Check your dog’s ears

Simba has had a good night, a big breakfast and been a nice walk.  He loves to go out and seems to appreciate all the fuss we’re making of him.

But, (there’s always a ‘but’ isn’t there?) when we gave him another health check this morning we were horrified by the state of his ears.   They look alright from the outside don’t they?  Turn them back though and they are mucky, red, swollen and very sore.  Both are the same – looking better now we’ve cleaned them, treated him for ear mites and soothed them with medication.  It must have been painful for him and Simba is a stoical chap.  He was brave and didn’t make any protest (apart from wincing) when we treated him.  Good dog.

We hope for a speedy improvement but will be taking him to the vet next week to make sure no permanent damage has been done.  Check your dog’s ears regularly – if they are itchy then shaking the head will alert you to trouble.   If they are infected and sore the problem may be missed unless the ears are actually examined.