Grasp one ear and hold the ear flap (pinna) up vertically to expose straighten out the ear canal. If left untreated, an ear infection can permanently harm the ear canal or develop into a more severe middle or internal ear infection. Home Blog Dog Head Shaking: Causes and What to Do. There are several reasons why your dog is shaking its head. Clean debris from the inside section of the ear flap and the higher ear canal with a cotton ball or gauze while also holding the ear flap up. How to clean your dogs ears successfully? Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. In a pinch, you can use a solution of one-part white vinegar to two parts water. While a small amount of earwax can be normal, you should contact your veterinarian if there is a foul smell, if your dog is shaking its head or scratching excessively, or if one or both ears seem red. After a bath or a swim, dogs shake their heads. Vocalizing or whining when the ears are scratched or rubbed, Increased production of wax in the ear canals, Scabs and crusting on the ears or the face, A fluid-filled swelling within the ear flap (, Regularly check your dogs ears. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. However, much of that is due to misinformation. Playing roughly or tripping can cause head injuries. These groomers say that the extra hair blocks proper air flow from the ear canal, and traps in extra ear wax, dirt, and debris. Or is it just one of those dog things? Below listed and explained are potential mistakes that should be avoided with caution while cleaning dog ears. The two general types of discomfort that can lead to a dog shaking its head are: Dogs most often shake their heads side to side to relieve ear discomfort, like itching, or to clear the ear canal of foreign substances, like dirt, water, or bugs. Welcome back! But if your pup is prone to ear infections, there may be certain things the groomer is doing that are irritating your pups ears, and causing their ear infection to return. Trauma to the ears can result from an external source or it could also be self-inflicted from excessive scratching or head shaking. Pull the ear flap up gently, and use a cotton ball or gauze to extract the dislodged debris and cleaning fluid from the outer aperture of the ear canal. It's very common in dogs who are prone to ear infections, especially if they have floppy ears rather than ears that stand straight up. Medicated ear drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, treat an infection, or kill certain mites. Ear problems in dogs are a common cause of scratching and head shaking. Your veterinarian can advise you on how often you should clean your dogs ears. Don't: When your puppy comes home after cropping there should be NO tape covering the cut edges of his or her ears. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Ear cropping and tail docking began as a utilitarian practice early on when dog breeds were developed and then put to work at the task they were designed to do. Have you noticed that your dog is acting strangely after coming home from the pet groomer? Whenever a dog shakes his head aggressively to try to clear a foreign substance, a blood vessel may break, causing swelling of the dogs ear flap, known as an auditory hematoma. Dogs most often shake their heads side to side to relieve ear discomfort, like itching, or to clear the ear canal of foreign substances, like dirt, water, or bugs. All youll need is an excellent ear cleaning fluid, a few cotton balls or gauze, and some snacks to reward your dog. If there is a lot of debris in the dogs ears, your veterinarian should do a deep cleaning of the canal while the dog is sedated. Your dog is shaking his head due to an ear infection or a parasite infestation. In the case of the Brussels Griffon, a hunting dog, the ears were cropped to keep them from being bitten by rats or other prey. Psychology Todaysays that "a dog can shake nearly 70 percent of the water from its fur in about 4 seconds." Although dogs can only move their backbone 30 one way or the other, shaking works so well because of their loose skin. Most people are familiar with Danes, Boxers and Doberman Pinschers as being cropped breeds. If your dog has a foreign body in the ear, light sedation may be recommended to assess the ear canal and safely remove the material without causing damage to the eardrum. Why ZipZyme is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for your dog or cat than fish oil. Misfitanimals.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. With my blogs, I will try to make you understand the kind of care and attention pets need when they are around us and behind us. Monday Friday: 7:30AM 7:00PMSaturday: 7:30AM 2:00PM, Monday Friday: 10:00AM 6:00PMSaturday: 10:00AM 2:00PM, Copyright 2023 | All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy, Spring is here and for many of us, that means its time for a, April is Pet First-Aid Awareness Month! Ear Cropping In Dogs Price, Legality, Surgery & Aftercare The cut edge of the ears should be neatly stitched, free of tape, and the rest of the ears can be taped to a foam cup or left to hang.
