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5713 results for “dog ear CT”
Can Dog Food Cause Tear Stains? How Diet Affects Them
Some dogs' tear stains are diet-related, but not always the food's fault. Food can worsen stains through allergies, excess salt or additives, or mineral imbalance. If stains worsen after switching food, change it; if diet isn't the cause, see a vet to rule out blocked tear ducts or other issues.
How Dangerous Is Heartworm in Dogs? Infection, Symptoms, and Prevention
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a hidden but deadly internal parasite spread by mosquitoes. Early infection shows almost no signs, yet it can cause heart and lung failure and is fatal in advanced cases. The good news: it is fully preventable with monthly preventives and annual testing.
How to Treat a Blocked Tear Duct in Dogs
A blocked tear duct is common and mostly cosmetic, but needs care. At home, wipe the eye twice daily with weak warm saline, keep it clean, and warm-compress and massage the duct. Severe or stubborn cases need a vet for antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drops, or a flushing or stent procedure.
What should I do if my dog’s ear is infected and oozing pus?
A dog's ear oozing pus is most likely purulent otitis. Causes include bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection and even tumors, each needing different treatment, so the exact cause must be found. Take the dog to the vet first to avoid wrong treatment that worsens or delays the condition.
Which dog breeds have erect (pointed) ears?
Many breeds have naturally upright ears, including Samoyed, German Shepherd, Border Collie, Dobermann, Corgi, Shiba, Akita, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Alaskan Malamute, Chihuahua, Husky, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Chinese Rural Dog, and Miniature Pinscher. Erect ears aid hearing and stay cooler.
How to Prevent Heartworm Infection in Dogs
Heartworm in dogs is spread mainly by mosquito bites and, less often, from an infected mother to her puppies. Signs such as coughing, tiredness, and poor appetite appear only after worms mature in the heart and lungs, so prevention — regular checkups, monthly preventives, and mosquito avoidance — is far safer than treatment.
After the Swim: Preventing Ear Infections, Skin Trouble, and Tummy Upsets in Dogs
Swimming is a great low-impact workout that cools dogs off and supports their joints—but skipping the clean-up afterward can lead to three common problems: ear infections, skin irritation, and digestive upset. A dog’s L-shaped ear canal traps water that shaking alone won’t fully remove, creating a warm, moist space where yeast and bacteria thrive. Thick or double coats that aren’t fully dried breed the same trouble on the skin. And a cold abdomen plus post-swim air conditioning or ice water can upset a sensitive gut. The fix is simple: clean and dry the ears, blow-dry the coat layer by layer (especially armpits, belly, and paw folds), and let the dog rest before any AC, cold water, or rough play—offering a probiotic if its stomach is delicate.
Which Dogs Are Most Prone to Ear Infections?
A dog's L-shaped, narrow ear canal traps debris and invites infection. Small long-haired breeds, large floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Dachshunds, and some prick-eared breeds with tight canals such as Bulldogs are most at risk. Causes span primary (mites, allergies, tumors), predisposition (canal shape, systemic disease), and perpetuating (bacteria, fungi). Watch for head-shaking, foul discharge, and hearing loss, and keep the outer ear clean to protect the inner ear and nervous system.
Ear Mite Infestation in Dogs and Cats (Otodectic Mange): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are highly contagious parasites that infect the outer ear canal of dogs and cats, causing intense itching, head shaking, and dark waxy debris. Treatment combines ear cleaning with parasiticides and control of secondary infection.
What is the most effective way to treat tear stains in dogs?
Tear stains form when excess tears and discharge oxidize on the fur, so the most effective approach is to address the root cause and wipe the eyes clean daily. Consistent cleaning prevents stains from setting in.