This Is The #1 Reason Why You Should Take Your Pup To The Vet

What do you think they most common reason that pups go to the vet is? According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, in 2016, the answer to that question was ear infections. It sounds unlikely, but it’s true!

That’s why it’s important to know what you can about this condition so your pups don’t suffer the same problem.

There are many causes for ear infections. The most common ones are excess moisture, allergies, and ear mites or parasites – you can read more about these here. Other causes include a lot of hair in the ear, build-up of wax, foreign bodies in the ear canal, and poor hygiene. It can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism.

So how can you prevent ear infections from occurring? Here are three great ways:

1. Be wary of moisture

If your pup loves water and swimming, or gets bathed regularly, make sure to dry the ears as thoroughly as you can with either a cotton ball or a towel. Some cleaning and drying agents are available in the market for this purpose, although you can make your own drying agent by mixing apple cider vinegar and purified water in a 1:1 ration. You may also use hydrogen peroxide.

2. Clean regularly

Clean your pup’s ears often with a gentle cleaning product. Remember not to use Q-tips as this may just push wax or other foreign objects further into the ear. Read up on more cleaning tips here.

3. Observe

Check your pup’s ears for signs of ear infection regularly. It’s important to be able to recognize when your pup has an ear infection, or a similar problem in their ears. Redness, swelling, odor, crusts or scabs, or discharge on the ear are the most easily visible signs. Repeated scratching or rubbing of the ear can also be a sign of ear infection. In more serious cases, hair loss around the ear, bleeding in the ear canal, and hearing loss may also occur.

If you notice any symptoms of ear infection in your pup, take them to the vet immediately! Don’t forget to like and share this information with other pup parents.