By Jennifer P. April

Checking your dog’s ears regularly can tell you a lot about his health. In fact, dog ear care is an important component of your companion’s health.

Keep in mind that if you check your dog’s ears every couple of days, you might see some early signs of problems. Use both your sight and smell in checking for any symptoms. Actually, your sense of smell may be more effective at times.

This technique could definitely help you notice any signs of problems or infections.

On a normal basis, dog’s ears do not smell bad. A stinky ear is a sign of trouble.

One possibility for problem dog ears are ear mites. These can be detected if you see there is a waxy, dark-colored discharge.

Another symptom of illness are pus-like discharges which means that there may be a bacterial infection.

Yet another reason for a dog’s foul-smelling ear is allergy related. There can also be a secondary yeast infection. If you don’t find and end the source of the yeast/allergies, this will require ongoing treatment with mixed results.

According to some vets, ear problems in both ears can even indicate ailing liver or kidneys.

Which canine breeds can contract ear infections most easily?

Having floppy ears is a reason some dogs contract frequent ear problems, since there is less air that pass through the ear canals. This is why spaniels and bloodhounds can be pretty susceptible to such.

Thick hair growth inside the ear may also cause a problem, like that of a Lhasa Apso. Dogs that like to swim may also expose their ear to ear infections.

In case that the thick hair growth is the cause of the ear problem, you can trim the hair on the inside of the ears.

How do you clean your dog’s ears?

A simple solution of water and vinegar is the best and provides antibacterial properties. Just mix 1 part plain vinegar to 2 parts water. Use a clean cloth or cotton balls. Wet the fabric with the vinegar/water solution and wipe out the inside of your pet’s ears.

Dog ear care is so important to your pet’s health.

If you’d like to learn more about dog ear care and natural solutions to your dog’s health problems, please visit my website where I share natural solutions to your dog’s health and you can sign up for my free 7 part ecourse, All Natural Dog Solutions.