When you think about your pet’s health, generally your mind doesn’t go straight to their teeth or ears. But those are important factors in your pet’s overall health. They may seem like small areas, but it is vital to keep these areas healthy. If your pet develops issues in these areas, it can affect their overall health.
Ear Health
A lot of people don’t give much thought to their pet’s ears. They are just a part of their pet, which are generally used to ignore any commands you give them and are a great place for a good scratch. There are a few health issues that can arise in a pet’s ear though. A few can be easily cleared up, but others can end up causing permanent damage.
Most dogs will at one point suffer from an ear infection. Floppy-eared dogs are more prone to this than others. More often than not, this is caused by an overrun of bacteria and/or parasites in the ears. These infections are normally cleared up under the direction of your veterinarian. If these are left un-treated, the infection can eventually lead to cause more permanent damage such as ear drum damage, lacerations, or skin damage caused by scratching.
What you can do for your dog’s ears
A great way to help prevent ear infections, is to regularly clean out your pets’ ears. You can do this by using an ear cleaner along with a cotton ball or cloth, and gently wipe out your pets’ ears. Your doctor may prescribe a solution such as Epiklean for this which is great for general ear cleaning and as an otic drying agent.
Dental Health
I know everyone loves puppy breath, but unfortunately puppy breath does not last forever. Just like humans, your pet’s teeth are an important part of their health. If they have bad teeth hygiene, they will eventually end up having teeth pulled.
Smaller breed dogs seem to generally have more dental issues than larger breeds, but all can be affected by it. Pets can get tartar build up, broken or fractured teeth, gum disease, and more. If left untreated, they can stop eating because of the pain which will lead to other health issues, or they can get an infection can which spread to their blood. Veterinarians generally recommend getting a professional dental cleaning 1 – 2 times a year once your pet has turned 2 years old. Each dog is different though, so it is best to speak with your veterinarian to get their recommendation for your pet.
What you can do for your dog’s teeth
A great way to help maintain your pet’s teeth and keep them healthy, in addition to a professional dental cleaning, is to brush your pets’ teeth as often as you can. Just like humans, they benefit from having their teeth brushed. It can reduce plaque buildup and help with their breath. An enzymatic toothpaste such as Petrodex is great for this purpose.
It is always best to try to prevent a problem before it happens. This is why Backyard Pet Services offers ear cleaning and teeth brushing as part of our light and full groom packages. We want to help you keep your pet healthy and looking their best!
