ear canal and hold it. With your other available hand, tilt your dog’s head toward the cotton to drain the solution and maybe some earwax. While holding the cotton, gently massage (in a circular motion) the opening of the ear canal. Use the DIY cotton swab to clean the external ear canal. You may still need to make some DIY cotton swabs.

Another option is to drip the solution onto the cotton and clean the ear as far as you can see and reach. Be careful not to dig too deep and hurt your dog. This option will not do a thorough job, especially if your dog accumulates a lot of earwax.

Author bio: John M. Caviness is a successful content marketing executive at the service where you can ask to “write my essay.” This job gives him the opportunity to express his opinions and thoughts on various topics, including child development.

ear disease

A page on dog ear diseases that describes the cause, clinical signs, diagnosis and control.

introduction

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as “canker,” is one of the most common dog ear problems and simply involves inflammation of the ear canal. Otitis externa affects around 1 in 5 of all dogs in Ireland and is most common in young dogs (2-4 years of age).

etiology

Otitis externa (OE) is classically underpinned by factors that directly cause disease and those that either predispose to or perpetuate disease. The latter two clusters of factors are further assessed in the Epidemiology section. A number of causes lead directly to OE without the need for other factors, as follows:

a) Parasites, including fleas, ticks and mites, can all lead to the development of ear diseases

b) fungal infections e.g. tinea

c) Allergies – Caused by a reaction to inhaled allergens (atopy), food, contact with materials or drugs to which the animal reacts, the clinical presentation of the disease may be OE, which may be accompanied by scratchy skin disease in other areas or not e.g. the paws.

d) Foreign object – Something that falls into the ear and gets lodged there, e.g. Grass seed, can cause significant discomfort and OE

epidemiology

A number of factors can increase the risk of otitis externa, while others aggravate or prolong the condition.

Predisposing factors include:

a) Anatomy – Drooping pinnae, hairy, stenotic, or long, steeply sloping ear canals

b) Trauma – Improper cleaning with cotton swabs etc. can cause physical damage to the delicate ear canal or eardrum

c) Concomitant disease – Other diseases can make the ear canals more susceptible to developing local disease

d) Lumps in the ear canal such as tumors, polyps or cysts. Fortunately, these are relatively rare

e) Humidity damage – fairly common – resulting from prolonged wet conditions, e.g. swimming, leading to persistently high levels of humidity in the ear

Factors that perpetuate an otitis externa episode include those factors that exacerbate an existing condition or prevent resolution of the primary condition. These include:

a) Bacteria – A number of bacteria exploit and prolong existing damage including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. These agents are generally considered incapable of causing disease on their own.

b) Fungi – Malassezia pachydermatis – As for bacteria above

c) Complicated ear disease – chronic narrowing, ulceration, tumor development or progression into deeper parts of the ear (middle ear)

d) Iatrogenic – prolonged use of inappropriate ear medications or systemic antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant organisms that prolong the disease as in a) above

clinical signs

Clinical symptoms vary from mild to severe. The disease can begin when an animal tilts its head, shakes its head as if irritated, and this can result in the animal pawing at its ears. The disease is often bilateral. Animals can traumatize themselves, which can result in scratched pinnae or even the development of an ear hematoma (reddish bump under the skin of the ear with thickening of the ear). Animals can experience quite a bit of pain and discomfort with this condition, and early treatment for pain relief is warranted, as is management of the affected pathogens. There may be a visible exudate (discharge) in and around the external ear canal, which may or may not be accompanied by a foul odor (bad smell) from the ear.

diagnosis

In clinical cases, when the ear is examined with an otoscope, the canal appears red and swollen. Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain, and this maneuver on physical examination is important in making the clinical diagnosis. Your veterinarian can view the eardrum with an otoscope unless narrowing of the ear canal due to inflammation and the presence of drains and debris rule this out. A useful guide to the results of the otoscopic examination can be found here.

Both ears should be examined, as the results are often quite different… it is even advisable, if sampling is carried out, that each ear is sampled separately.

control

Your veterinarian can best advise you on this. However, the most important steps are as follows:

a) Efficient cleaning is important initially as it allows the vet to observe the changes that are present, allows medication to work better and facilitates the removal of microbes/dirt

b) Drying after cleaning is equally important – these steps may require sedation or light anesthesia.

c) Otitis externa is invariably treated with topical medications. Antiparasitic drugs can be included in the medication, although a more common approach is to have your vet prescribe other medications if parasites are suspected. Topical medications typically include:

1) Antimicrobials, ideally chosen based on the culture and sensitivity of the bacteria present. Commonly included antimicrobials include neomycin, gentamicin, polymixin B, or fluoroquinolones

2) Antifungals – Ask your vet about the different active ingredients as some are more effective than others e.g. Azole compounds for Malassezia pachydermatis.

3) Anti-Inflammatory Compounds – Again, ask your vet about the different active ingredients, as some are more effective than others at reducing pain.

Topical ear remedies containing antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients will be prescribed by your veterinarian, who must be consulted for advice.

Occasionally, systemic treatment is warranted, particularly in the absence of response or otitis media. If the eardrum is ruptured, caution should be exercised with topical medications. Again, your local veterinarian is best placed to prescribe and advise on appropriate products.

You may think that knowing what ear mites look like on dogs is necessary in order to combat them, but ear mites are so small you probably can’t see them. It takes a veterinarian with an otoscope or microscope to properly identify an infestation.

If you’re wondering how to check your dog for ear mites, it’s best to look for signs of ear mites rather than the parasites themselves.

What do ear mites look like?

You may think that knowing what ear mites look like on dogs is necessary in order to combat them, but ear mites are so small you probably can’t see them. It takes a veterinarian with an otoscope or microscope to properly identify an infestation.

If you’re wondering how to check your dog for ear mites, it’s best to look for signs of ear mites rather than the parasites themselves.

What are ear mites?

So what exactly are ear mites in dogs? Also known by their scientific name, Otodectes cynotis, ear mites are tiny parasites that inhabit the ear canals and surrounding skin. They belong to the Psoroptidae mite family, which prefer to live on the skin’s surface for their food rather than burrowing further into the skin like some other mite species do.

Due to the fact that they are only 1-2 millimeters long, ear mites are difficult to see with the naked eye and it can be difficult to determine the cause of the symptoms at first (discussed in more detail below).

Symptoms of ear mites in dogs

Careful owners should watch their dogs for early signs of ear mites.

Symptoms of ear mites in dogs include:

Skin irritation in and around the ears

Scratching around ears, head and neck

shaking his head

Dark and waxy ear discharge

An unpleasant smell from the ears

Ear mite symptoms in puppies are typically the same as in older dogs.

How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites?

But how do dogs get ear mites in the first place? Contact with other dogs or cats with ear mites is typically the reason ear mites are transmitted to dogs. Ear mite infestations are more common in puppies than older dogs.

When a puppy or dog is infested, the mites can get onto the bedding or be transmitted directly from dog to dog through play and socializing. Because dogs love to play together, mites find it easy to move to a new host. Owners should always look for signs if their dog has ear mites.

How to diagnose ear mites in dogs

As mentioned above, ear mites are tiny and inhabit the ear canals. So, how are owners supposed to diagnose ear mites in dogs? It’s important to consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences ear irritation. They will use special equipment to examine your dog’s ears to determine if ear mites are present or if there is another cause of your dog’s irritation (such as a bacterial or yeast infection).

How to prevent ear mites in dogs

As with all parasites, the same applies to ear mites: prevention is better than cure. Simple monthly dosing with NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® helps keep dogs healthy by treating and controlling ear mite infestations.

In addition to preventive parasite protection for your dog, it is also advisable:

Keep your dog away from other animals that have ear mites

Wash bedding and toys in hot water regularly

Put washed linens in a tumble dryer to get rid of pesky mites that may be hanging around

Ear mite treatment for dogs

If you suspect your rabbit has ear cancer, you should take them to your vet as soon as possible because the longer you wait before treating them, the worse it will get and the longer the rabbit will suffer.

Recommended treatment consists of ivermectin injections once every 10-14 days for three treatments or moxidectin injections once every 10 days for two treatments. All contact animals should be treated even if they are not showing symptoms. Mild infections can be treated with ear drops.

Systemic treatment should be sufficient to clear up the crusted lesions on the ears, but if necessary they can be removed by soaking them in mineral oil before removing them very gently. Care must be taken not to damage the lining of the ear canal, and your vet may need to sedate your rabbit to safely perform this procedure.

Pain relievers (analgesia) in the form of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may also be prescribed to help with the pain and irritation the condition causes.