Ear problems in dogs are generally simple enough to diagnose and to treat. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat all manners of dog ear problems.
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Common Irritation in Canine Ears
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One of the most common irritations in dogs' ears is due to debris that is caught in the ear canal. A veterinarian will check and gently pull out any debris from the ears and wipe them clean with cloth dampened with warm water or other ear solution.
Excess Ear Wax
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Earwax is the ears' natural way of removing foreign matter. At times, this wax builds up and actually begins to cause problems for the animal. A dog-safe ear wash, such as Cloud Nine Herbal Ear Wash, can remove a build-up of wax.
Ticks
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A thorough examination in the ear canal may show an embedded tick. In the case of a tick embedded deeply in the skin or ear canal, a veterinarian must remove the entire tick and disinfect the ear.
Ear Mites
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Ear mites are common in many dogs and can be recognized by a smelly discharge, scratching and head shaking/tilting. Such over-the-counter medications as Mita-Clear will kill ear mites; other brands will kill and remove the mites.
Foxtail Grass
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At times, a dog will come into contact with foxtail grass seeds. These seeds can be a deadly problem. When trapped in the ear, the seeds work their way through an animal's flesh and can eventually damage vital organs. A veterinarian can sometimes find the seed and remove it before it becomes a problem.
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