Puppy Ear Problems

Our puppy friends add an endearing aspect to our families. It is, therefore, difficult for pet owners to observe any discomfort or pain they may have. The warning sign that your puppy may have an ear problem is if he starts shaking his head and scratching his ears. There are a wide array of causes, along with remedies and preventative measures to be utilized. It is crucial to have your vet's opinion in all cases for certainty.

  1. Causes

    • A puppy's moist ear canal can be prone to trapping bacteria and yeast inside that can become infections. Ear canals can also entice mites, parasites and insects as a breeding area which can result in discomfort for your puppy. Dogs with floppy ears tend to be more susceptible to ear disorders because their narrow canals do not provide the necessary healthy air circulation. Bloodhounds and cocker spaniels are more susceptible to ear disorders because of their long, draping ears that close off the canal.

    Symptoms

    • The warning signs of ear problems include a soiled odor, excess wax, redness, hair matting, blood or pus. It would be worthwhile to use an ear wash formulated for puppies that contains tea tree oil. The oil is an antiseptic that fights germs caused by bacteria and fungi, and aids in drying the ear canal.

    Prevention/Solution

    • It is a wise preventative measure to incorporate the cleaning and flushing of your puppy's ears part of your grooming routine. Home remedies can be made from combining equivalent amounts of rubbing alcohol and vinegar. However, if there is bleeding or sores in their ears, this combination should be avoided because it can cause burning. The inside of the puppy's ears should be cleaned with a liquid ear cleaner squirted on a cotton ball every 7 to 14 days.

    Ear Drying Remedy

    • After a bath or swimming when the puppy may be more prone to gathering moisture in its ears, an ear-drying product can be useful. It can be an aid in drying the ear, breaking up wax and destroying debris. Be careful to not push wax even further in the canal with the cotton swabs.

    Hair Overabundance

    • If there seems to be a problem with too much hair in the ear, plucking them is the best remedy. Smooth on a dog ear powder on the inside of the ears, thoroughly covering the whole area. Pluck the hairs after the powder has dried.