Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is a heartwarming experience filled with love and joy. However, it’s also a journey of responsibility, particularly relating to their health. Because many rescue dogs come from tough backgrounds, they can experience certain health issues, including ear problems. Learning how to protect and improve your new furry friend’s ear health is crucial in their post-adoption care.
Ear infections are common in dogs, particularly those with hanging ears. Bacteria and viruses love to hide in the dark, damp environments provided by our canine companions’ floppy ears. Harmful debris can also become embedded, causing pain and possible infection.
You’ll need to commit to a regular ear care routine to keep your rescue dog’s ears clean and infection-free. This might sound complicated, but it’s relatively simple with a bit of guidance. Gentle ear cleanser solutions meant for dogs will become your best friend. They are designed to loosen debris, thus priming the ears for a thorough, yet careful cleaning.
When cleaning your dog’s ears, it’s crucial to avoid pushing cotton swabs into their ear canal; this can cause severe damage. Instead, use the cotton ball or pad to clean visible areas and surfaces gently. Remember, it’s better to under-clean than over-clean or hurt your dog in the process.
Regular ear checks should be part of your pet care routine. Examining your dog’s ears weekly will help you spot any changes or signs of infection early. Symptoms like redness, bad odor, swollen ears, or unusual head shaking or scratching must not be ignored.
Investing time and effort into your dog’s ear health minimally compares to the invaluable companionship and relentless love they offer you. After all, it’s a small price we pay for their wagging tails and loving licks.
