Your Dog's Ears Are Precious

Shouldn't You Do All You Can To Keep Them Free From Infection?

Most dog's ears can pick up dirt and plant debris, particularly during an active romp in the countryside or a swim in the river.

Even if your dog is walked in the park or left to play quietly in the garden, his ears may still pick up 'nasties' which could cause irritation and infection.

Cocker Spaniel ears are more prone to infection than most breeds, as poor air circulation and excess hair growth inside the ear can create a warm damp environment where bacteria can thrive.

Don't wait until his ears smell bad, or you see him frantically scratching at them. By then, it's probably too late - he may already have an infestation of ear mites or a serious infection.

Inspect your dog's ears regularly, and clean them once a week as part of his normal grooming routine.

If your Cocker Spaniel is lucky enough to have daily runs in the countryside, or swims often, you may need to inspect and clean your dog's ears more frequently.

Symptoms Of Dog Ear Infection/Dog Ear Problems

If your Cocker Spaniel develops an infection in his ears he may display one or more unusual behaviours as a result.

Symptoms of dog ear infection are usually displayed as scratching the ears or frequent, frantic, shaking of the head, however there are many other visible symptoms.

If you see signs of infection in your Cocker Spaniel's ears, don't clean them. Instead, take him to see his vet immediately. If you clean his ears you will have removed any 'evidence' of infection, making it much harder for your vet to make a diagnosis.

Learn more about Cocker Spaniel ears.

Common Problems In Cocker Spaniel Ears

There are many problems that could affect your Cocker Spaniels ears - the key is to inspect them regularly and keep them clean.

Some of the more common problems that could affect canine ears are listed below:

• Allergies
• Otitis Externa
• Ear Mites (Otodectes Cynotis)
• Micro-Organisms - Bacteria and Yeast
• Ear Canker

How To Desensitise Your Puppy's Ears

Cleaning your puppy's ears ought to be fairly straightforward; however, if your puppy is not used to the process, it could be quite stressful for you both.

You may need to desensitise your puppy's ears before he will let you clean them without objection.

The following steps will help to accustom your puppy to having his ears handled - this also works for older dogs, although it may take longer.

Begin by gently massaging and stroking your puppy's ears - the more you handle them, the more your puppy will get used to it.

Make it fun and praise him if he doesn't object. If he does object, and you're certain that you're not hurting him, don't stop. If you do, he will learn that he can easily stop you by resisting.

If he continues wriggling, try distracting him with a treat or a toy and, when he stops trying to get away, praise him.

Do this each day for a week or so, or until he readily allows his ears to be handled.

Next, try gently massaging the inside of his ears with your (clean) fingertips.

Never probe into your dog's ears any further than you can see.

This should help to desensitise your puppy's ears, so that by the time you are ready to clean them he should stay still long enough.

Once your puppy is accustomed to having his ears handled, it will be much easier for you both to inspect and clean your pet's ears.

The above preventative maintenance will help to keep your precious dog's ears healthy; free from mites, bacteria, yeast, and viruses, which otherwise could lead to serious infection, and misery for your dog.

Learn more about ear infections in dogs at this website about Natural Dog Health Remedies

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Titles in the Cocker Spaniel Ears Series