My dog has been diagnosed with a yeast infection in the ear. The vet cleaned it out and gave me some solution. He also advised me that I'll need to repeat that deep cleaning once more of the gunk works its way out of the ear with the solution.
I'll be honest - I'm a little afraid to get down in his ear myself.
I know that groomers do ear care in general, but I wasn't sure if they would handle it when the dog had a yeast infection. Anyone have a recommendation on a gentle, experienced groomer who I could have assist getting that 2nd round of gunk out of my dog's ear?
Seems like my dog would be in better hands with a groomer who frequently works with dog's ears, vs. my unsteady, unsure hands handling his ear!
Every dog I've ever had ended up with an ear infection at some point. One thing I've learned is that it is easier than you think to clean out their ears, mostly because they like it when you clean them out. It feels good to them because you're relieving an itch. Try and cowboy up and do it without any timidity. I know it's hard at first because you are afraid you're going to hurt them. If they sense you are in any way hesitant, they will get the upper hand and they'll fidget.
Hmmn...maybe I'll give it a shot. You're right, I'm afraid I'm going to hurt them.
Neither of my dogs cares much for getting nails trimmed and they get pretty squirmy. I guess I was picturing a scenario where he might get as squirmy while I was trying to do the ears as he does with his nails.
Don't be afraid. Those canals run DEEP! My precious dog that I laid to rest recently was a Shar Pei who had "clam shell" ears (meaning no air got to the inside because they turn in) and we cleaned them regularly. Good luck!
"Neither of my dogs cares much for getting nails trimmed and they get pretty squirmy."
Yeah, my dogs were like that, too. It took a while for them to trust me. I figured I might as well clip their nails, since even the vet, on ocassion, would clip too close to the quick and cause bleeding. I usually just clip the very tips off. I remember one time clipping way too close when clipping the nails of my dog when she was a puppy. It bled like a spiggot. I couldn't get it to stop. Finally, I dabbed some flour on it and it worked great. I had to chase her around the table next time to trim her nails. I could only get to a couple before she fled. Next time, she would roll over, then tremble as I did it. But eventually she learned to trust me again because I always made sure I never got that close to her quicks. She still trembled, but least I didn't feel like I was roping a steer at a rodeo.
Roping a steer at a rodeo
That's exactly what its like for me, but I never thought to use that expression!
P.S. Regarding the ears, I managed to do a decent job of it last night. Got the dog in my shower, which has a glass door. 1) He was enclosed, in case he wanted to squirm. and 2) It was easier to clean up after he shook his head to get the ear wash out.
Congrats! You obviously love and take good care of your canine friend.
Good job, mom2. Not only did you save some money, but you established your "alpha dog" position, letting him know you're the boss.