Ear health is a common reason for pet owners to take their dog or cat to the vets. Any breed of dog at any age can have issues with their ears, but there are some breeds that are more predisposed to them.

Ear problems are more common in dogs with long hanging ears, such as Basset Hounds and Spaniels. Keeping your pet’s ears clean and healthy is important to provide optimum health and quality of life.

Some pets can be good at hiding when they are not well, so understanding the reasons your pet’s ears are unhealthy and looking out for signs can help maintain good ear health and keep pets happy and healthy.

Common signs of unhealthy ears include:

• Redness and swelling
• Sensitive to touch
• Head shaking or hitting
• Foul odour
• Discharge
• Scratching or rubbing

Dogs who spend a lot of time in water may have regular ear problems, as well as dogs with allergies. If your dog is more susceptible to ear problems, it’s important to check them regularly. You could add an ear check into their grooming routine, which will help to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and keep their ears clean and healthy.

Checking their ears regularly and from an early age can help your pet get used to having them handled making it easier during examinations or ear cleaning should they need it.

If you are worried about anything you should contact your vet who is best placed to offer advice.