Allergic to Cats Again

Yesterday Tux and Buffy came out for some quality time and by the end of the hour FiveCatsDad and I were sniffing. 

He speculates it could be mites from Buffy's leg but could be just their fur in a closed environment. 

The children were ok though. Their immune systems are stronger and with each exposure they'll be stronger. 

FiveCatsBaby is very thrilled with them and rushes to pet them, much gently this time.



Tux looks more interested in something else than the dinosaur book I put beside him as a prop. :)

Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

The human animal isn’t the only one affected by allergies. Like you, your adult dog can suffer from allergic reactions to any number of things — in the air, on his skin and in his food. Allergies must be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian, but first, you must know what to look for.

The most common signs and symptoms of allergies include:

-                persistent scratching, licking and skin chewing

-                face and ear rubbing

-                inflamed skin patches, hair loss and foul odor

-                coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose

-                frequent vomiting or diarrhea

The most common allergy symptoms in dogs are the skin reactions, regardless of the cause. And they can they can crop up at any age. Just because he didn’t have allergies as a puppy, doesn’t mean your dog won’t have them now that he’s an adult. Four of the most common types of allergies that might affect your dog are inhalant, food, contact and flea allergies.

Inhalant allergies in dogs are caused by the same common allergens that affect you — dust, grass, trees, mold, pollen, ragweed, etc. They can be seasonal or persistent and, while some breeds (especially short-snouted breeds) may experience the same sniffly, sneezy symptoms you might suffer, skin reactions are most common. Inhalant allergies can often be treated with the same medications you take, but please don’t treat your dog’s allergies without veterinary supervision.

Food allergies can be the most difficult to diagnose and manage. Treatment involves a hit-and-miss approach involving a restricted diet and the gradual reintroduction of possible allergens to determine the culprit. Skin reactions to food allergies are common in dogs, but frequent vomiting or diarrhea can also be a sign. Keep in mind that if there is a change in your dog’s diet (or he just ate something he wasn’t supposed to), he may experience an episode of vomiting or diarrhea — this doesn’t necessarily mean your dog has an allergy. Watch and see if it becomes a persistent problem before scheduling a costly trip to the vet.

Contact and flea allergies generally cause skin irritation and are treated topically. You might be surprised to learn that most dogs are only vaguely bothered by fleas. But those that are allergic can suffer — and so can their owners. Dogs with contact and flea allergies often chew their skin raw, leading to hair loss, odor and infection, so fastidious flea control is a must.

Allergies can vary from dog to dog, so it is important that you work with your vet to make sure YOUR dog gets the best possible treatment. You’ll both be happier for it.

Keeping Your Dog Safe on Your Vacation

Being able to take a vacation is a treat for most people. It is even more of a treat for your dog. It is rare that your pet will be able to get out of the same area and explore new regions of the world that he has never seen before. However, keeping your pet safe while taking a vacation is very important. Planning ahead for any potential problems can keep everyone happy, your dog safe, and your vacation fun. There are steps that can be taken to ensure this is taken care of. Making sure that your dog is in perfect healthy and fit for travel is at the top of the list of things you need to do before leaving.

Any lengthy trips can mean a lot of travel. If you plan on traveling by car, there are fewer issues that can arise, but it is still good to be prepared. Making sure that your dog is up to date on all of his shots and vaccinations will prevent the possibility of him contracting a disease while he is with you on vacation. It is also good in case you need it for proof of vaccination. In order for a pet to travel by plane a recent update in their vaccinations is needed upon boarding. Having this certification performed no more than two weeks before traveling is needed if you are taking your pet out of the country.

Other ways to ensure your dogs' health and well being on a vacation trip is to make sure that you travel safe. Do not leave your pet in the back of a pick-up truck during the trip as he can be injured if you need to stop suddenly, or if you get into an accident. Also, a dog can jump out of the back of the truck if they are left in the back for too long. Keeping your pet in the back seat of a car is a good idea, but make sure that your pooch has an empty stomach before you leave. Feeding your pet just before, or during the trip can lead to car sickness. However, keeping a bottle of water around is a very good idea. It is important that your dog has plenty of water while they are traveling.

A bored dog can become a distraction for a driver, making him rather dangerous to have in the car. It is very important to keep your dog well entertained during the trip. Stopping every so often to stretch your own legs, as well as to let your bridled buddy out to go to the bathroom, can give you an excuse to play a game with your pooch and make the remainder of his trip as enthusiastic as possible. It is also a smart idea to keep a few of his favorite toys and plenty of tasty treats on hand to keep his mind busy. This will help ease his boredom and make him a little easier to have in the vehicle.

If your dog does not particularly care for car rides, you may need to have dog crates for your pet to stay in while on the road. This will make him a little less of a danger to himself, and to his owners. Make sure that you buckle in the crate to ensure that it does not slide in the vehicle, or can be thrown free of the vehicle in an accident. There are special seat belt attachments for cars and mini-vans that work for this purpose. It is much safer to have your pooch tied in then to be free in the vehicle, where he can be thrown about and receive serious injuries. Simply being prepared for everything that may come can help you keep your pet safe and happy on your vacation.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot for metal dog gates online.

Helping Your Cat Express Its Creativity Through Scratching

Most cats enjoy scratching, there's no question about it.

And indoor cats are no different. Just because a tree is not available, it does not decrease their desire to "leave a mark on the world" by scratching. From a cat's point of view, chairs, sofas, and even the woodwork can serve as a good substitute. But cat owners often take a different view. They see scratching as a destructive behavior, and seek to redirect or stop it. In many cases, a scratching post can be a good compromise.

But even better, why not help your feline pal create original pieces of art you will be proud to display in your home or office?

Ever since he was a kitten, my cat Henry has always loved to scratch. He soon grew tired of the scratching post I bought him and went on to create interesting textures on the living room sofa and chair. I was determined not to have him declawed. So what was the answer?

I remembered hearing that a friend's cat liked to scratch a piece of carpet she had nailed onto the wall. So I went to the surplus store and bought a few pieces of carpet remnants.

It did not take Henry long to catch on. Almost as soon as I nailed the carpet up on the wall, he discovered that he really enjoyed scratching it. He was very pleased that it didn't turn over with him like his old scratching post sometimes did, and he enjoyed working with the

texture.

A few months later, when Henry had nearly scratched the carpet remnant to pieces, I decided to replace it with another strip of carpet. But instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to put a hanger on it and display it. After all, it looked like a modern piece of fiber art. It had long, fluffy loops of all lengths, and it looked like someone had spent a great deal of time creating it. (Actually they did -- only the "someone" happened to be feline!)

Last summer when I was exhibiting some of my own fiber art at the Bangor Public Library in Bangor, Maine, I decided to include a few pieces of Henry's work. The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and were surprised to learn that a cat had created it! Within a few

months, Henry and his work were also featured in the Bangor Daily News.

If you would like to help your feline friend express their creativity, all you need are a few nails or screws and a strip of carpet that's at least 5-6 inches across and at least a foot long. Make sure that the carpet does not have loops that are cut, or your cat will only be able

to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she would like to create. Nail it securely to the wall, and watch what happens! If your cat needs a little encouragement, you can always rub the carpet remnant with catnip, or spray it with catnip spray.

Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat might create!

Anita Louise McCormick is a writer, editor, artist, and Reiki Master. She is also the agent and personal assistant of a very creative cat, Henry the Feline Fiber Artist! You can visit the website Anita created for Henry at

http://henrythefelinefiberartist.wordpress.com to read his story, see a few of the wall hangings he created, and view a short video documentary about his work. Anita also has a website about her writing at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/AnitaMcCormick

Simple Tips On Cleaning A Pet Cage

Simple Tips On Cleaning A Pet Cage

Cleaning your pet’s cage is one of the keys to keeping your pet healthy at all times. It will make your pet’s living space free from germs and foul odor, making it a comfortable environment to live in. It can also minimize the chance of bacterial and fungal infections to your pet.

Cleaning cages is not a fun chore, but doing it as organized as possible will make the task less of a chore. Here are some simple tips when cleaning an animal cage:

Being systematic is really the solution to a much hassle-free cleaning process. Whenever you need to clean your pet’s cage, better transfer your pet to a safe place where he or she can feel comfortable during the cleaning time. You can put your pet in another cage while you are doing the cleaning. Bringing him or her in the yard or any confined space would be a good idea to avoid getting distracted.

Afterwards, start removing all the things inside the cage. Throw all the trash and dirt away. Be meticulous in getting rid of all the left-overs and animal wastes inside the cage. Clean up all the solid material first. Then, proceed to washing the litter pans, feeding bowls, toys, and other accessories. Don’t forget to clean the bedding. You can use fabric softener so that the bedding will be soft for your beloved pet.

Take extra time in cleaning the removable trays. Make sure you also disinfect the wire bottom and wipe it to remove any lingering poop or urine smell.

Bear in mind that the aim in cleaning your pet’s cage is to kill the germs, so it’s better to use hot water and proper cleaning agent when scrubbing the cage. To ensure the cage is cleaned very well, purchase a cage cleaner, which can be in the form of powder, wipes or spray bottle. Make sure it’s made from non-toxic materials. Use only the products that are proven safe for animals.

Whether you own a dog, cat, or any other animals, it is always important for you to make your pet’s cage clean. Doing this task regularly is essential to the health and well-being of your pet.

Andrei Smith writes for Midwest Homes 4 Pets, a company that offers a wide array of rabbit cages, bird cages and small animal cages. For more details, please visit MidwestHomes4Pets.com or contact the Toll Free Helpline: (800) 428-8560.

Labels: cat articles, dog articles

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

How can you tell if your pet is overweight?

Originally posted on Monday November 11, 2013
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM


The holidays are just around the corner, and with the extra feasts comes an annual awareness of weight gain and exercise for many of us. Performing a quick assessment of optimal body weight for your pet may be the start toward optimal health, too.

While some drugs (i.e. phenobarbitol) and some disease conditions (i.e. hypothyroidism) can cause a pet to be overweight, obesity in pets is most often caused by overfeeding regular foods and offering too many high-calorie treats. Coupled with not enough exercise, obesity severely impacts the health of joints, heart, liver, and overall health.

Find out how to objectively assess your pet's body condition and work toward an optimal weight if need be. Better now than later.

Learn The Experts Secrets For Keeping Pets Calm During A Move

Here's something that's helpful in addition to using Music My Pet to calm your pet....

In addition to the helpful article (below), remember to use Music My Pet to ease the transition of moving....


Moving house can certainly be a time of high stress and anxiety for the family. You are finishing packing, the movers come, and you relocate to a new home, a new neighborhood, and sometimes even a new city. Not only can it be stressful for you and your kids, it can be stressful on your dog as well. 

Most dogs can easily tell when something is in the air. If you are moving or planning a trip, the dog knows. They may not know exactly what is going on, but they know when something is about to change. As they begin to see boxes replacing household items, they begin to become anxious. And then the movers come, and they have strangers going in and out of their home and disrupting life as they know it. Then when they get brought over to the new house, it smells different, it looks different, and everything is still in boxes. They are nervous and don’t know what to make of all the change. 

So, how can you help your dog when you move?

Here are a few calming tips and helpful hints to keeping your pet as relaxed as possible during this time.

Remember, sometimes an upset or barky dog can cause you to become more stressed; helping your dog stay calm will benefit you and your family as well.

When preparing to move, one of the last things you should pack is your pet’s toys, blankets, bed, and doggie bones. These are all items that are familiar to your dog. If you take away their personal items, they may become distressed and start searching for their favorite tennis ball or squeaky toy. Depending on how many toys your dog has, you may not need to pack them all. Simply transport Fido with his bed, comfort blanket, and favorite bone and toy. The rest you can throw in a box as you walk him out the door and into the car.

If you are hiring professional movers or if you are getting a bunch of friends to help you move, either way, they are people that are new and strange to your dog, and they will be going in and out of the house.

Depending on how protective your dog is of your house, it may change your approach. First go ahead and take the time to introduce each mover or friend to your dog, so Fido can be assured that they are “good” people, and not “bad.” If this does not help, you may want to put your dog in the backyard or in the laundry room, out of the way. If your dog is just curious, it may help them to be near everyone else, such as the front yard. You may want to try putting them on a leash and stake out front so they can see what is going on.

Loud noises and strange people going in and out of the house can be stressful on your pet. Moving from somewhere familiar to somewhere that is completely different can easily make a dog nervous.

Be sure to comfort them often, and let them have full access to their belongings. This will calm them and give them a sense of security even though things are hectic. Keeping your dog calm will also help you be calm. Good luck moving!
 

About the Author

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:bark control collars, electric dog fences and dog training collars.

Re-Post from - ModernMom's Top 10 Sleepy Animals!:)

A little something special from our furry friends! :) Originally Published on Feb 1, 2013
Is there anything cuter than a sleepy little puppy or kitten? Here are our Top 10 favorite clips of adorably exhausted pets! Click below to subscribe to our channel for more great videos!

ModernMom Website:: www.ModernMom.com

ModernMom Store:: www.babooshbaby.com

****************************************­****************************** ModernMom is a trusted resource and online community for the "Woman Behind the Mom," with practical tips, advice, videos and information on parenting, pregnancy, family, career, health, beauty, cooking, crafts and more. Headed up by Dancing with the Stars co-host Brooke Burke and Lisa Rosenblatt, ModernMom is full of original content from celebrated experts, authors, bloggers and real moms from all over the world. It's a one-stop destination for smart, savvy and soulful women who want to be informed, entertained and inspired.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Dogs article for you Dog Obedience Training Tips for Beginners

You may think that dog obedience training would be very difficult especially if you have never trained a dog before. No one wants their dog to misbehave so that leads us to find a way to train our dogs to be obedient. Is it possible to train your dog the wrong way? In order to teach your dog to be obedient, there are a few things that are required in order for your dog obedience training lessons to be effective and easy. As a dog owner dedicated to the goal of training your dog to behave, it is important to be patient, structured, and loving when training your dog.

When you begin training your dog to be obedient, you may be surprised that your dog is not the only one that is learning some valuable lessons. You will find when dog obedience training that you are learning a lot from these lessons also. You will really need to get to know the personality of your dog and your dogs needs in order to find effective ways to train your dog to be obedient.

 Each dog will have its own type of body language and personality. If you recognize these you will be more successful in your training.

When dog obedience training you need to keep persistence and consistency for it to go well. Most of the time your dog will not change their behavior in a single day. Since is your job to realize that dog obedience training will be a gradual learning process, it is important to keep trying and not give up because your dog will learn with patience and time. Even if your dog seems to be learning slowly, being persistent in trying to train your dog will benefit you and your dog in the future. If you keep your eye on the prize and work with them, all of your hard work will pay off.

Your dog obedience training must start as soon as you bring your new dog home. Even though your puppy may seem adorable tearing up your home that first day, what you are really doing is telling your dog it is okay to have bad behavior. You must establish dominance over the puppy and set firm rules the very moment he comes home. 

Teaching your dog the use the bathroom outside is probably the most important thing you will teach your dog. Other behaviors to discourage in your new puppy include, chewing furniture, jumping on your friends and family, or leaving your yard.

You must assert your dominance as dogs live in packs and will follow the direction of whoever is the dominant one. Your dog will respect you much more and learn a lot faster if you let the dog know that you are in charge from the very beginning of dog obedience training. Although you need to establish your role of leader from the very beginning, it is not necessary to be too strict in your training and punishment techniques when your dog is just in its influential puppy stage. While you are teaching your new puppy that your are the one in charge, it is also important to show your puppy plenty of love by playing with and petting your puppy.



Your best chance is to read up on a bit of material on dog obedience training before you go out to get your new puppy to bring home. Even if you have already picked up your furry little friend in a hasty decision and are now browsing for ways to train him, you can still find hope. The two most important aspects of your dog obedience training should be to let your dog know lovingly that you are in charge and never to waiver on that fact.

 By: Ryan Hill 

Author's Resource:

Please visit www.dogobediencehelp.com for more FREE articles about dog obedience training. A great place for people interested in dog training and obedience. 

Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.

Ready to Adopt? What You Need to Know

In addition to the helpful article (below), remember to use Music My Pet to ease the transition in adopting a pet....

Adopting a pet is a wonderful deed—you’ll help a dog or cat in need while at the same time find a devoted animal companion. But it’s also a long-term commitment and not to be taken lightly. You’ll need to be prepared to provide care, food, training and attention— be ready to deal with a pet that may shed on or chew or scratch furniture—and be able to afford years of veterinary costs. But what you’ll receive in return is priceless and immeasurable: the gift of unconditional love.

Shelter Pet Myths

There are many myths associated with shelter animals that prevent potential pet-owners from considering adoption. One myth is: you can’t find adoptable puppies or kittens, while in reality shelters have pets of all ages and sizes waiting to find a forever home. Another myth is that there are no purebred dogs or cats available for adoption. The truth is 25% of shelter animals are purebreds. In addition, there are many breed-specific rescue groups that work to match up the right owner with the perfect purebred pet. Finally, many believe falsely that shelter animals have been given up because they’re un-trainable, while in fact many healthy, sweet, smart animals have been surrendered to shelters not due to their dispositions but due to situations out of the pets’ control. Plus, many pets adopted through shelters and rescues are spayed or neutered, behavior tested, and microchipped.

Many healthy, sweet, smart animals have been surrendered to shelters not due to their dispositions but due to a divorce, a move or lifestyle change, or a family member developed allergies, or because an owner was not truly ready for the responsibility of pet ownership. Shelters offer adoptable dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, mixes and sizes. And if you’re truly set on a purebred pet, there are breed-specific rescue groups that work to match up the right owner with the perfect purebred pet.

Finding Your New Pet

When considering a new pet for the whole family, it’s good to involve all members of the household in the process, which means having everyone visit the shelter together to pick out your new dog or cat. That includes your current dog. Some shelters even provide special rooms for dog-to-dog meet-and-greets to ensure the right match. It’s also a smart idea to keep an open mind about the kind of dog or cat you want and work with the shelter experts to find the pet best suited to your lifestyle and temperament.

The Adoption Process

Most shelters have an adoption screening process that includes paperwork plus personal references. And you should know that adoption fees often cover vaccinations, micro chipping, spay/neuter surgery.

A Period of Adjustment

It’s common to experience a period of adjustment when you bring your new pet home. Remember, your pet has just gone through many changes and is often confused. Dogs are creatures of habit and need time to get used to new smells, schedules and people. Cats are very territorial and often hide for a few days, even up to a week, when introduced to new surroundings. Have patience—this initial adjustment period can last a month to three months. In taking the time to learn about and get used to each other, you and your pet will build a loving relationship that will last for years.

Music My Pet ~ CD Giveaway! From PBU...

Another great resource for pet owners!

Another Animal Pets and Friends Dogs article for you HOMEOPATHY FOR DOGS | LEARN ABOUT

I will get straight to the point about homeopathy for dogs. I am sure that you are looking for alternative treatments over conventional medicinal remedies for your dogs. I know how you feel about wanting to provide safe and effective treatments for your pets. Imagine being able to do this and save money at the same time over traditional vet bills.

There is no better time to help your pet than today.

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY

A form of alternative medicine first proposed by a German physician in 1796

Widely used by the public in over the counter medications

Homeopathy uses animal, plant, mineral and synthetic substances in the preparation of various remedies.

Traditional medicine believes that symptoms are created by the sickness or illness whereas homeopathic medicine believes that the symptoms are the body’s response to the illness and therefore tries to stimulate the symptoms to fight the illness.

Homeopathic remedies are considered safe with very few exceptions.

VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY

Dates back to the original concept of human homeopathy first discussed in 1796

Not approved by the FDA for veterinary medicine in the United States

There is a international group of homeopathic veterinarians

Use of homeopathy by veterinarians is controversial

There has been little scientific research to support homeopathic treatment in animals.

A form of alternative medicine that uses animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic substances in the preparation of various remedies.

Most pet owners who are looking at homeopathy treatment are also looking at closely related issues such as natural pet r emedies, herbal remedies, and home remedies in order to provide safer treatments for their dogs over the riskier conventional medicines used by many vets today.

Take action today by getting great home remedies to use for various pet illnesses and ailments and save on vet bills. Every ailment does not require a vet bill. Read on through the last paragraph and click on the links to save some real bucks.

 By: Maral Heggemeier 

Author's Resource:

Are you making any of the classic pet treatment mistakes which will cause you to improperly treat your dog by usinghomeopathy for dogs? I hate to admit it but I have made most if not all of them myself. Find out what they are and how to avoid them by visiting www.catanddogcures.com right now before you do any serious harm to your pet. They are a member of the family also. 

Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.

Most Common Triggers for Dog Aggression

Today, we will review some of the most common triggers for dog aggression. If your dog is aggressive or reactive when exposed to any of these environmental triggers, you will want to consult with a qualified, experienced behavior professional in your area who employs dog-friendly, scientifically valid behavior modification techniques.

Handling

Many dogs respond aggressively to being handled in certain ways. Common triggers for handling aggression include:

            Being picked up

          Nail trims

          Bathing

          Brushing

The same goes for various veterinary examinations and procedures, including but not limited to:

             Eye exams

             Dental examinations

             Ear examinations

          Anal gland expression

             Injections of any sort

             Medication delivery

             Being restrained for examination

             Being on the examination table

          Ear cleaning

            Being pet or touched

Puppies

Maternal aggression is common in all species. Biologically, the point of all life is to pass on genes through reproduction. Because this instinct is strong and inherent in all animals, mothers are extremely likely to be very protective of their litters. Even a dam that is usually friendly may consider strangers to be a threat to her litter and display emotional signals which are intended to inhibit further approach.

Territory Invasion

Many dogs think guarding their home and property is a very important job. Territoriality is an extension of resource guarding, when the entire home and property become a valuable resource which is to be guarded from intruders at any cost.

Resource Guarding

Resource guarding is natural behavior. Dogs that resource guard will view approach by other dogs and/or humans as a threat to what they perceive to be valuable - be it the home property, the owner, a meal or a toy, or a preferred sleeping space.

Other Dogs

Aggression toward other dogs may have a variety of manifestations and causes:

1. Intersex aggression - Intersex aggression is aggression toward dogs of the same sex. This tends to be most common in dogs that are sexually intact and is generally resource guarding for reproductive advantage.

2. Type-specific aggression - Type-specific aggression can occur when a dog has a socialization deficit with dogs of a particular body type (large, black dogs for instance) or a history of negative experiences with a dog of particular body type.

3. Behavior-specific aggression - Dogs, like people, cannot be expected to indefinitely tolerate even the rudest behavior of conspecifics (other dogs). Many dogs will not hesitate to use their voices, body, and/or teeth to tell a rude dog to "back off!"

Movement

Because dogs are predators, they are hard-wired to chase after and bite at things that move quickly and/or unpredictably. Animals which move quickly (squirrels, birds, cats, etc.) are frequent triggers. Human triggers for motion reactivity include biking, jogging, skateboarding, or moving automobiles.

Frustration

Frustration is another common cause of dog aggression. Frustration creates stress, which contributes to aggression. Frustration aggression often forms in relation to barriers including leashes or fences. The dog may want to check out a person or dog on the other side of the fence but becomes frustrated because he cannot. He may redirect his aggression toward a familiar human or animal as a result. Frustration aggression may also occur in relation to extinction, where reinforcement is removed for a behavior that has been previously continuously reinforced. If barking always worked to get attention but suddenly the owner begins ignoring the barking, the dog may experiment to find out if nipping is a more effective way of getting attention.

Specific Groups of People

Dogs can be aggressive to specific groups of people or people with certain common characteristics - men with beards, people of color, small children, people in walkers or wheelchairs, individuals with altered mobility, even individuals wearing a certain cologne or perfume.

As you can see, the predictors of dog aggression vary widely. A dog's response to a stimulus will be effected positively (create a positive, happy response) by the number of positive experiences the dog has in the presence of that trigger, particularly during critical periods of development in puppyhood. A dog's response to a stimulus will be effected negatively (create a reactive or aggressive response) by a) lack of exposure and b) unpleasant exposure experiences in the presence of the designated trigger.

Note: We hope you found the above information to be helpful. Also, remember that Music My Pet can help to reduce aggression in pets as well.

Cleaning Dog Ears

In a 2008 pet health study conducted by the VPI pet insurance company, ear infections were the number one reason dog owners sought veterinary care. Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections.

Many dogs do not like having their ears cleaned, which makes doing a good job very difficult. It is helpful, before you even begin cleaning your dog's ears that you learn how to make this grooming experience pleasurable for your dog.

Handling Your Dog's Ears

Practice handling your dog's ears gently. Give delicious treats while you massage the outside of and eventually the inside of the ear. Repeat this until your dog really enjoys having his ears handled. Once your dog accepts all kinds of ear manipulation with your hands, repeat the procedure using a cloth and then with cotton balls.

Your Dog's Ears

Dogs with heavy, floppy ears generally need to have their ears cleaned more frequently than dogs with prick ears (which stand upright and allow for better air circulation), and dogs that have a lot of hair in the inside of their ears may require additional maintenance (increased cleaning and for some, plucking of hair growing in the ear).

If your dog is itching his ears a lot, if the ears smell funny, are very red or inflamed, if your dog is constantly shaking his head, it is best to visit your veterinarian as these may be indications of an existing ear infection or other ear problem.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Frequent ear cleanings (weekly) will keep the ears free of wax and debris, and will also allow you to understand what your dog's ears look like when they are healthy. This enables you to more easily recognize any abnormalities in the ear should they arise.

Consult with your veterinarian about recommended dog ear cleaning products. To clean your dog's ears well, you will need an appropriate ear cleaner, a number of cotton balls, and if possible, a helper - someone who can feed the dog treats and keep him calm during the process.

Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax. Ask your veterinarian or groomer whether plucking is recommended for your dog. Plucking takes a bit of skill and finesse and can cause discomfort when done incorrectly, so is best left to professionals who have experience on plucking ear hair in dogs. Watch your vet or groomer closely as they pluck the dog's ears, asking any questions you may have about the procedure. Be well prepared with some yummy treats while the vet is plucking the ears, to make this a positive experience for your dog.

Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready.

Squirt a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Do not force the nozzle of the bottle into the ear canal as you can cause significant damage this way - only the tip of the bottle should be inserted into the canal. Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution.

Take a cotton ball and rub the inside of the ear to remove any discharge or any accumulated wax. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself. When the base of the ear is clean, you may use soaked cotton balls or a soaked wet cloth to clean the ear flap out toward the tip.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University has published great how-to instructions with photos. The restraint methods shown at the top of the article will likely be unnecessary if you have trained your dog to love having his ears manipulated in advance.

If your dog will not tolerate ear cleaning or if you are unsure of how to go about cleaning your dog's ears, you may want to consult with your veterinarian and have her do the cleaning for you. It's always easiest to learn a new skill if you have someone well experienced in its practice to coach and guide you so that you can learn the correct way to implement the task.