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It Happens Often In Our Dogs. Two Specialists Explain What To Do To Take Care Of Our Pets

Considering that there are an estimated 15 million dogs in Argentina, according to official data from the Argentine Chamber of Animal Nutrition Companies (CAENA), we are among the 10 countries with the highest dog population in the world.

That is why it is important to take care of their health not only for their well-being but also for the well-being of the people who live with them. This implies taking into account a number of responsibilities for tenure, assistance and care that families must give them. It is important to visit the vet on a regular basis to avoid diseases that may affect your health.

Otitis

One of them is otitis. A disease that causes inflammation of the dog's outer ear (the eardrum and, sometimes, the entire ear canal). It is painful for the animal and very annoying. Although spring and summer are times of greatest incidence due to the presence of elements suspended in the air, the truth is that otitis can occur at any time of the year.

"It is important to treat it quickly to prevent a major infection from occurring or becoming chronic. It is one of the 10 most frequent causes of visits to the vet," said José Luis Fernández, Manager of the Companion Animals Line of Biogenesis Bagó.

Dr. Margarita Repetto, a veterinarian specializing in complementary medicines, told Infobae: "Otitis in dogs is one of the most common diseases and, in many cases, one of the most unnoticed by owners."

He continued: "There are certain reasons that can cause otitis: parasites such as mites, different types of allergies, foreign bodies in the ear or hormonal disorders. It can also be caused by problems in the usual production of keratin or by the presence of polyps or tumors in the dog's ear canal. As well as the high production of earwax or the abundance of hair in the ear canal, as well as excessive or incorrect cleaning.

For the specialist it is important to be attentive to these symptoms and they are hardly detected to take the pet to a veterinarian, since otitis that occurs repeatedly or without treatment, can cause deafness. "For people who come to my office, I always recommend maintaining a weekly ear cleaning routine," he said.

Bad breath

On the other hand, the problem of bad breath is also a reason for consultation and displeasure and embarrassment for families and their guests; especially from April to September, when pets spend the longest time inside homes. If not treated in time, it can cause infection even in the dog's muzzle.

"The process of accumulation of tartar in dogs is complicated as it accumulates in the teeth, becomes like a sharp edge and begins to cut the gum. Then there is an infection that, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss and make it difficult to feed. That's why I recommend using a mouthwash that prevents possible infection," Fernández said. This measure, consequently, improves the quality of breath.

That is why the veterinarian recommends acquiring the mouthwash in the veterinarians and putting it in the water that the dog drinks daily to prevent this from always happening under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Repetto says of bad breath: "In general, it is a symptom of tartar buildup on the teeth. This buildup of tartar can cause inflammation in the gums and — if not treated in time — can trigger not only oral infections but also in digestive disorders and even affect organs such as the kidneys. Once the symptom is detected, it is important to go to a veterinary consultation to determine the source of the problem and a correct course of action."

KEEP READING:

Dog Ear Swelling: Causes And Treatment

From dog bites to ear mites, there's a lot that can cause ear swelling in your dog.

To keep your canine companion healthy, it helps to know the signs of a dog's ear problems, what to do when they happen, and how you can prevent them.

Swelling is just one sign of ear problems in dogs. Other symptoms include scratching or wiping the ear against things, head shaking or tilting, odor, discharge, redness, scabs or crust, balance problems, walking in circles, odd eye movements, and hair loss around the ear.

The most common causes of ear swelling in dogs include:

Ear mites. Microscopic parasites that feed on the wax and oils inside your dog's ear, mites are behind most ear problems in puppies and young dogs, though they can happen to any dog, regardless of age.

A serious mite infestation can completely block your dog's ear canal with the coffee-grounds-like debris of the mites. Complications may include ear hematomas -- in which blood vessels in the ear flap rupture from intense scratching and head shaking -- or serious infection.

To treat ear mites, your dog may need a gentle ear cleaning, prescription medication, or insecticidal ear drops. Since ear mites are contagious between cats and dogs, all the pets in your household should be treated. Follow your vet's instructions about how long to treat and when to recheck.

Ear hematomas. These are firm, swollen masses on the inside of your dog's ear flap. They occur when a blood vessel within the ear flap ruptures and bleeding occurs between the tissue layers. Sometimes caused by head shaking or scratching because of ear mites or an infection, hematomas can also be the result of something foreign stuck inside your dog's ear.

Treatment for an ear hematoma includes a veterinary exam to find out the cause of the hematoma. Many cases of hematomas can be medically managed.  However, in some cases the blood may need to be drained and surgery might be necessary to prevent the ear flap from filling up with blood again.

Inner or outer ear infections. These can also cause ear swelling in dogs, as well as discharge, odor, and discomfort. Infections can be the result of a dog bite, a foreign object in your dog's ear, polyps, allergies, water in the ear, and other problems.

Left untreated, an outer ear infection (otitis externa) can progress to an inner ear infection (otitis interna), which is painful enough to prevent a dog from willingly opening its mouth and may result in hearing loss or difficulties with balance. Treating ear infections may require oral or topical antibiotics or antifungals, flushing the ear, ear cleaning, or an ear-drying solution. If the problem is chronic, surgery could be necessary.

Avoid the temptation to diagnose your dog's ear swelling yourself. Because the symptoms of one ear problem can sometimes mimic another, it's important to bring your dog to the veterinarian to get the correct diagnosis -- and the right treatment.

If treating your dog's ear swelling requires ear drops, you can make their application a little easier with these quick tips:

With the drops close by, gently hold your dog's head still. Lift its ear and clean easy-to-reach wax with a cotton ball and ear solution. Be careful not to dig too deep or to pack wax into the eardrum.

Maintain your grip and place the nozzle of the ear dropper at the opening of your dog's ear canal, angled toward the nose. Squirt in the correct number of drops.

Keep hold of your dog's head to prevent them from shaking out the medication. To spread the drops, fold your dog's ear down and massage the cartilage at the base of the ear for 30 seconds.

Any dog can get an ear infection, something stuck in their ear canal, or ear mites, but dogs with drooping ears (poodles, cocker spaniels, and basset hounds, for example) can be especially prone.

To prevent ear problems in your dog before they start, it helps if you get to know how your dog's ears look when they're healthy. The insides of a healthy ear should be pink, clean, and also odor-free. If your dog's ears are swollen, red, smelly, or have any kind of discharge, something's wrong and it's time to talk to your vet.

Routine care to keep your dog's ears healthy includes:

Regular exams by your vet, especially if your dog's ears are very hairy inside or prone to wax buildup

Cleaning with a cotton ball dampened with an ear cleaner is recommended by your vet if the ears are dirty inside. Since dogs' ears are delicate, ask your vet for tips on cleaning, and never insert anything into your dog's ear canal beyond where you can see.

If your dog is in the water a lot (or gets bathed often), water can collect inside the ears, leading to a painful infection. When bathing, put cotton balls in your dog's ears (remember to take out the same number of cotton balls that you put in), and after water activities dry your dog's ears out carefully. If your pooch is prone to ear infections, ask your vet if an ear-drying solution might help.

Pet King Brands Empowers Veterinarians With Groundbreaking Webinar About Otitis Externa

Leading pet healthcare innovator joins forces with renowned veterinarian to tackle challenging ear infections.

AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 15, 2023 / Otitis externa (outer ear infection) is one of the most common reasons pet parents visit the veterinarian. Severe cases can be difficult to cure, making otitis externa a source of frustration. To address these challenges and empower veterinarians with the knowledge to manage complex cases, Pet King Brands announces a groundbreaking webinar presented by dvm360 Flex.

Dr. Julia Miller

Pet King Brands, Inc., the industry leader in enzyme-based pet healthcare products, including ZYMOX® Enzymatic Ear and Skin products and Oratene® Brushless Oral Care, is sponsoring Julia E. Miller, DVM, DACVD, a distinguished veterinarian known for her expertise in Dermatology. The esteemed moderator for the event is Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM, who is active in Neurology and Emergency Medicine.

From unraveling biofilm mysteries to discussing the timing of cultures, Dr. Miller's insights promise to equip attendees with plans to prevent the recurrence of severe ear infections.

"In our mission to advance pet healthcare, we understand unresolved ear and skin issues can negatively impact a pet's quality of life," said Pamela K. Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands. "We believe that by working with professionals like Dr. Miller, we can empower veterinary practitioners and enhance the lives of pets and their parents."

The live webinar is on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 7 p.M. EDT. This program is approved for one hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

For complete information and to register for the webinar, please visit https://globalmeet.Webcasts.Com/starthere.Jsp?Ei=1628424&tp_key=bb20711e0e.

For detailed information about Pet King Brand's complete line of enzymatic pet health products and where to purchase them, visit zymox.Com.

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About Pet King Brands

Pet King Brands, the maker of ZYMOX® Ear and Skin products, Oratene® Brushless Oral Care, Equine Defense®, and ZYLAFEN®, is a leader in veterinarian-approved pet products made in the USA. Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, the products utilize the Power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been Resolving Ear, Skin, and Oral Conditions for Over 25 Years. Led by President and Founder Pamela Bosco, who first introduced ZYMOX in 1998 with the help of her bioscientist brother, Michael Pellico, Pet King Brands has revolutionized the way people care for animals' ears, skin, and mouth, offering solutions that are gentle to the animal, easy to administer and free of harsh chemicals and antibiotics.

Contact Information

Debra DeckerDirector of Marketingddecker@petkingbrands.Com8177139200

SOURCE: Pet King Brands

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View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/784211/pet-king-brands-empowers-veterinarians-with-groundbreaking-webinar-about-otitis-externa

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