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As you know, Dr. Fleck touches on the ear care of a dog in his seminar on "How to Make Bad Skin and Hair Coat Good". Some of you have been lucky enough to have attended his seminar, "To Ear or Not to Ear" at Kansas City Groom Classic and the Dallas Pet Pro Classic. But for those who have yet to attend this seminar or are wanting more information, here is an overview of the seminar, to help educate everyone on this touchy issue.
We have included the Canine Ear Diagram for your convenience.
Dr. Fleck will be doing another "To Ear of Not to Ear" seminar at the Carolina Groomfest this month in Columbia, South Carolina! See you there! |
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Cleaning of the Ears
When to Clean--When NOT to Clean
 When "Bowzer" comes in and you notice an awful smell coming from his ears, you first take a look and either say, "Hmm..wonder what it is?", because it looks normal; or you say, "WOW! This looks nasty", because it's red, swollen, dirty, and smells horribly.
Now, what do you do?
If it looks normal, take a Cotton Ball (only your to first knuckle) and clean the Bell of the ear. The only two things your should be cleaning are the Pinna and the Bell of the ears. If you notice any debris, yellow discharge, or see a red tinge..STOP! This is an affected ear!
If the ear is red, swollen, dirty and has an awful smell, do NOTHING! Call the owner and let them know this ear could be affected and refer them to their vet. Once the vet has cleared the dog to have you clean/pluck the ear then you'll be happy to do so.
Remember, you cannot say the ear is infected in any way, becuase that is practicing medicine! |
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Normal Ears vs. Affected Ears
Definitions and Pictures
Normal Ear: Any ear that is white/light pink and when cleaning releases no debris, yellow discharge, or any red tinge. (See Below, Left)
Affected Ear: An ear that is red, swollen, dirty, and smells. (See Below, Right)
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Accepted Approaches for Cleaning Ears
Protocol for Hair Removal
There are many acceptable approaches for cleaning canine ears. Below are a list of some of the techniques.
- Ear Cleaning Fluid
- Powders (We don't recommend this because it can cause scabs and allows debris to collect in the canal which causes pressure on the Tympanic Membrane)
- Q-Tips/ Q-Tips plus Ear Flush
- Cotton Balls
Only pluck ears if it appears to be normal. Do not pluck an affected ear because you may cause more harm than good, unless directed by a veterinarian. | |
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COMING SOON!!
Lisa Drake, our Master Groomer, will show you how she cleans an affected ear with Epi-Pet's Skin Enrichment Spray!
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Canine Skin Diagram
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3102 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, Florida 34207
866.204.0002 |
Please e-mail
for the Example Ear Waiver, or for more information! | |
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