Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

Proper Ear Care for Pets

Veterinarian cleaning dog's ear

How to Properly Care for Your Pet's Ears

How long has it been since you took a peek at your pet's ears? Examining your furry friend's ears, whether they're floppy or upright, can help you spot signs of infections, mites, and other health problems.

How Often Should I Check My Pet's Ears?

Weekly ear checks are a good idea for pets. When you conduct your exam, look for these potential trouble signs:

  • Discharge: Discharge can be a sign of an infection in your pet's outer, inner, or middle ear. If the discharge is brown or black and looks a little like coffee grounds, your pet may have ear mites. The tiny critters feast on wax and oil in your pet's ears and can make your dog or cat very uncomfortable. If ear mite infestations aren't treated, damage to the eardrum can occur.
  • Scratching. Occasional ear scratching isn't a cause for concern unless your pet can't stop scratching. Constant scratching and pawing at the ears can cause bleeding and infections in some cases.
  • Redness. Red, swollen or hot ears are another sign that your cat or dog's ears may be infected.
  • Odor. Infections can cause a foul odor to come from your pet's ears.
  • Pain. Does your pet yelp or withdraw when you touch his or her ears? An infection or injury may be to blame.
  • Foreign Objects. Do you see anything in or on your pet's ears that doesn't belong, such as grass, pebbles, burrs or ticks?
  • Head Shaking. Your pet may try everything to get rid of that uncomfortable ear sensation, including shaking his or her head.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with your pet's veterinarian. He or she can offer treatments that address the source of the problem and make your pet more comfortable.

Should I Clean My Pet's Ears?

Cleaning isn't always necessary, particularly if you have a cat. In fact, most cats clean their ears during their daily grooming sessions. If your cat neglects its ears or has difficulty reaching them, you may need to lend a hand.

Since dogs can't clean their own ears, they may benefit from ear cleanings occasionally. Cleanings are usually necessary if debris tends to collect in your dog's ears. If that's not a problem for your pet, you may not need to clean his or her ears.

Irish setters, basset hounds and other dogs with drooping ears benefit from regular ear cleanings. Due to the structure of their ears, they're more likely to develop infections and other issues than dogs with upright ears.

You can clean your pet's ears by following these steps:

  • Gently grasp the top of your pet's ears to expose the ear canal. Place several drops of ear cleaner in your dog or cat's ear. (Check with the vet if you're not sure which type of pet cleaner is best for your furry friend.)
  • Use a cotton ball or a clean piece of gauze to remove dirt and debris from your pet's ear. Only clean the part of the ear that you can see. Don't use a cotton swab, as the swab may slip into the ear canal and damage your pet's ear, or force debris and wax deep inside the ear.
  • Many pets will shake their ears during the procedure. Although you may get a little cleaner on you, shaking will help clear extra solution from the ears.
  • Repeat these steps on the other ear. Stop at any point if your pet appears to be in pain or is uncooperative.

Is it impossible for you to clean your dog or cat's ears? Our staff are pros at ear cleaning and are glad to help you with this essential grooming task. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Sources:

WebMD: Discharge from a Dog’s Ear: Causes and Treatments

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-discharge-ear#1

Animal Wellness: Taking Care of Your Pet’s Ears, 1/4/18

https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/taking-care-pets-ears/

Dogster: Wondering How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears? A How-To (and How Often!) Guide, 12/6/18

https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/wondering-how-to-clean-dog-ears-a-how-to-and-how-often-guide

Purina: Cat Ear Care and Cleaning

https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/symptoms-to-watch-out-for/cleaning-a-cats-ears

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
    Sabrina M.
  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
    opinions until I found this Doctor! He explained everything in detail and told me exactly how the work would be
    done, I felt so comfortable! He did a fantastic job! Thank You Doctor Suman and Staff! My dog needed the same
    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.