Dog Ear Infections: Treatment, Causes and Prevention

Ear infections in dogs are frequent and almost all canines will have this painful ailment at some point in their lives. Scratching and rubbing at the ear(s), as well as head shaking, are common symptoms. You may also detect an unusual odor coming from the ear, as well as redness or swelling.

The majority of adult ear infections are caused by bacteria and yeast; however, ear mites are a prevalent culprit in puppies. Your veterinarian will collect a sample from the infected ear(s) and examine it under a microscope to determine if germs are present.

Dogs are prominent for hiding their pain. And your precious pup may suffer from an ear infection for several weeks before you realize it. Excessive moisture, breed predisposition, food allergies and foreign objects are some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs. Thus, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to discover the cause of your pet’s ear infection.

Most ear infections can be avoided or reduced by regularly monitoring your pet’s ears. We have some useful information on dog ear infections, including treatment, causes and prevention. Read on!

Dog Ear Infection Treatment:

The ear will be painful as a result of the ear infection; therefore you should clean it with a gentle cleanser such as PAW GENTLE EAR CLEANER AND ILIUM EAR DROP for effective treatment. Filling the ear canal with a cleaning solution, placing an appropriate-sized cotton ball in the ear canal entrance and gently massaging the ear at the base is an excellent approach to clean the ear. The cotton ball serves a number of purposes. It works as a cover to allow fluid to flow back and forth in the canal, absorbs the surplus solution and holds onto debris as it rises, letting you know what is going on below in the ear canal. You can clean the ear multiple times as long as your dog tolerates it and the cotton ball comes out quite clean.

Pet Product Options for Ear Cleaner and Ear Infection Prevention:

EPI-OTIC EAR AND SKIN CLEANSER FOR DOGS/CATS

Epi-Otic is a modern dog and cat skin and ear cleaner. The antibacterial solution can be used to treat and prevent a variety of infections. Due to the superior technology, it is not only utilized as an ear cleanser, but also as a skin cleanser.

ARISTOPET EAR CANKER DROPS FOR DOGS/CATS

In dogs and cats, it’s an effective treatment for ear mites and ear canker. The innovative formulation contains antifungal, anticoccidiocidal and antiparasitic qualities that aid in the treatment of ear canker and ear mites in dogs and cats.

KLEO EAR CLEANER FOR DOGS

The ear drops, which have been specially formulated with antiseptic compounds, offer cleansing, drying and antiseptic properties. This non-irritant treatment keeps ears clean, dry and fresh.

DERMCARE OTOFLUSH FOR DOGS

Dermcare Otoflush is a neutral buffered ear treatment that helps dogs to keep their ears clean. It aids in the reduction of microbial infections and the prevention of ear infections. It is beneficial to use before to ear treatment to increase penetration of prescribed ear remedies.

When Cleaning Dog’s Ear, There Are A Few Things to Keep In Mind:

• Q-Tip swabs should not be used because they can drive debris deeper into the ear canal, potentially rupturing the eardrum.
• Use rubbing alcohol or other irritant-free treatments on irritated skin (Think of the skin inside the ear of a dog with an ear infection as a rash).
• Allow around 10 minutes for the ear canal to dry after it has been cleaned. Then, as directed by your veterinarian, administer the treatment(s) (ointment or drops).
• The duration of treatment is determined by the patient, the severity of the infection and any ear changes (i.e., thickening of the tissue in the ear).

Oral treatments are sometimes required (antibiotics, anti-yeast, anti-inflammatory). Rechecks with your veterinarian will be scheduled to ensure that the treatments are functioning for the infection to get cleared.

Ear Infection in Dogs: Causes and Prevention

The first step in preventing an ear infection is to figure out what’s causing it. Bathing, grooming, or swimming can cause the ear canal to become moist. The dampness in the ear canal encourages the growth of bacteria. In many circumstances, prevention can be as simple as cleansing the ear as indicated previously to eliminate moisture and prevent infection.

However, in many cases, an underlying reason may be difficult to pinpoint. Dogs with allergies to pollens (grasses, trees and weeds), dust mites, molds, or food (beef, chicken, fish, soy and so on) are more likely to develop ear infections. This is because allergies induce microscopic inflammation in the skin, allowing bacterial and yeast organisms that typically inhabit the skin to overgrow.

Ear Infections in Dogs Require A Precise Diagnosis:

It’s important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog is exhibiting any of the usual symptoms of ear infections. Not only is prompt treatment vital for your dog’s comfort (these conditions can be excruciating!), but it also prevents infection from spreading to the middle and inner ear.

Prepare to provide your veterinarian a detailed history of your pet’s health condition. This is especially important if you have a new veterinarian or if you are dealing with a first-time infection. The following information will be required by your veterinarian:

• Duration of symptoms like pain, swelling, discharge and odor
• If your dog is on any other treatment or has any allergies
• What you’ve been feeding your dog
• When it comes to cleaning your dog’s ears, how often do you do it and what products do you use
• Dog’s ears hair has been cut or plucked
• Recent activities such as baths, grooming and swimming
• If your dog has had ear infections before, when did they happen and how did you treat them

Following the collection of your dog’s medical history, your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination. In severe cases, your doctor may also prescribe sedating your dog to allow for a deeper examination of the ear canal. Your veterinarian will examine both ears and the exam may include the following:

• Examine the skin for symptoms of redness, swelling and discharge
• An otoscope is used to evaluate the ear canal and eardrum
• Palpation of the ear to determine the amount of pain
• Microscopic study of materials obtained by ear swabbing
• Samples from the ear are cultured
• Biopsies or X-rays may be required in severe or chronic instances

Ear infections are a frequent and often recurring condition in many dogs, but you can keep your dog’s ears clean and comfortable with the help of your veterinarian. If your dog exhibits symptoms of an ear infection, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid a more serious problem.

Why My Cat Needs Flea And Tick Protection Plan?

What most pet parents don’t realize that monthly flea and tick treatment is as necessary as the food and water required for their furry pals especially kitties. Usually, parasitic treatments along with dental and joint care are ignored in cats due to their natural tendency which doesn’t bring forth easily the possible signs at the earlier stages of sickness until the health is grossly deteriorated.

Fleas and ticks have a wider impact on the health of your cat as they trigger both external and internal bodily mechanism causing illnesses. The flea bite causes skin irritation as well as tends to transmit lungworm infections in cats. Similarly, ticks not only suck blood and irritate the skin causing allergic reactions that can lead to scratching, infection and hair loss but also transmit Lyme disease. And, when stricken with Lyme disease, the cat can suffer from fever, swollen joints and lameness.

To relieve your cat from fleas and ticks, specially formulated dips, sprays, and topical treatments are available that aids in eliminating this problem and frees your furry pal quickly from the menace of flea and tick bites. Shampoos are primarily helpful in not only removing the girth and dirt but also kicking off biting fleas. Whereas sprays and dips destroy fleas and remove flea dirt. Additionally, flea powder provides similar functionality.

Not limited to just flea powder and spray edition, flea and tick medicines also come in spot-on and oral treatments. Whereas some flea and tick formulations are not restricted to just killing adult flea and tick but has the potentiality of eliminating the larval and other immature stages like flea eggs. For e.g. Frontline Plus restricts the growth of flea eggs and thus breaks the flea life cycle and prevents further flea infestation.

Once the flea medication aids to make your cat pest free, there are these Flea Collars and Spot-on that help to protect your cat year round. These medications though harsh and effective on parasites are gentle on your cat.

Just treating your cat is not enough when you are looking for long term protection and controlling recurring parasitic infestations. Cat surroundings too have to be taken care of and need to be made flea and tick free to keep your furry kid protected.

Rugs, carpets, cushions, and mattresses, as well as upholstery, are the hotspots and breeding grounds of fleas and ticks. These things have to be cleaned regularly in order to remove flea eggs and other immature stages. Not just rugs and mattresses only – floors, crevices, bedding and furniture are not any exclusion. Powder, foggers, and sprays are highly effective and can be easily used for floors and crevices, in controlling flea and tick infestations. These are easy to use and provide quick solutions to get rid of fleas.

Well, complete parasitic control is quite necessary when it comes to protecting your cat from flea and tick infestations. These pests are quite prevalent and can play havoc at any time on your kitty’s health. Therefore, a good protection plan makes it easier to handle the ill effects of fleas and ticks.

A proactive approach in keeping your kitty and home free from fleas and ticks will not only cut down on vet bills but also helps maintain the health of your furry kid.

How To Make Halloween Special For Your Pets?

Halloween is coming, and so is the excitement among all the people across the globe. But with the current global pandemic, Halloween celebrations will probably not be the same, but fret not, you can still enjoy this special day with your four-legged friends. After all, your buddy is special, and he deserves to celebrate it in a special way. So here’s how you can make the upcoming Halloween a one to remember.

Ways To Make Halloween Special For Your Pets

The below points are surely going to help you in making it a night to remember for both you and your furry pal. So make sure you read them carefully.

#1. Halloween Costumes

When it comes to Halloween, we all look forward to all the spooky costumes and the fun, of course. So don’t just wear spooky costumes yourself, but also get one for your furry buddy. Make sure the costume isn’t too tight because it can suffocate your bud. So ensure it is a size or two bigger.

#2. Specialized Pet Treats

Chocolates are a big no no to your buddy. It is dangerous and could prove fatal, if consumed. Hence, specialized pet treats are highly recommended. You can get dog or cat treats at pet stores. But to make this day special for your buddy, it would be awesome to bake some special treats for him instead of buying readymade treats. What’s the fun in that, right?

#3. Trick-O-Treating

Going trick-o-treating from door to door is fun. It’s even more fun when you take your pet along with you. It makes it even special and much more memorable. But make sure, you are well prepared. If you have a dog, then putting him on a leash is a must. If you have a cat, then keeping him in the crate is highly recommended. You don’t want mishaps to occur on this special night, so be extra careful.

#4. Pet Proof Home

Pet proofing your house is very much necessary, especially if you’re including your buddy in your Halloween celebrations. Keep unwanted things away from them, and that include all the chocolate treats and jack-o-lanterns. You don’t want your buddy to fall sick or get hurt, right? So it is imperative to pet proof your home.

#5. Capture The Moments

Special days with your buddy deserve to be captured. So make sure to hold a photo session and keep clicking away. Years later, when you will look back at the pictures, it will surely bring back happy memories and that is something you would want to cherish for the rest of your lives.

Now that’s how you plan the perfect Halloween night for you and your four-legged buddy. Besides, it is also important to get your buddy on a flea and tick preventative schedule so that your night does not get ruined by these pesky critters. Hop over to DiscountPetCare and get yourself flea and tick treatments as well as other essentials for your buddy. The Halloween sale will soon go live, so make sure to check it out in order to earn discounts. HURRY!

Ringworm in Dogs Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

With worms like tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms being the most popular culprits in the lives of our dogs, one may obviously conflate ringworms in the same category, but that isn’t it. Despite the fact that it has the word “worms” in its name, ringworms are not worms. Surprisingly, ringworm is a fungus, a highly contagious fungus that can affect both animals and humans.

 

You can avoid the spread of ringworm if you diagnose it at its early onset. Here’s all you need to know about ringworms in dogs.

What is ringworm in dogs?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that occurs in the superficial layers of skin, hair and nails. Since the fungi that cause ringworm infections are classified into a specialized group called dermatophytes, the medical term for this condition is known as dermatophytosis. The three common fungal species that cause ringworm in dogs are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These species of ringworm are zoonotic, so they can also infect humans.

What does a ringworm infection look like?

The name “ringworm” originates from the way the skin looks when it is infected: a circular, red, raised rash that looks like a worm in a ring shape. However, the infection does not always establish itself in the form of a circular rash (or lesion) on dogs; instead, round patches of fur loss may emerge (called alopecia). Patches and lesions can form on any part of the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, ears, flanks, and tail.

Other symptoms of ringworm include:

• Scaling (like dandruff in humans)
• Pimples
• Alopecia (fur loss)
• Dark and thickened skin
• Crusting, which looks like a cluster of dried skin cells adhered to skin
• Broken hairs
• Red patches and lesions
• Raised hairless bumps
• Scabby, inflamed skin
• Rough, brittle, broken claws

Note: In the case of humans, the ringworm infection is characterized by a red and itchy skin lesion in the shape of a ring. If you feel you have a ringworm lesion, seek medical advice from a healthcare expert immediately to stop its spread.

How do dogs and humans catch ringworm?

As ringworm is a very contagious disease, it can be contracted from a variety of sources, including the soil, other people, and even your pets. It can live on the surfaces of other items such as clothing, brushes, towels, and bedding. Hence, it can be picked up from any of these sources that are contaminated with the fungus or its spores.

It is one of the few diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, so   if your pet or another person has ringworm, try to avoid the following as much as possible:

• Skin-to-skin contact with the pet/person
• Sharing of bed, towels, etc
• Contact with all other infected items

How to treat ringworm infection?

Ringworm infections are annoying, but it is relatively easy to treat them. The treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of infection, but regardless of the severity of the case, proper treatment is very essential to avoid spread to children and pets.

The treatment of ringworm involves three steps:

1.Topical treatments

To treat and control the localized infections, your veterinarian will likely recommend a topical therapy such as a cream, ointment, or medicated shampoo. Your vet may also suggest cutting long-haired dogs’ coat and shaving the hair from affected regions to speed up the treatment. However, these topicals may take several months to completely eradicate the illness; therefore, they are mostly used in conjunction with oral treatments.

2.Oral treatments

Anti-fungal oral treatments are the most effective way of eradicating the infection. Usually, oral treatments are to be given for a minimum of six weeks, but some cases might require longer therapy. After starting the treatment, ringworm cultures will be taken periodically to determine if your pet is still infected. Two consecutive negative ringworm cultures usually indicate that your pet has been successfully treated, and the treatment can be discontinued. Keep the following points in mind while administering an oral treatment:

• Do not discontinue the treatment sooner than recommended as the infections may reoccur.
• Keep the infected dog separated in case you have multiple pets.
• In some situations, it might be a good option to treat all of the pets.

3.Environmental decontamination

Infected hair contains numerous fungal spores that remain contagious for several months, which can cause infections in humans and animals when shed into the environment. Therefore, it is essential to clean up all this hair as a part of the treatment in order to minimize the chances of infection. Some dog parents prefer to keep their dogs isolated for the time being to reduce the spread of spores and to facilitate the cleaning of hair. Mopping and vacuum cleaning of all the rooms is also worthwhile to reduce contamination, but it is very important to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while doing so, as ringworm is highly contagious. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm can help you prevent the further spread of the disease in humans and other pets. If you suspect that you or any of your pets have ringworm, seek your vet’s assistance immediately.

5 Things To Consider When Buying Pet Food

A pet parent often finds himself in dilemma when he has to buy food for his beloved pet. He wanted to make sure that his pet receives the best and right food to maintain his health. But, what adds to his confusion is the availability of multiple pet foods and added difficulty in choosing the best pet food out of these to suit his furry friend’s food requirements.

Consider These Points to Help Yourself in Buying the Right Food for Your Pet

Age

The nutritional requirement in pets differs depending upon their age.  As a pet parent buy food that caters to your pet’s age. Most pet foods highlight on their packs the particular age category. Choose the pack, which suits your puppy, adult or senior pet.

Breed

Different pet breeds have different food requirements. For instance, the dietary need of a German shepherd is different from the dietary requirement of a Beagle. The varied anatomical and digestive system of both the dogs requires them to be fed with different diets meeting their body needs. Therefore, choose the food specific to your pet breed.

Check Ingredients Which May Cause Food Allergy

Your pet may have developed, over a period of time, sensitivity to certain food ingredients. It is best to know about these ingredients, which may cause allergy in your pet. Check the ingredients and contents of the food on the pack and refrain from buying, if it contains those suspected ingredients.

Pet’s Personal Taste

You may have chosen the diet, which suits your pet’s age, breed and nutritional requirements. However, if the food does not get the approval from your pet then what will be its use? Therefore, it is important to select a diet, which along with appropriate nutritional value also satisfies your pet’s taste. You must know whether your pet likes dry food, wet food or a combination of both. Some prescription diets also come in different flavours to savour your pet’s taste buds.

Current Health Condition Of Your Pet

The current health of your pet determines his nutritional requirements. If your pet is battling with arthritis, then he is required to be fed with a diet comprising of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate elements.

If a pet is obese then a pet parent needs to reduce his calorie intake. Thus, need to choose the diet accordingly. At the same time, if a pet is dealing with any medical problem then he is required to be given a vet prescribed diet.

Therefore, choose the pet food taking note of your pet’s current health condition.

Whether you own a dog or a feline, the above mentioned points would help you select the right dog or cat food. If you still find yourself in troubled waters, do visit your vet and clear your doubts, pertaining to your pet’s dietary requirements.

Top Health Care Tips for Your Aging Dog

It has been a long time since you and your pet are together. There might have been a lot that you both have shared either memories or tough times but then you finally overcame everything together. And, now when you and your pet are growing old, you need to put extra efforts to enhance your aging dog’s longevity as well as to keep yourself healthy. So, to make it easier for a pet-parent here is the list of things you can do to stay healthy and keep your aging pet healthy.

Ensure Your Dog Gets Daily Exercise

Obesity in dogs can be a root cause of many age related issues in them. Therefore, it is crucial for pet-parents to include exercise in your furry pal’s routine. Aging can lower their ability to walk or exercise as they used to do earlier but you still need to stick to it. Regularly exercising with your dog will not only help burn calories but it will also enhance circulation, improve dog’s brain and heart function and will strengthen their muscles. In this manner, even you will be in sync with your good health.

Keep Your Dog Active

As your pup ages their world slow down a bit and that is why, it’s you who can keep your Fido mentally and physically active. Give your pet regular exposure to the outer world where he can meet his playmates or meet new people and socialize with them. Moreover, ensure to enrich your pet’s environment and stick to the predictable routine to help them reduce anxiety and mental uncertainty.

Provide A Complete Balanced Diet To Your Dog

Irrespective of the ages, you pup needs a complete diet. However, for your senior pet, ensure to give a diet that is less in calories and high in fiber. Provide more digestible protein and the food that contains higher moisture as it will be easier to digest for your dog’s aging organs. It is advisable to give multiple small meals than feeding a larger one meal daily. Besides, there are many food for senior dogs are available in the market and you should give it a try for your pet.

Use Joint Supplements

Aging dogs may face a lack of energy; they may don’t move well from sitting to standing position or plop down from a standing position. And, this happens due to the lack of mobility and they get weak. Joint deterioration is a major concern in aging dogs so it is important to adjust their exercise schedule and control their weight. Many joint health supplements are available that can help improve your dog’s joint health and life quality.

Watch Your Dog’s Health

Senior dogs are prone to be infected with diseases and that’s why it is imperative to pay a heed on their health. Even flea and tick infestation can engender malignant diseases if not taken proper care. Therefore, ensure to provide monthly flea and tick preventives, dewormers as well as joint care treatments to take care of your furry pal’s overall wellbeing. Furthermore, if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet or even a bit of change in his behaviour then immediately take him to the vet.

Even if you feel that your pup is fit and fine, do not neglect to examine your pet twice a year. Above all, keep showing all your affection and care to your dog. Loving your pet and keeping him happy are the essentials for their healthy immune system.

5 Reasons Why Dogs Require Professional Training

Bringing home a dog is something that light ups your world. And, as a pet-parent you really wanna do everything perfect for your pup. Either a novice or an experienced pet-parent, all are aware of the fact that dogs need training not only to adopt human environment but to also streamline their routines in a particular manner. Well, training a dog isn’t an easy task, it takes a lot to train someone who cannot communicate as we do. Though there’s an overflowing information available on how to train a dog on internet, which can surely serve as a ice-breaker. However, after all that there can be minor issues that may create big issues if you don’t hire a professional dog trainer.

Yes, you might be putting in your best efforts to train your dog but there are certain signs your pet displays which indicates that it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer now.

Pulling on the leash

Law states that generally collars and leashes are required for pets. It means that if you want to take your dog out in public than the dog has to be on leash. However, not all dogs like to be leashed and can drag you around. Dogs that are not used to the leash can be out of control when you take them in public. And, heavy pulling can be dangerous, therefore, it is crucial to hire a dog trainer to provide leash training and ensure that your pooch stays safe in public.

Jumping

Jumping in joy is a dog’s normal tendency. But pet-parents complaining about unwanted jumping of their dog is a matter of concern. Especially when people come to visit and all they can witness is a dog jumping uncontrollably. Jumping can be hurtful as people can get injured, knocked over or scratched if the dog isn’t trained to control his unwanted jumping. So, the key is to hire a pet trainer who can help your pup with his jumping issues.

Growling and Biting

Aggression in dogs can be dangerous and growling is one of the earliest sign of aggression in dogs. Growling is an alarming sign that the dog is escalated into full-blown attack or bites. And, if your dog develops the habit if biting others than be a really serious matter as he can harm others. It becomes almost impossible for a pet-parent to handle their pup’s aggression in public. Hence, it is wise to seek the help of a professional assistance.

Separation Anxiety

Well, every dog has separation anxiety up to an extent. However, some can be more vulnerable with the idea of staying away from their pet-parent even for a specific time during the day. Therefore, if you pet cannot stay away from you even for a short span and becomes anxious then it is advisable to leave your Fido only under the supervision of a trained professional. Because an expert can handle a dog suffering from anxiety issues and yet manage to train him with all the patience.

Ignoring Commands

At times, people ignoring what we say are acceptable but when a pet completely ignores what you’re saying raises a matter of concern for every pet-parent. This may happen due to many facts such as inconsistency in training, distractions, not understanding the command. Sometimes the situation can become uncontrollable that can put your pet as well as everyone in danger. So, hiring a professional dog trainer will surely help keep to solve the issue of a dog ignoring commands.

Apart from the lack of professional dog training, there can be other issues why a dog misbehaves or ignores your commands. It can probably be any health issue or other condition that may be withholding him from behaving normally. Therefore, it is essential to consult your vet once before proceeding further.