While any dog can contract an ear infection, some dogs are especially prone to the ailment. Outer ear infections are usually caused by bacteria, while inner ear infections can be triggered by matted hair, foreign objects, or excessive drainage inside the ear canal. Although canine ear infections may not be completely avoidable, you and your veterinarian can help prevent them.
Establish a Weekly Cleansing Schedule Ask your veterinarian to recommend a cleaning solution or at-home remedy that will help prevent canine ear infections. After cleansing, excess solution should be carefully absorbed with a cotton ball. Ask your vet to detail the procedure from start to finish.
Keep an Extra Eye on Swimming Dogs Dogs that enjoy swimming spend a great deal of time in pools, ponds, and lakes—all perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Ongoing ear infections are common in swimming breeds like retrievers due to excessive water entering their ears. Regular cleaning is essential if you have a pet who loves to paddle. Keep your dog's ears dry by drying them out a cotton ball after every swimming session.
Maintain a Regular Grooming Regimen Breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels or basset hounds experience more frequent ear infections, as do dogs with hairy inner ears, like miniature poodles and schnauzers. Dogs with hairy ear flaps should have the hairs plucked by a qualified groomer periodically to help prevent ear infections.
Know How to Spot Symptoms Dogs are quick to alert you to an ear infection. Watch out for these clues that can indicate a problem:
Excessively scratching ears
Shaking or tilting head, particularly in one direction
Inflamed or red ears
Yellow or black discharge from ears
Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog displays any of these symptoms.
If you're seeking a passionate, knowledgeable team of veterinarians to address and treat your pet's healthcare needs, call ABC Veterinary Hospitals at (858) 278-1825 today. We offer complete clinical care for dogs and cats in the San Diego area.
Our dogs have been been long time patients of Lincoln Ave, starting back when Dr Faye Umeda was there. Chevy, our oldest at 17 years, who started at Lincoln Ave at 8 weeks, was put down yesterday. Dr Chiarello and Ty came out to the house and took care of him for us. As one of the toughest experiences a pet owner will have to...
Have you just adopted a new pet? After allowing your pet a few days to become accustomed to its new family and environmental surroundings, a trip to the veterinarian should be next on your list of things to do. Below, you'll find three helpful questions to ask your vet at your first visit.
What Should I Feed My Pet? With so many options for pet food lining the shelves, it can be difficult to distinguish between the most nutritionally beneficial products and ones that are just well marketed. Your veterinarian can give you an unbiased, straightforward answer about which brand is best for your breed. Some pets might even require special diets, including home-cooked meals prepared with the input of a veterinary nutritionist. Ask your vet which course of action is best for your dog or cat.
Does My Pet Have Breed-Specific Health Problems? Some pets are prone to breed-related health issues. Large breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds may experience problems with hip dysplasia, a condition that causes pain and difficulty in walking and limited mobility. Poodles and beagles might experience early onset eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss methods of preventative care with your veterinarian to help combat these breed-related issues. Your vet will help create a management plan to regulate exercise and diet, alleviate symptoms, and prevent future complications.
Is My Pet Behaving Normally? Take note of any behavioral quirks your pet displays during the first few weeks, especially if you've adopted it from a shelter. Even if you have a limited history about your pet, your veterinarian should be able to distinguish normal behavior from potentially problematic issues. Your vet may also be able to recommend training courses to help improve your pet's behavior.
ABC Veterinary Hospitals puts animal care first. To schedule an appointment, call us at (858) 278-1825 today and ask how our top-of-the-line veterinary service can help bring out the best in your pet.
Preventative health care is as important to pets as it is to humans. By taking measures that reduce the risk of your pet acquiring a life-threatening disease or injury, you can enjoy the company of your furry friend for years to come. To learn more about pet wellness, please read the following articles.
Veterinary hospitals recommend spaying and neutering for the many health benefits they provide to both male and female animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists the top 10 reasons why you should spay and neuter your pets.
Could your pet have allergies? The Huffington Post offers suggestions as to how veterinarians and pet owners can reduce the allergic discomfort experienced by many animals.
Veterinary hospitals have seen a steady increase in the number of obese patients over the last several years. PetMD describes how you can incorporate physical fitness into your pet’s daily routine even when living in an urban area.
Pet dental health can greatly influence an animal’s overall wellbeing. HealthyPet.com discusses why keeping your pet’s teeth healthy is so important.
ABC Veterinary Hospitals provides vital preventative care for animals in the greater San Diego area. We offer patients tests that detect pet parasites, as well as spay and neuter and pet surgery services. To learn more about our facilities, or to schedule an appointment, please call (858) 278-1825.
Giardia is a pet parasite that lives in the small intestines of cats and dogs. As this video explains, veterinarians advise that pet owners implement key preventative measures to prevent their pet from acquiring this parasite.
Giardia can be found in many outdoor water sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and even puddles. Though most cases of giardia are asymptomatic, pet owners may notice several signs that indicate an active giardia infection. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and weight decrease. This is because giardia interferes with digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, you can minimize your pet’s risk of contracting giardia by adhering to a few important guidelines. Don’t kennel your pet with other animals. Don’t let them drink from outside water sources. Lastly, ask your veterinarian to perform giardia testing twice a year.
ABC Veterinary Hospitals provide quality pet care to clients in the greater San Diego area. We offer a full range of pet wellness services, including spay and neuter and pet surgery options. To make an appointment, please call (858) 278-1825.
