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Shih Tzu care is a challenging yet enjoyable task. Isn't it amazing to think of you and your dog, spending time together in doing things like bathing and cleaning the ears, eyes and other parts of the body? Your dog's ears are as important as other parts of his body and must be cleaned to prevent ear mites and allergies. Cleaning your dog's ears requires cleaning implements such as cotton balls, cotton swab, damp wash cloth or ear cleaning solution. Ear wash or ear cleaning solution is available at your local pet supply store or you can also get one from your veterinarian. A mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a substitute for your dog's ear cleaning solution. Remove the dirt in the outer area first using a cotton ball dampened with a cleaning solution. Then clean the inner ear. Fill the ear canal with cleaning solution then massage for about 20 seconds to help loosen dirt and ear wax. With the use of cotton balls, wipe the dirt and excess fluid but be careful not to push down the cotton balls inside the ear. The following diseases can be prevented if proper ear cleaning is exercised: Otitis Media When the infection of the external ear canal extends into the middle ear, Otitis Media or infection of the middle ear occurs. Reasons that your dog will endure from this disease is because of foreign bodies, debris and ulceration. Bacteria reach the middle ear when the eardrum ruptures therefore careful cleaning of the ear is necessary. Odor, discharge, ear scratching, head shaking and head tilt are signs of Otitis Media. Otitis Externa An inflammation of the ear canal is called Otitis Externa or outer ear infection. The inflammation travels from the outside opening of the ear moving inward to the eardrum. Causes of Otitis Externa are bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear and infections from other parts of the body. Hematoma of the Ear Flap This condition occurs when the blood is accumulated between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap. This ear problem is due to too much head shaking or scratching at the ears. Ear Mite Infestation Ear mites are tiny white parasites infesting animals such as dogs and cats. These parasites are highly contagious, affects the whole litter even if only one dog is infested initially. Signs to watch out are head shaking and ear scratching. Shih Tzu care is not only limited to making your dog look beautiful. Keeping him clean matters the most.
Article Source: http://www.fubrus.com
Richard Cussons has composed diverse pieces on dogs. For more information on Shih Tzu care, check out this site dedicated to Shih Tzus.
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