Sunscreen and Flip Flops for Fido

Here in Maryland the grass is turning deep green, flowers are starting to blossom, the trees are budding, and there is a frost warning tomorrow.   That can mean only one thing... Summer is finally almost here!

This is definitely one of my favorite times of year.  You can feel the excitement as kids start breaking out skateboards and bicycles and you step outside and hear lawn mowers buzzing and houses up and down most streets are in the throws of spring/summer prep, either edging gardens or tossing down fertilizer and mulch.  One day its warm enough for shorts and the Maryland staple, flip flops, and the next morning there is a thin layer of frost on the grass.  Despite old man winter trying to push off summer with the random morning frost we are quickly headed towards hot, long summer days, and vacations.  That also means its not too early to start thinking about what you might want to consider doing for your four legged family members ahead of the heat and change of season.

1) Consider taking your dog to a groomer.  People start working out feverishly in preparation for the warmer weather, go to tanning salons and make sure nails are manicured.  The same mindset should resonate with pet owners.  A good scrub with a hypoallergenic shampoo followed by a thorough brushing will help ensure that old fur is removed helping keep your pet cooler and it will help release natural oils to help keep furry coats looking great.  This will also help cut down on shedding which can become out-of-control with some dog breeds.  It is also a wonderful time to get nails trimmed, anal sacks expressed and ears checked (a definite with any long eared pups and hound breeds).

2) Don't expect fido to be ready to start jogging 5 miles with you because the weather breaks next weekend.  Unless you have been regimented with your pet's exercise over the winter your four-legged friends will be out of shape.  Allow them to get back into an exercise routine.  Start out with a daily walk gradually increasing distance until you hit a comfortable pace and time to maintain.  Also recognize that some breeds simply aren't meant to keep you company when you go for a jog.  Taking your Dachshund for a 3 mile jog isn't going to work. 

3) Swimming and other water exercises are a lot of fun when are pets can participate but keep in mind that its always wise to allow your pets to get acclimated not only to surroundings but to the water you so desperately want them to leap into with you.  Crowded lakes and some beaches are stressful for dogs so its best to make sure that your animal is used to be socialized with other people and pets and that you give your dog some time to get used to the water, particularly in late Spring/early Summer.

4) If you are fortunate enough to own a boat make sure that you have enough life preservers for everyone, including your four-legged family members and guests.  While swimming comes naturally for dogs they are not made to swim for extended periods of time so a life preserver is a must.

5) Plan ahead when it comes to vacations.  Many of our clients prefer to leave their pets at home where they are comfortable and we love getting the opportunity to provide TLC while you are away but it always works best if you book in advance.  Similarly, if you are taking your pets with you lay out your trip well in advance.  Find hotels that will allow pets to stay with you.  Too many times we see owners leave dogs/cats in kennels in cars overnight.  There are several sites that provide listings of pet friendly hotels including www.petswelcome.com, www.pet-friendly-hotels.net, and even some chains feature listings of properties that allow pets, like http://www.marriott.com/hotel-search/pet-friendly.hotels/.

6) Make the spring and summer months more pleasurable for everyone by keeping your pet's medications up-to-date, particularly if your pets will be spending significant time outside.  Traditional flea and tick products like Frontline and Advantage as well newer oral medications like Nexguard and Comfortis are good to consider.  Similarly, heartworm prevention should be considered leveraging products like Heartgard or Revolution.  Some pets will exhibit bad allergies including runny noses, discharge and skin conditions.  Consider having Diphenhydramine on hand and a medicated hypoallergenic pet shampoo nearby.  Giving your pet Omega 3 tablets is also a way to help ward off skin ailments.

7) Last but not least make sure you always have water nearby.  If you plan to take your furry family members hiking or to the beach or simply hanging in the backyard be sure you have ample water for all of them!  Dogs have a very difficult time regulating their body heat during the summer months.

 

Spoiled... You Say That Like It's a Bad Thing!

We have two dogs and they are a little spoiled, at least relative to most pet lovers (non pet lovers don't really understand so it's a mute discussion).  Our Beagle is a sweet, 13+ year old who is pretty set in his ways.  He's moves slow, barks loudly, and doesn't miss a meal or treat.  He has his own fan, graciously donated by my daughter, that blows on him about 20-24 hrs a day because he gets hot easily.  Our Boxer is 12+ years old and is in good shape for dog that long ago reached AARP status.  She takes her Glucosamine tablet in the morning and manages to run and play, albeit in 5-10 minute increments, which are immediately followed by naps lasting several hours, and stiff joints when she finally wakes.  Unlike her Beagle roommate, she gets cold easily and either has a blanket placed over her as she lay sleeping in her own bed on our bedroom floor, or she simply takes it upon herself to wrap herself in our draperies - which no one dare condemn.  Both expect a treat after they go outside to use the bathroom.  Both expect a treat after eating their breakfast.  Our Boxer expects a treat when she works the dog sad eyes and whimpers (we're talking Oscar worthy whimpering).  In short, they expect a treat for posting.  The kids in the house go through a treat bag in a day if we don't get creative hiding the well deserved rewards.  Our Boxer only eats one type of dry dog food and she now only eats the dry food when a half-a-packet of wet food is mixed in with it.  I say they are a little spoiled based on my own personal observations.  Neither of them has winter booties, jackets, multiple toy bins, 5-6 different types of treats, or regular permission to sleeping on furniture.   At this point I suspect that the non-pet lovers reading this are most certainly shaking their collective heads in utter disbelief.  Here's the funny thing that only a pet lover, and in our case, as pet care providers, would immediately understand.  Relative to the rest of the pet lovers out there our pooches are being neglected.

Let's put things in perspective.  Following is a list of eight of the most pampered (insert the adjective of your choosing) pets in recent history:

1) Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld's Siamese cat, can use an iPad (yes, she has her own and actually plays with the apps), and has TWO full-time maids who record her every move for Mr. Lagerfeld when he is unable to be at home and enjoys her room in Lagerfeld's estate.

2) Tomassino is a black stray cat that belonged to the late Maria Assunta who adopted the cat.  Upon Assunta's death it was learned, shockingly, that her $15.6 million inheritance was  left to the feline.

3) Actor George Clooney owned a pet pig named Max who lived to the ripe old age of 18.  The pig, who weighed in at a dainty 300lbs, slept in Clooney's bed and was a regular for many of his interviews and appearances.

4) Former hotel magnate, Leona Helmsley, not known for being a softy, owned a Maltese named Trouble.  Trouble hardly led a troubled life.  Over $8,000 a year was spent on Trouble's beauty treatment.  She also had a full-time body guard and a diet regimen that ran over $1,200 a year.  Oh yeah, Helmsley also left her four-legged friend $12 million in her will.

5) Tinkerbell, the Chihuahua that many people recognize perched in owner Paris Hilton's handbag, is dressed in Chanel sweaters and Louis Vuitton  slippers.  There is no word from Hilton's camp as to exactly how much is spent on the tiny purse adornment but pet experts and Hilton's handlers estimate that no less than $5000 is spent each month on Tinkerbell to keep her fed and groomed.

6) Gunther IV, a striking German Shepherd, whose father was once owned by the late Countess Karlotta Libenstein of Germany, is worth $372 million.  That's not a typo!  You see, Gunther III, Gunther IV's father, initially inherited a paltry $106 million from the Countess.  Trustees took the money and invested it and by the time Gunther IV was born, the gift had grown to $372 million.  Gunther IV reportedly purchased a villa from Madonna for more than $3 million and a rare white truffle for $1,500.  Gunther IV is currently the wealthiest pet on the planet.

7) Toby Rimes is another millionaire that made her money the old fashioned way: She inherited it. Toby Rimes is a descendant of a poodle owned by millionaire Ella Wendel who, in 1931, left her dog $20 million. Today, the gift is worth $80 million, making Toby Rimes the second richest animal in the world.

8)  Bringing things a little more mainstream, If you thought that rich animals only came from old money, that's not always the case. Flossie, was a dog that actress Drew Barrymore adopted from an animal shelter. Flossie alerted Barrymore her home was on fire. Barrymore credits Flossie with saving her life and in return, added to her will that her $3 million home would be left to her beloved dog, Flossie.

So, aside from interesting if not mouth dropping information, what does all this mean regarding spoiling our pets?  It tells us pet lovers what we already knew... Pets are family.  They are, for many people, children, and at the very least loved ones.  They are soulmates for some and life's only true companion for others.  At the very least, for all of us that love dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, etc... pets bring joy into our lives and demand nothing in return.  Many of the individuals in the list I shared had a reputation for being cruel, short, inpatient, difficult, and obtuse.  The animals that were the recipients of lavish lifestyles and financial gifts from those folks didn't do anything special for a pet. They did what pets do for all of us who love them... They demonstrate unconditional love.  How rare is that gift in a lifetime?

I think it's time to grab a few more bags of dog treats. 

Let's Get Physical

We are quickly working our way through the end of Fall and fast approaching Winter.  For most of us that means more time inside watching movies, reading books, and just plain being lazy.  Unfortunately the same is true for our four-legged loved ones.   While it's understandable that most people's outdoor activity wanes when the thermometer drops it doesn't mean that your pets need to pack on additional pounds.  The same way that pet owners hit the gym and the treadmill in lieu of a hike or jog outside, your pets can similarly benefit from indoor workouts.  Here are some fun ways to help keep your pets fit during the cold winter months.

Head to your local pet store and walk the aisles.  If you are like most pet owners a trip to the pet store is fun and your four-legged partner will love getting out of the house and having the ability to smell new smells and socialize with other like-minded pet owners.  Pet Smart and PetCo both embrace bringing your pets with you.  If pet stores aren't your thing many home improvement stores allow leashed pets into the stores to walk the aisles.  Typically the store visitors and staff end-up giving our dogs more love and attention then they can stand.

Make use of chew toys for snack time.  Don't just give fido a treat.  Make it fun and place it in a toy like a Chuck-it Indoor Roller or stuff some peanut butter (make sure you use a brand that doesn't use Xylitol which is harmful to pets) in a chew toy like a Kong.

Dogs are social creatures.  You call up your pals to meet for a drink or a meal. Line-up some four-legged play dates for your pet.  You can combine some of these activities as well.  Meet a friend with a pet at a Pet Smart or similar to check out some new toys or replenish pet supplies. 

Blow the dust off of your treadmill and let your dog use it!  Make sure your pet is trained and used to being on and around the treadmill and never leash an animal to a treadmill but with some patience and time your pet can actually get used to getting some exercise on the treadmill.  It might also help get you motivate to hit your home gym so you both start getting a little more buff and a little more lean ;)

Play some hide and seek!  Hide some favorite toys (this is especially effective if you stick a treat inside of them) around your house in places your pet rarely goes and let that sniffer and those legs get a workout.  When the bounty is captured your pet will have gotten a little exercise, exercised those boredom demons, and will be excited with the find and sure to enjoy the toy.

Lastly, give a pet walker like Paws & Claws Urbana a call.  We all love what we do and most of us are used to the elements and know some fun places to take your pets.  As mentioned before, if you do venture out during the colder months be watchful of the time and exposure to the elements.

Hot Chocolate and Antifreeze? Its Time to Winterize Your Pet!

Weren’t we all just planning our trips to the beach or the lake a few weeks ago?  I know for my family it sure seems that way, yet here we are well into the month of October.  It’s that time of year when leaves are falling gently into backyards creating Norman Rockwell photographs throughout neighborhoods in Frederick and Montgomery Counties.  Children’s thoughts turn to hot chocolate, their Halloween costume, trick-or-treat route, and annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  Parents of both children and pets alike begin thinking of spiced apple cider, Halloween costumes (for parties), scenic Fall drives, and cozy nights huddled by a fire or wrapped in a blanket with a good movie.  Fall, which happens to be a personal favorite for me, is a wonderful time of transition.   It is filled with beauty and anticipation of the upcoming holidays and other festivities.  Fall also serves as the official trumpeter of Old Man Winter making his return.  As a Maryland native, as much as it pains me to say it, it is that time of year to retire the flip flops, tank tops, and shorts in favor of a pair of boots, sweats,  and a jacket.   It is also time, amidst all the fun and change in the air, to think about winterizing your furry family members.

Maryland is known to be a fickle state when it comes to weather.   We are on the upswing of the jet stream and as most Marylanders know it is not at all unheard of to go from a 60 degree Indian Summer day to snow the next day.   Winter brings with it unique beauty, serenity, and dogs that love running as the snow is falling.  It also brings some unique dangers for your pets.  So, as you start pulling out the jackets and boots for yourself and your children, consider the following tips as part of your winterizing routine to ensure your pets don’t fall victim to some of winter’s perils.

Beware the Antifreeze:  All too often even folks that are educated about the inherent dangers of antifreeze to pets still make the mistake of leaving the bottle open in garages or worse, ignoring small puddles of antifreeze on floor of garages or in driveways.  The sweet taste of antifreeze (caused by the chemical ethylene glycol) is deadly to animals.  Even one teaspoon can kill a dog or cat according to R.J. Krapfl, DVM and spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Even if a pet doesn’t lick the antifreeze directly from the floor of your garage, driveway or sidewalk, they can still get antifreeze on their paws during a walk and lick their paws leaving your pet terribly ill.  Make a habit of keeping an eye out for antifreeze during walks and playtime and check your garage and driveway for any antifreeze puddles (typically a yellow/green or orange color).  Another good defense is using less toxic antifreeze made with propylene glycol (available at most retailers that carry automotive products.  Finally, consider washing or at least wiping off paws following a walk to get rid of any traces of antifreeze and road salt.

Honk Your Horn and Think of Summer:  Cats that are permitted outdoors, along with several other small animals, love to curl-up next to the warmth of a car engine.  Consider making a habit of tapping on your hood as you walk to start your car or toot your horn to scare any stow-a-ways from your engine before someone gets hurt.  Think about summer!!!  Why? Because for some reason people think that its ok to leave their pets in a car when its freezing cold despite never considering the same misstep in the heat of summer.   If it’s extremely cold outside and you leave your pet in your car with the engine running while you run a quick errand your pet can succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning.  It is a very real threat.  Shutting off your car will leave your pet in a mobile ice box.  The temperature in a vehicle drops extremely quickly and can leave your pet in a perilous situation.  Consider leaving the pet at home or making arrangements with a sitter if it will be a long day of errands.

Watch Out for the Old Timers:   Older pets are not dissimilar to senior citizens.  Cold weather exacerbates existing conditions like heart ailments, lung conditions and arthritis.  Just like humans, pets lungs can be severely damaged in extreme cold and joints will be much more stiff and tender.  Consider inside exercises or dramatically reduced time outside for your older pets.

Tails and Ears:  Even though we all too often look at an animal and figure that because they have fur they are warm you need to keep an eye on your pets during the harsh winter months.  Dogs can get frostbite!  The ears, footpads,  and tip of the tail are especially susceptible according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA).  If you believe frostbite has started to take hold of one of your pets use a towel dampened with WARM water and gently apply it to the affected areas, wrap the animal in blankets and get him/her to the vet.

Make Sure They Have Adequate Shelter:  If your dog is not acclimated to cold weather prolonged exposure to bitter cold can cause problems.  If you insist on keeping your animals outside during the colder months ensure that the opening to the shelter is faced away from wind, it is off the ground to allow for air circulation and there is a supply of water that is maintained in a heated bowl.   If the weather plunges below freezing pets, even outdoor pets, need to be given indoor shelter in a temperature controlled dwelling.  

Know Your Pet’s Limits:  A Siberian Husky is going to fair better in snow and bitter cold than a single coat dog like a poodle or a terrier.  If you have a single coat dog see the next section on boots and outdoor wear.

Boots and Jackets:   Yes, we all think they look adorable in their winter dog booties and jackets but if your pet is going to be exposed to severe weather these “cute” items are important to consider.  Prolonged and regular exposure to ice and salt can harm a dog’s paws.  Some dogs are simply not equipped for the harsher winter weather and extra care in the form of a dog jacket or sweater, while cute, can be an important part of your pet’s winterizing.  Again, I’m not suggesting that your dog needs to be bundled up for a quick trip to relieve him/herself, but if you are planning on a long walk or extended play time and you have a single coat canine consider appropriate precautions.

Itchy, Flaky, Dry Skin:  As the owner of a Beagle I can attest to the impact the change in weather has on my dog’s coat.  Like humans, animals skin takes a beating in the winter months.  Cold air outside combined with warm air in the house can result in severe itching, psoriasis, and a dull coat.  Using a humidifier in your home or as part of your HVAC system is helpful as is making sure your pets stay hydrated.  Another simple, inexpensive thing that many pet sitters and groomers offer is brushing.  Brushing stimulates skin to produce needed oils and on a less technical note its great bonding time with your furry family member(s).  If you decide to bathe your animal consider using a pet shampoo that is hypoallergenic and contains oatmeal which is good for soothing skin.

Watch the Clock:  Last but not least, be aware of how long you are outside with your pets or your pets are outside alone.  This is common sense but all too often folks get carried away with the sledding and playing in the snow and see the family pets seemingly frolicking right along with the neighborhood children.  The differences is the pets can’t tell you there face is numb and they can’t feel their fingertips (I know, many of our children don’t tell us either but you get my point ;).  Be smart and enjoy the pretty white stuff but keep an eye on the clock.

Do I Own a Pet or Do I Have a Child? How to Handle Your Pet's Separation Anxiety Part 2

In my last blog I had some fun discussing the very real emotions of our "furry children" illicit in most pet owners.  Those emotions often times seen in pet owners getting as excited to see their "kids" as the pets are to welcome the owners home.  All of the outpouring of emotions is beautiful but it may also be creating a problem for you and your pets when it is time for you to go on a much needed vacation, go to the office, or even run to the store for 30 minutes.

Separation anxiety is a very real condition for many pets, particularly dogs.  The following is a list of very common, sometimes overlooked, symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs:

• Urinating and defecating.  Some dogs urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their owner. If a dog urinates or defecates in the presence of his/her owner or when the owner is home, house soiling probably isn’t caused by separation anxiety.
• Barking or Howling.  This is typified by a relentless barking or howling that doesn't stop and is started within minutes of the owner leaving.  
• Chewing or other destruction.  Many dogs will resort to chewing on furniture, boxes, door frames, getting into trash, kitty litter, shoes, or any other household object.  This can lead to angry pet owners and injuries to the pet.
• Pacing.  Many dogs will pace anxiously the entire time an owner is away.  
• Coprophagia.  Some dogs will defecate then eat their own excrement. (I know, I never knew it had a scientific name either)
• Following owner from room to room as the owner prepares to leave
• Pacing, panting, drooling, or whining prior to owner leaving
• Escaping from home
• Self-destructive or obsessive compulsive behaviors such as chewing or licking at paws or flank sucking
• Hyperactivity (or the opposite of depression and listlessness
• Extreme excitement and frenzy upon owners return home

Believe it or not there is no specific condition that have been definitively attributed to the development of separation anxiety in animals.  Below is a list of many conditions experts believe to cause or be contributing factors:

• Change of owner
• Change in schedule/daily routine
• Change of home (eg, move)
• Change of family members (eg, death, divorce, college, military orders, etc...)
• Too much excitement at greeting/exits by owners
• Inconsistent personality traits of owners (ie, excited and happy one minute, aggressive and domineering the next)

Finally, before I get into how you can start trying to address separation anxiety in your pet(s), here are a few things you need to rule out before you start looking for ways to address separation anxiety

• Medical conditions like diabetes which can create issues with irregular urinary habits. 
• Puppy bad behavior like chewing and digging.  
• Boredom in dogs can lead to undesired behavior.  Dogs are social creatures and do best when part of a pack. We humans have to be this pack as we make the decision to bring dogs into our lives. To deprive a dog use of his basic instincts and social needs creates problems.

Okay, now that we've broken down some of the more commonly displayed traits of separation anxiety in animals let me provide a few steps you can try to help reverse the problem.  Keep in mind that separation anxiety is not pleasant for your pet so as you read my suggestions keep in mind that   working through a pets separation anxiety problem requires a high degree of commitment and patience on the part of the pet’s owner.

Here are some of the typically recommended methods for helping a dog learn to cope better with being alone:

• Minimize the amount of time the your pet is left alone.  If you can, take your pet with you,  utilize a daycare program, or arrange to have someone stay in your home while you are gone. Don’t scold or punish the pet for anxiety-related behavior.  Scolding your pet for such wrongdoings will not help and will make things worse because they are unable to exercise self-control.

• Don't use crates for confining the dog, the vast majority of dogs with separation anxiety just panic more when left in a crate.  Try keeping the dog confined to one room or area of the home with gates or other barriers. 

• Make sure leaving and returning home is low key, meaning remain calm and unemotional. Sometimes saying the same thing when you depart, such as “I'm coming back” or “See you soon”, can be helpful.  Do not touch your pet, talk to them soothingly for any length of time, or  make a big deal out of leaving.  Same thing when you come home for the first 10-15 minutes or so. If necessary, don’t even greet your pet or interact with him until he has a chance to settle down. Your coming home should be as much of a “non-event” as possible.

Try leaving something with your scent on it when you go out, this can be comforting. You can also use stuffed Kongs or other interactive toys, both as a distraction and a way for the pet to associate something good happening when you leave.  Only give the pet his special Kong treat or other toy when you leave the house.  If this technique works properly, the pet should actually start to look forward to your leaving because it signals something extra yummy or exciting coming his way. 

• Try using a natural stress reducing remedy or body wrap. 
• Pheromone diffusers such as D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) or Comfort Zone
• Calming Collar – worn around the dog’s neck, filled with soothing herbs
• Behavior modification for true, difficult-to-manage separation anxiety, some degree of behavior modification is essential. 
• Try putting on your shoes and coat and then sit down and watch TV 
• Make sure your pet is getting enough play time

Note: Please remember to discuss anything administered orally to your dog with your veterinarian, to be sure it is not contraindicated with anything health-wise affecting your
dog. 

Do I Own a Pet or Do I Have a Child? Part 1

Do I own a pet or do I have a child?  That is a question many pet owners wouldn't even consider a tongue-in-cheek question.  For those of you who took that question at face value you've already answered :)  Having been a pet sitter for well over a decade I have been around many pets and pet owners and one thing is for certain, some people own a pet and some people have a furry child.  Humor me and ask yourself if you ever say the following things to your pet(s):

"Don't make me tell you again!"
"Hold-on, I'll be there in a minute!"
"Awww maybe later."
"You better get moving this instant!"
"What were you thinking?"
"Hello booty butt!  Momma gonna spank your butt" (yes, that one is used at my house)

All of those statements were taken directly from a recent list I came across of things mothers say to their children.  If you're grinning a little you aren't alone.  A recent study found that women truly think of their dogs as children.  While the study didn't include men I'm guessing that for many men the results would be very similar.  The researcher who conducted the study looked at the brain activity of the women in the study.  The women each had at least one child between the ages of two and 10, and were also dog owners at the same time. Questionnaires and the results of viewing photos of both their children and dogs left little doubt:  As it pertains to dogs and babies, women didn't see a huge difference.  As a matter of fact, according to the researchers some women even responded more strongly to photos of their dogs than their children.

Lead researcher of the study, Lori Palley of Massachusetts General Hospital, explained, "Pets hold a special place in many people's hearts and lives, and there is compelling evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that interacting with pets can be beneficial to the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of humans."

We live in a world where not a only a few .com companies allow pets to be brought to work but several Fortune 500 corporations allow, even promote, bringing pets - albeit typically dogs - to the workplace.  Why?  For the same reasons researchers found created such strong ties between the  women who participated in the aforementioned study... happiness, warmth, security, comfort.  Its the same reason that many nursing homes not only allow but encourage dogs and cats be brought to visit their residents.  The animals generate feelings of happiness and joy in the patients.

So, when you hear a woman or man saying things like, "Momma gonna spank your butt!" or "Who wants their dinner?"  or "who's my bestest baby?!" keep in mind that they aren't crazy or an emotional "softie."  They are expressing very real feelings for a pet.  A pet that is, speaking scientifically,  their furry child ;)

All of this emotional outpouring is wonderful.  However it can create some problems.  Problems that aren't insurmountable and problems that I'll be addressing in part 2 of this blog.

Are You Hearing Me?

Ear care is extremely important for your pets.  Are you hearing me?  Okay, no more jokes about a serious pet maintenance issue.  Anyone who has ever had an ear ache as a child or as an adult understands the immense pain this malady creates.  Imagine now being a dog or cat and being able to do little more than feebly scratch at the outside of your ear.  Unfortunately, many times, persistent dogs and cats will manage to get a nail inside the ear resulting in a loud whimper.  The key to ear care for your pet is prevention!  Too often ear itching or head shaking is ignored as "not critical" and it can lead to reduced hearing or even hearing loss.  At the very least it can be very painful for your pet.  Moreover, ear problems are often a symptom of larger pet issues like allergies.

Symptoms of ear problems are typically east to spot and can include the following:

• Foul odor
• Regular scratching at ear or back of ears
• Head-shaking
• Whimpering and "pawing" at ears or face

Additionally, certain dogs are more inclined to be prone to ear infections.  These include:

• Dogs with large, floppy ears
• Most hound breeds
• Dogs with narrow ear canals
• Poor grooming/hygiene that includes excessive hair in the ears

So, what do I do?  Where do I start?  If you are fairly certain your animal has an ear infection it is always smart to begin with a trip to your pet's veterinarian. If your pet isn't displaying any of the aforementioned symptoms or if you just want to start regular maintenance you can start with basic grooming.  This includes a bath (I always recommend a hypoallergenic shampoo - is the only thing we use at Paws & Claws Urbana).  Either as part of the bath or after the main bath is complete using a soft wash cloth that is wet with luke warm water gently wipe away any visible ear debris from the immediate inside of the ear.  DO NOT go inside the pet's ear canal very far.  There are ear flushes available over-the-counter but I don't recommend these unless under the direction of a veterinarian as I have seen issues arise due to improper or excessive flushing.  Additionally I do have clients who flush their pets ears with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar.  Whether you are simply wiping away easily reached ear debris or attempting to flush the ear pay close attention to your pet's behavior.  Any pain or severe discomfort should signal an immediate stop and a scheduled trip to your vet.  If you notice severe ear debris beyond the outside of the pets ear and/or black crumble like material you will most likely want to see a vet.  This is usually a sign of ear mites.  Cats are very prone to ear mites and while dogs don't get ear mites as readily as cats they can still have mites so pay attention to the debris you are cleaning.

Severe cases of ear infections can require surgery.  Most times adequate cleaning or application of veterinarian prescribed topical ointments or powders can address issues after a thorough cleaning by your vet (this may include putting the dog under anesthesia in order to clean the ear canal(s) adequately.  In animals who have had long-standing ear infections where irreversible damage has occurred to the ear canal/ear drum the vet may recommend a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TEAC).  During this procedure the diseased ear canal is completely removed.  Approximately 50% of all dogs who have chronic ear infections already have a ruptured ear drum and middle ear infection so a TEAC is considered a final option and the dog has all but lost hearing at this point.  Prognosis for a full recovery after a TEAC is extremely good.  That worst case scenario covered don't let your pet get to that point ;)

Listed below is a link to VetDepot.com with some of the ear flushes available and ointments available.  Again, the key to healthy ears is regular maintenance.  Grooming keeps your pets happy AND healthy and in tune with your pet's medical condition.

Til' next time!

https://www.vetdepot.com/ear.html