Getting Rid of
Ear Gunk Hawaii’s heat and humidity—the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow in your dog’s ears. Add dirt, ear wax and water and your dog is on his way to a full-blown case of stinky ear gunk.
O
ur four-legged friends are susceptible to a variety of outer ear problems classified as otitis externa. Without proper and regular ear cleaning, dirty ears can soon become infected ears. Droopy or thickly furred ears are especially prone to holding in warmth and moisture. With a build up of dirt, ear wax and soap or water, the ear canal becomes an incubator for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Unchecked this can lead to painful, red, inflamed ears. Your dog will be in pain, shaking his head, scratching and may even wince and cry if you touch his ears. If you’ve reached this point, seek veterinary treatment right away. Even before the painful and obviously infected stage you should notice a foul or yeasty odor that signals an ear infection is brewing. If your dog’s ears smell gross, you’re overdue on cleaning.
L-R: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution, Pet MD Ear Wipes with Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus and Burt’s Bees Relieving Ear Rinse with Chamomile and Rosemary. These products can be found in local pet stores or veterinary clinics and online.
30 ISLAND DOG MAGAZINE • FALL 2018
