Ears: head shaking, smells, and when a tilt is urgent
Most ear trouble is yeast, bacteria, or mites. A swab tells us which, in ten minutes.
What is normal
A healthy ear is pale pink inside, with a little light wax and no smell. Dogs with floppy ears and dogs who swim run a little damper, which is fine as long as there is no smell and no scratching. A cat's ears should look clean almost all the time.
Common causes
Most ear trouble in dogs is yeast or bacteria growing in a warm, damp canal, and a lot of it has an allergy underneath. That is why it comes back. A swab read under the microscope tells us which it is, so the drops match the cause.
What not to put in an ear
Cotton swabs push debris deeper. Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and alcohol sting a sore ear, and oils trap moisture. Leftover drops from another pet, or from last year, can be unsafe if the eardrum is torn, and nobody can see the eardrum without an otoscope. If you want to clean ears at home, ask us to show you once, with a cleaner we choose for your pet.
A guide, not a diagnosis. If you are not sure, call. We would rather you ask.
Keep reading
Eyes: squinting, discharge, and sudden changes
Squinting is how pets show eye pain. Most causes are small if they are seen within a day.
Mouth and teeth: what bad breath usually means
Bad breath usually means sore gums, and most of the problem sits below the gumline.
Skin and coat: itch, hot spots, and overgrooming
Itch always has a cause. We rule out fleas and mites first, because they are quick to find.