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The first thing you need to do is visit the veterinarian to discover whether the ear infection is caused by bacteria, mites or yeast. If it is a mild bacterial ear infection, an astringent cleaner may be all that is needed to change the PH balance of the ear canal, inhibiting bacterial growth. Severe bacterial ear infections will need topical, and possible oral, antibiotics. A culture may be needed to determine which bacteria are
causing the problem so the proper antibiotic can be given. Once the medication is prescribed, follow the directions exactly and continue for the full course of treatment. Never save up medication and never medicate a dog yourself, even if it is a repeat problem. Over use of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become immune and can cause a secondary yeast infection. Ear mites are easily treated, but the application must be timed specifically to kill both the mites and the hatching larvae. Follow the label instructions. If your dog has floppy ears with an abundance of coat, talk to your groomer about possibly shaving the inside of the ear flap to promote air circulation. How to Clean Ears Abundant ear hair should be removed regularly in certain breeds such as Poodles, shihtzus and lhasas as well as a few others. In these breeds, the hair grows thick and long. It can actually mat inside the ear canal. The hair traps wax and dirt down inside the ear canal and retains moisture. The air cannot circulate, creating a moist, dark dirty environment for bacteria to grow. You will need to gently remove those hairs to open up the ear canal for cleaning.
If
the hair is pulled regularly, it won't cause trauma. If it has been
left grow for too long, the first time may or may not be painful,
depending on the dog and should be done in a few short sessions.
Most
dogs that need this done are floppy earred. Flip the ear back over
the head, exposing the canal. If you need to control the head, use
your weak hand to grab the cheek area under the ear (don't grasp the
ear leather.
Use
an EAR GROOMING POWDER
that allows you to grasp the hair without slipping.
1.
Start by trimming the hair short below the ear toward the cheek up
to and outside the ear canal. This hair will hurt badly if accidently pulled.
2.
Sprinkle the EAR GROOMING POWDER
liberally into the ear and start slowly pulling the hair that is
about an inch outside the ear canal toward the leather. This is the
least sensitive and allows the dog to get used to the feeling.
3.
Work slowly into the canal, pulling small amounts out with your
finger tips. If your fingers begin slipping, add more powder.
4.
Once you get as much out as you can with your fingers, grasp small
strands that go deep into the ear with a straight hemostat or tweezers.
Wind the hairs around the hemostat then gently pull out.
5.
The ear can then be cleaned with an ear cleaner |
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