| Regular examination of your dogs ears should be another integral
part of your grooming routine. Your examination should not only be checking for
dirt, excessive wax, offensive odors, but also for tears and swellings. There
are three main parts to a dogs ears: the outer flap (the pinna), the ear canal,
and the middle or inner ear. The pinna can either be pendulous (floppy)
or erect. It can be covered in long hair in breeds such as spaniels and setters
or with short hair in breeds such as shepherds and terriers. The ear canal is
L-shaped. It starts of at a verticle angle and then makes a horizontal turn. Because
of this shape we can only make a cursory examination. A veterinarian can make
a complete examination using a device called an otoscope. Using the otoscope the
veterinarian can also check the inner ear. A dog which shakes its head,
scratches or rubs it head against the floor or furniture is indicative of a dog
with a possible ear problem. Offensive odors could also be indicative of an ear
infection. These as well as tears and swellings on the outer ear should be checked
and treated by a veterinarian. Cleaning of the ear canal can be accomplished
by using various solutions. There are cleansing solutions, ear-wax loosening and
removal solutions and ear drying solutions available through your veterinarian
and pet stores. Before putting anything in your dogs ears, consult with your veterinarian. If
the ear flap is dirty, it can be cleaned with a soft moist cloth or gauze wrapped
around a finger tip. Q-tips can be used inside the small outer crevices. Gentleness
is essential so as not to cause trauma to the outer ear or cause wax or dirt to
be forced down the ear canal. Dogs with excessive hair such as spaniels should
have the hair on the underside of the flap removed by trimming it, thus causing
adequate ventilation and drainage. A build-up of dirty waxy hair can seal off
the ear canal creating an environment suitable for bacterial growth such as yeast
infections, or a breeding ground for parasites such as ear mites. Another
good time to check your dogs ears is when you come home from exercising in open
fields or in the forest (hunting or tracking). Check for bugs such as ticks and
for tears. A good brushing and bathing can remove dirt, bugs and allergens, which
can also affect the ears. Because of the shape of the dogs ears damage to
the ear drum is rare but caution should be exercised when cleaning the ears. Again,
never put anything in your dogs ears unless advised by your veterinarian and use
extreme gentleness when cleaning the ears. Consult your veterinarian immediatly
if you have any concerns. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson. | 
