Pet health: Don’t neglect your pet’s ears

Issues with our pets’ ears can cause them itchiness and pain, so it’s important to take preventive measures.

– Start by checking regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, bad odor or discharge. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

– Ask your veterinarian how often you should clean your pet’s ears. Cleaning them too often can cause irritation, but some breeds are more susceptible to infections than others. Ask your vet to demonstrate the proper cleaning techniques.

– Bathing or swimming can irritate ears or cause infection, so make sure to thoroughly dry your pet’s ears after water activities.

– Dr. Rizal Lopez, SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center