Ear Care
There is no denying that non-shedding, long, floppy eared dog breeds are more prone to yeast infections, this is mostly fungal not bacterial. Yeast thrives in warm, moist, dark places, such as ears. If you notice a brown, greasy discharge with a musty or cheesy smell, it is most likely a fungal infection. Your dog will be scratching their ear and/or shaking head. There is no need to go to the vet, unless your puppy’s ears are very red and obviously painful and hot to touch. If your puppy has these symptoms a vet visit is best. Yeast is a spore-producing fungi that is always present on a dogs skin, usually in low numbers, as part of the normal flora. A yeast infection is when there are excessive amounts of yeast in certain areas.
How to treat your dogs ears.
Mix 3ml of Malaseb shampoo (anti-bacterial/fungal shampoo) with approximately 100ml of water (this solution will kill off bacteria & fungi). Use a bottle with a twist top for easy insertion e.g.- a squirt top tomato sauce bottle. 1. Re- assure your dog with a pat and soothing words. 2. Pick up one of the ear flaps and pour combined mixture into the ear canal until the ear canal is completely full. Keep holding the ear flap up. 3. Gently massage the area where the ear meets the head for around 20 seconds. You will hear a squelching sound as the solution moves around the ear canal and dislodges any buildup of wax. Keep talking and cuddling your dog to reassure them. Do the same to the other ear. 4. Your dog will want to shake their head, which is great because this helps bring softened wax and debris out of the ear canal. You can then use an antibacterial wipe or clean cloth to clean out any residual solution and wax. 5. Reward your dog with a treat. This makes it a positive experience. Over the next few days, you will notice more wax and discharge around the ear, just wipe away with a antibacterial wipe or clean cloth. Always avoid getting water in your dog’s ears When you bath your dog, give the outside ear area a very good wash. Remember to thoroughly dry your puppy’s ears after bathing and swimming. Use the Malaseb wash after your dog swims. Make sure you dry the ears thoroughly. For normal ear cleaning use this process once a month, or more often when dogs swimming. You will get to know your puppy’s ears and what works for them.
How to increase airflow around the ears
It is a good idea to shave and trim in and around your pup’s ears to increase airflow. Shave underside of ears, and
below the ear opening (under where the flap hangs, but not so far forwards that the shaved section can be seen).
This enables airflow to go past your dog’s ear. I have shaved this area and made a channel and continued under
the throat and joined to the other side joining the channel to the other ear with my dogs. When your dog runs it
will cause airflow. Only do this if you feel confident. If not, we suggest you visit a groomer.
Please make sure your dog is groomed by the following actions:
• Skin, eyes, and ears are disease-free, or skin/ear/eye conditions are being actively treated under the
supervision of a vet.
• Coat is free of mats, major knots and has minimal or no foreign material such as grass seeds present.
• Coat length is appropriate and does not hinder normal function and activity.
• There are no unpleasant odors due to skin or coat conditions.
• Nails are kept at an optimal length including dewclaws.
• Any soiling of the coat by any contaminant is dealt with promptly.
• When the dog is wet, they should have a warm and dry area or will be dried using towels and dryers.