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Caring For Your Poodles Ears
The Poodle grows hair inside the ear canal which can block air flow and result in infections.
There are many opinions regarding ear care, from removing all the hair in the ear to not removing any hair at all. Follow your veterinarians advice. I remove most of the hair to increase air flow and prevent infection.
Ear powder makes the ear hair easier to grab and remove, apply a small amount of ear powder on the ear hair. Ear powder can be drying and irritating, so try not to use too much.
Hold the ear flap back with one hand while you gently pluck the hair with tweezers or your thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
After you have pulled the ear hair, wipe the ear out with a dry cotton ball, or one slightly moistened with astringent or mineral oil.
Healthy ears are clean, free of debris,without odor, and will not need a lot of cleaning.
Cleaning a dirty ear, one that is filled with wax or debris, is another story. Dampen a cotton ball with mineral oil or ear cleaner. Hold the ear flap with one hand and wipe with the other. Wipe as far into the ear canal as possible and wipe out all crevices and folds. It may take several cotton balls.
If the ear is very dirty or filled with caked debris, you can fill the ear with ear cleaner before you wipe it out. To do this, hold the ear flap and squirt ear cleaner into the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear for a few minutes, then clean with a cotton ball.
Some dogs suffer from chronic ear problems, such as bacterial infections, ear mites, or ear allergies. Do not try to treat a sore or inflamed ear, call your veterinarian instead.
Check your Poodles ears often but only pluck or clean when necessary.
Check Your Poodles Eyes Daily
Tear stains caused by excessive tearing are common in Poodles. In light colored Poodles the staining appears reddish brown.
Wiping your poodle eyes every day can minimize tear stains and prevent matter from building up and hardening, causing irritation and sores.
With a water moistened cotton ball, gently wipe the corners of eyes to remove tears and debris. If you notice redness, inflammation, or cloudiness, call your veterinarian right away.
Be cautious when using a product or home remedy for tear stains, as some can cause more harm than good.
Dental Care Is Important
Your Poodle needs dental care – regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as well as care at home from you.
Dogs teeth need to be cleaned at least once a week, although daily is better. Wipe the teeth with a soft cloth, gauze or use a soft bristled toothbrush and doggy toothpaste.
Facts about periodontal disease in pets:
- Periodontal disease is currently the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats over age three.
- Problems begin when food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth, forming plaque and mineralizing into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis and irreversible periodontal disease.
- Periodontal disease can result in other problems including tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums and even tooth loss.
- Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, kidney and lungs.
Giving Poodle your raw carrots, greenies, and other dental treats can help reduce plaque.