Episode 7: Pet Ear Cleaning – Benefits and Tips

In this month’s episode, Dr. Slome explores the benefits of ear cleaning and shows you an easy method you can use at home to help your pet achieve healthy and clean ears.  Don’t forget about our seasonal promotion going on now at our clinic (see info below the video) and if you would like to read the transcript of the video, you can also find it below.

Video

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Heartworms and Parasite Prevention Promotion

It’s springtime, and with all the fun of walks in the sunshine this is also the most common time for heartworms.

Heartworms are a form of roundworm usually passed onto pets through mosquitos. They can potentially be fatal, but the condition is easily preventable if the right steps are taken.

Heartworm prevention can start as early as May 15 or as late as July 1st, so please come by before then to pick up your Revolution or other heart worm protection kits if you have not done so already.

And if we are blessed with early warm weather and bring your friends along on the next camping or cottage trip, be sure to pay us a visit, as the warm weather brings more mosquitos.

Please call in to schedule your pet(s) seasonal heartworm and parasite appointment, Tel 905 771 9855, or use our appointment request link here if you haven’t already done so.

Click here to learn more about Heartworm Prevention.

Video Transcript

Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Martin Slome; I’m thrilled to be sharing the next post in my regular video series here on my website.

In each episode, I plan to tackle a question or challenge that I hear about regularly, as a veterinarian, with the pets that I see every day.

Today I want to speak with you about keeping your pet’s ears clean. We’ll first discuss some of the benefits of doing so and then I’ll drill it down for you so that you understand how to clean your pet’s ears safely and effectively.

But before we get started, I just want to remind you to check out our website, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter so that you will have immediate access to insider tips and tricks!

Okay, let’s get started!

Clean ears are important to your pet’s overall health. The ears are a prime breeding ground for bacteria and infection, making it imperative to keep them clean.

Here are some fundamental reasons to keep your pet’s ears clean:

1. Fungal infections on the tips of their ears are reduced.
2. You can prevent ear mites, which can cause discomfort and other issues.
3. Bacterial infections will be kept at bay.
4. Yeast infections are prevented.
5. Your pet will be less likely to develop certain allergies.

Now that I’ve convinced you of the importance of keeping your pet’s ears clean, let me help you out with a quick and dirty ‘hot to’. If you follow this procedure, you’ll find that it’s really quite simple:

1. Calm yourself. Pets can sense nervousness so staying calm will reassure your furry friend.
2. Keep petting your pet as you clean.
3. Use a soft material, like cotton, wool or a soft tissue, to clean the outer ear.
4. Never insert a Q-Tip or cotton wool into the ear itself, as damage can be done to your pet’s eardrum.
5. Use a cleaning solution, but don’t pour it straight into the ear. Rather, place a small amount on the top of the earflap and massage it in.
6. Clean your pet’s ears regularly, especially if your dog has long or hairy ears or swims regularly.

Your pet’s ears should always have a pinkish appearance. If you notice something different, such as yellow or black discharge, odour, sensitivity to touch, consistent shaking or head tilting, make sure you consult with a veterinarian.

If you check and clean your pet’s ears regularly, you should be able to avoid any problems or serious concerns.

So, I hope I’ve inspired you with this post, and that you feel less anxious about the health of your pet’s ears. I would be happy to answer any of your questions, so feel free to share them in the section below!

Also, we would love to have you come by our clinic and we can chat in person about how to optimize your pet’s health. Spend some time on our website, sign up for our newsletter, and send us an email – we would love to connect with you in person!

Thanks again – I’m Dr. Martin Slome, until next time – have a great day!