Dog’s ears are little wax makers. They come in various shapes and sizes – some upright, some long and pendulous, some small and some tipped over. Their care is slightly different depending on the type. Pendulous ears often need more care than the others: because of the overhanging fold, wax will tend to remain in the ear canal, and the closeness of the ear flap against the dog’s cheek means that the ear retains moisture which, combined with the warmth, makes far an ideal breeding ground for ear mites.

Whatever the type, you should check them and make sure they are free from foreign objects and of surplus wax. This can be done by using an ear wipe specially formulated to clean the wax away. Do not probe too deeply into the ear. Again, do this while at your regular grooming session at your grooming station, maybe checking this weekly unless there is an evident problem that needs more immediate attention.

Some long-haired breeds have hair that constantly grows in the ear canal. This should ideally be done by a vet or qualified groomer on a regular basis. It is also possible to do it yourself if you are careful and take some expert advice first, but it can make the ears sensitive if not done properly. Should the ear start to smell or if a discharge is apparent, veterinary help should be sought.

Eye Care For Dogs

On a daily basis, you should pay attention to your dog’s eyes. Many breeds – including most of the long-haired and the short-nosed breeds-will get a collection of matter forming around the inner corners of their eyes. An eye wipe or moist cotton ball wiped gently across the corner of the eye will normally remove this. Should the eye seem inflamed or have discharge, seek veterinary advice.

Staining: Some light-colored dogs suffer from tear staining leaving marks on the fur of the muzzle under the eyes. This is caused by the acidity of the tears. It may also occur in darker-coated dogs, but naturally this tends to be less noticeable. There are many products on the market that can help with this, and gentle bathing with a suitable proprietary product, of which there are many in pet stores, helps keep it to a minimum.