MAY 2010:
“His ears were often the
first thing to catch my tears.” ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning, (referring to her
cocker spaniel, Flush) ~
A routine part of professional grooming is
cleaning your pets’ ears. Wax, dirt and yeast build-ups, which can lead to ear
infections, are common, especially for dogs with ‘floppy’ or ‘pendant’ ears
(Cocker, Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Basset and other Hounds).
Because their ears droop down, and aren’t exposed to drying from air, they
remain a moist environment in which bacteria can rapidly grow. (For these dogs,
be sure to always attend their ears after they’ve been in the water.) Along
with floppy ears, Cocker Spaniels tend to have additional ear problems, due to
their narrow canals.
Signs of infection are discharge and/or foul
smell, and either light or violent head shaking, which is an indication of a
dog’ discomfort.
In order to prevent wax and dirt build-up,
attend your pets’ ears regularly by wrapping a cotton ball or a clean cloth,
treated with a commercial ear cleaner, around your finger and gently wipe the
surface around the ear canal. Or, place a few drops of cleaning solution in
each ear and gently massage the ear until the solution has penetrated wax &
dirt. (Don’t use Q-tips; they’re too small, sharp, and can damage your pet’s
ear, and be careful not to leave any traces of cotton or foreign materials that
could lodge itself in the ear canal.
If, despite sufficient care, a dog has chronic ear
infections (especially with co-existing skin problems), it’s wise to look at
allergies and diet. (If your dog is on long-term antibiotics for infections,
ask your vet about including a ‘pro-biotic’, to be sure that beneficial
bacteria isn’t being compromised.)
Talk to your vet about a two-week (at least) trial
on an elimination diet, in which you feed your dog only food without common
culprits like rice, wheat or corn, and with ingredients he hasn’t been exposed
to; i.e. duck, fish, buffalo or sweet potatoes. (During the trial, be sure to
cut out rawhide and other dog treats.) Although expensive, most veterinary
clinics offer ‘hypoallergenic’ diets.
Craig’s Baptist Church http://www.
‘Lil Pals’ Pet Photography will be at our
703-378-9500; featherlepetcarechantilly@
703-430-0414; featherlepetcaresterling@
703-221-3647; canineclipperschool@verizon.