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Shih Tzu Care- Keep His Ears Clean |
By:
Richard Cussons |
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Shih Tzu Care- Keep His Ears Clean
Richard Cussons
Although Shih Tzu care almost means caring and grooming the coat, Shih Tzu owners must also remember that the ears are still part of your dog's body. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of your dog's ears because these parts are prone to ear mites and allergies.
Cleaning your dog's ears requires cleaning implements such as cotton balls, cotton swab, damp wash cloth or ear cleaning solution. Ear wash or ear cleaning solution is available at your local pet supply store or you can also get one from your veterinarian. A mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a substitute for your dog's ear cleaning solution.
The best way to clean the ears is to start from the outer area first. removing the dirt in this area can be done with the use of cotton ball dampened with cleaning solution. Then proceed to the inner ear by filling the ear canal with cleaning solution. Massaging the ear for about 20 seconds is enough to help loosen the dirt and ear wax. Using dry cotton balls, carefully wipe off the dirt and excess fluid.
Proper cleaning of your dog's ear may prevent the following:
Otitis Media
When the infection of the external ear canal extends into the middle ear, Otitis Media or infection of the middle ear occurs. Reasons that your dog will endure from this disease is because of foreign bodies, debris and ulceration. Bacteria reach the middle ear when the eardrum ruptures therefore careful cleaning of the ear is necessary. Odor, discharge, ear scratching, head shaking and head tilt are signs of Otitis Media.
Otitis Externa
An inflammation of the ear canal is called Otitis Externa or outer ear infection. The inflammation travels from the outside opening of the ear moving inward to the eardrum. Causes of Otitis Externa are bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear and infections from other parts of the body.
Hematoma of the Ear Flap
This condition occurs when the blood is accumulated between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap. This ear problem is due to too much head shaking or scratching at the ears.
Ear Mite Infestation
Ear mites are tiny white parasites infesting animals such as dogs and cats. These parasites are highly contagious, affects the whole litter even if only one dog is infested initially. Signs to watch out are head shaking and ear scratching.
One of the best gifts you could offer your dog is your genuine Shih Tzu care. Keeping him clean is just like keeping him healthy and promoting his longevity.
Richard Cussons has composed various articles on dogs. For added information on http://www.shihtzusavvy.com/shih-tzu-care.html Shih Tzu care, check out this site dedicated to http://www.shihtzusavvy.com/ Shih Tzus.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article67566.html |
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