It is a good idea to regularly check your dog’s ears on a routine basis so you can spot any signs of potential infection such as
Wax
Debris
Inflammation
Abnormal smell
If you do notice any of the above signs, them contact your vet straight away. It is always better to treat a problem rather than wait for it to escalate into something bigger.
A vet may perscribe a specific treatment for your dog to relieve the irritation, itching and inflamination, that is why is it important to get your dog used to regular ear checks as part of a routine.
If there is no sign of any abnornal swelling or inflammation then go ahead and continue to clean your dog’s ears which is very simple to do.
You will need cotton wool balls or soft tissue and ear cleaner.
You can buy the dog ear cleanerover the counter or by perscription.
1. Have a cotton wool ball or soft tissue that is gentle on the outer ears ready.
Apply the dog ear cleaner to the soft cotton wool ball or tissue and hold the dog’s ear flap open and gently clean by wiping the area of the ear mainly the flap that you can see and just inside the ear entrance.
Don’t stick any objects down the ear canal by using items such as Q tips. This can push any wax or debris further into the ear canal which causes more problems. It can cause discomfort to your dog which may affect its hearing.
If your dog’s ears need a deeper clean then it may require pouring a cleansing liquid into the ear canal, otherwise it can be damaging if there is a problem with the dog’s ear drum. For example, if the ear drum is ruptured, so only do this if it is specifically advised by your vetinarian.
How To Apply A Deeper Cleansing For Your Dog’s Ears
2. Only if recommended by a vet, you would lift the dog’s ear flap and gently place the nozzle into the ear entrance then squeeze the cleansing bottle for a few seconds to let the liquid squirt into the ear canal.
This will loosen any hard wax, debris and relieve any inflamation for your dog. Your dog may want to shake its head as you apply the liquid so try to hold its head still other wise the liquid will spray everywhere with hardly any going into the ear canal!
Once you have squirted some ear cleanser into the ear canal, remove the bottle and flap the ear over and massage the ear for a few seconds. This will encourage the liquid to move down the ear canal and to loosen the moist
wax and debris. Now you can let your dog shake its head so it will feel more comfortable.
3. Gently wipe any excess liquid or debris from the exposed ear area without sticking anything into the ear canal. This will leave your dog’s ear clean and healthy.
Remember don’t stick anything into the dog’s ear canal at any time unless advised by a vet.
If you regularly check and clean your dog’s ears using this simple method and include it as part of your routine, you may find there is no need to do a deep ear clean leaving your dog happy and carefree. If you are unsure then your vet can advise you.
Once a week check your dog’s gums and teeth by gently rubbing your finger your dog’s gums. This lets you check for any swelling, tenderness or a build up of tartar.
The gums should look pink to show a healthy colour.
If your dog shows any signs of tenderness, swelling or bleeding then take them to the vet.
Put a pea size amount of canine toothpaste onto your finger and let your dog sniff it and lick it off your finger. This will allow them to get used to the new taste especially when you first start cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Never use human toothpaste as the ingredients are too strong for dogs. Canine toothpaste is made of special dog flavourings which makes it kinder and more suitable for your dog.
Put a small sized amount of canine toothpaste onto the small toothbrush or dog fingerbrush. Let your dog sniff it again though this time, slide your finger into the side of their mouth so you can slide the brush around the left and right sides. Also brush the front top and bottom teeth.
Remember to use gentle brush strokes as the gums can get massaged too. Always brush on the outside of the teeth nearest to their cheeks, not on the side nearer to their tongue.
When you have finished your dog may want to drink its water so make sure its bowl is nearby. You may want to give your dog a small treat after so they will remember that cleaning their teeth is rewarded afterwards.
To help your dog keep its teeth for longer, it is better to use dry dog food rather than moist dog food. This also helps with keeping their breath fresher too.
Dog flatulence can happen at the most unexpected times and it is most embarrassing when you have friends around. It is quite natural for the body (whether it be dog or human) to omit gas but you know you have a problem when it becomes a habit! There are solutions that can relieve this embarrassment for you, and to benefit your dog.
What is Dog Flatulence? Dog flatulence is a build up of gas inside the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually caused during natural digestion through the breakdown of bacteria. All humans and dogs do this but it can in some cases be rather excessive. Although it may be embarrassing for us and humorous, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and they too can become sensitive about this.
What Causes Dog Flatulence? There are a few things that can cause dog flatulence.
Your dog will be rushing and gulping down its food quite quickly.
Feeding your dog human foods such as beans and peas.
Giving your dog cheap dog food as this is usually of poor quality.
Feeding your dog any leftovers or scraps from your meals.
How To Combat Dog Flatulence There are many ways to combat dog flatulence.
Firstly feed your dog a high quality dog food.
Many of these contain the correct balance of nutrients and vitamins to provide a stable diet and reduce if not eliminate the flatulence. The same applies if you give your dog kibble or any dog treats. Always provide the best that you can. Although named brands are usually more expensive, they really are the best ingredients for your dog and generally it is worth paying more for the quality rather than the quantity.
Secondly, try to stick to the same brand your dog enjoys.
If you change from a good quality brand to a cheap brand, although it can cost a bit less, a cheaper brand can cause your dog more flatulence as there is less quality in the ingredients. Basically what you get is what you pay for and your dog’s stomach will benefit from it to make him/her feeling more comfortable after eating with no tummy aches or wind.
Thirdly, if your dog tend to rush and gulp their food down, then spread the feeding timetable out throughout the day resulting in less flatulence.
Little and often is the saying and how true it is rather than one or two meals per day. Unless you can be at home all day, invest in a automatic pet feeder, which can help to feed your dog a small meal which will in turn greatly reduce its flatulence.
Fourthly, if you really want to feed your dog scraps or leftovers from your plate, then stick to vegetables.
This can help to give a fuller feeling to a dog who is constantly begging for food. Try to mash down any peas or beans which can make your dog windy and avoid rich meats too. A great alternative is cooked or raw carrots, green beans, a tiny bit of banana (this is good for the heart in small quantities), tomatoes or grapes cut up, or a few sultanas.
Lastly, if the problem persists or becomes excessive, do not hesitate to consult your vet for their professional advice.
(or baking soda as a substitute)