Did you know it is estimated nearly 20% of dogs are battling ear issues? And while ear infections are less common in cats, they can still become a serious issue – fast. Ear infections are a nuisance for both you and your pet. For them, the itchiness or even pain creates discomfort and upsets their daily life. For you, it causes stress and worry about your pet, along with a few potential visits to the vet. Knowing how to spot an oncoming issue, and how to stop it, can be the difference maker for helping you and your pet get back to enjoying your day. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
How to Spot an Ear Infection
Because of a dog’s ear canal shape, they are more prone to infections than humans or most other pets. Moisture can easily be trapped in the vertical canal, creating an environment primed for bacteria growth. But spotting an oncoming ear infection early could help you save your pet from a more serious issue and long-term damage.
Common Signs of an Infection in Dogs
- Head shaking
- Scratching at their ear
- Redness and swelling around the ear canal
- Foul odor
- Excessive wax build-up, crusting, or scabs in the ears
- Dark or yellowish discharge
Common Signs of an Infection in Cats
- Head tilting
- Redness or swelling around their ear flap
- Loss of balance
- Foul odor
- Excessive waxy build-up
- Black or yellowish discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s time to start with some treatments.
Treating an Ear Infection
If you suspect an oncoming infection, step one is to call your vet. They will likely want to set up an appointment to evaluate the severity and treatment necessary for a speedy recovery. But in the meantime, there are some treatment options for you to start at home.
At-Home Treatment
The Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Ear Treatment Kit from Absorbine offers a solution for addressing ear problems in dogs, cats, and other animals. This two-step system includes a rinse and concentrated doses with potent natural antimicrobials, MicroSilver BG®, and medical-grade Manuka Honey to address common issues or infections quickly and effectively. The treatment starts working within 30 minutes and provides immediate soothing relief – which your pet will be more than grateful for! After the visit with your vet, they may even just have you finish the treatment course with this kit, saving you the cost of additional medications.
Preventing Ear Problems
Unfortunately, the risk of ear infections can be increased by daily activities such as swimming at the lake, by skin or food allergies, or by dirt and wax build-up. If your pet is exposed to any of these factors, good ear hygiene with consistent care and gentle cleansing will help you prevent any issues down the road. This involves regular maintenance, particularly after activities like playtime, swimming, or exposure to dirty environments. Remember, a healthy ear is typically pale pink, lacks any smell or dirt, and contains little to no visible wax.
Healthy Ear Hygiene
This may all sound like a lot, but luckily some products can make regular ear care at home a very simple part of your day.
Absorbine’s Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care Vet Strength Pet Wipes are pre-medicated with MicroSilver BG® and Manuka Honey in an easy-to-use, no-mess wipe solution. These wipes help prevent the build-up of debris and dirt, soothe irritation, eliminate odor, and (perhaps most importantly) help prevent those pesky infections.
If your pet is prone to a build-up of dirt, debris, or wax, or if they are commonly exposed to dirty or damp environments, you can take that regular cleaning one step further with Absorbine’s Silver Honey Vet Strength Ear Rinse. This cleansing solution helps keep ears free of debris, prevents dirt and wax build-up, and is also a solution for swimmer’s ear. This is the same Rinse that is a part of the Treatment Kit. But here you can purchase it on its own to easily combine with the Wipes for a complete yet simple routine.
Utilize these prevention options daily or as needed to help your pet stay comfortable and happy with healthier ears.
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