YOUR PET, AND THEIR EARS

Every once in a while you will find your pet scratching away at his ears. Ear problems are really common in both dogs and cats. There are many different causes as to why your pets have been scratching, and just as many different types of treatments.
Some canine breeds are more liable of getting ear infections such as cocker spaniel or shitzu, but all breeds are at risk. During the summer, it's common for dogs to get infections due to the water, which enters the ear canals. If you have a pool at home, or your dog loves the water; make sure you dry those ears one they're out to avoid infections. You can also place cotton balls in their ears before they get wet. Foxtails are one of the most common ways dogs get ear infections. They usually get in their ears when they roll around or play in the grass. Over time and scratching, they go deeper into the canal causing a really bad smell and pain for your pet. If you have any foxtails in your back yard, please clean them up and keep a good eye on your dog's ears.
Ear mites are the most common ear problem we find in cats. Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites, which if left untreated, can cause bacterial and yeast infections. Ear mites would be in waxy, dirty and smelly ears. A good way to prevent ear mites would be by applying Revolution on your cats. Revolution not only helps treat and control ear mites, but also fleas, hookworms, heartworm prevention and roundworms. If you notice your cats scratching or his ears are smelly, bring them in right away before the situation worsens.
Any type of ear problem if not taken care of as soon as possible, can and will only get worse. A good sign to look for would be scratching. Too much scratching can tear open tiny blood vessels in the ear flap, which can lead to swelling (known as hematoma), which requires treatment in itself. If you have any questions about your pet's ears, please let us know!