There is some debate about whether uncropped ears are more prone to ear infections than cropped ears. But regardless of the type of ears your Doberman has, it is still important to inspect and clean them regularly. Wiping the ears with a cotton ball lightly saturated with rubbing alcohol once every week or two is a good preventive. The alcohol not only cleans the ears but also helps dry them out. Moisture is a key factor in allowing bacteria to multiply and cause an infection.

Mild signs of an ear infection are an odor from the ears, head shaking, or ear scratching. If the problem doesn’t clear up with daily cotton and alcohol cleanings within 7 to 10 days, you should consult your veterinarian. More severe cases of ear infection can result in a very strong ear odor, red or cracked skin on the underside of the ear, and inflammation.

Your dog may carry his head in a tilted position or even show some signs of dizziness or lack of balance. For these serious cases, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Antibiotics, ear flushing, or other treatments may be necessary to get the problem under control.

Eye Care

Sight is one of the most important senses for both dogs and humans. But unlike blind humans, who can make use of canes, seeing-eye dogs, and other devices to maintain a good quality of life, dogs aren’t so fortunate. That’s why it is so critical to make a habit of examining your dog’s eyes during grooming.

Any sign of squinting, redness, inflammation, cloudiness, or obstruction of the lens is an indication that veterinary assistance should be sought immediately. Some eye conditions, like glaucoma, can progress very rapidly, so any problem with the eyes should be treated as an emergency.

Application of a canine eye wash can be helpful to clean and soothe your dog’s eyes if they appear mildly irritated (teary) due to dust or debris. Any foreign objects that cannot be easily removed from your dog’s eyes should be tended to by your vet.