June is National Microchipping Month. I am a huge believer in microchips. All of my pets, including every single kitten that comes through rescue, are microchipped. While I’m thankful they have never been necessary, you can never be too safe. Even with the utmost care and vigilance, our beloved pets can sometimes go missing or get lost. That’s why microchipping is crucial in safeguarding their safety and well-being. Here’s how this simple procedure can be a lifesaver in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
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Getting Holiday-Ready with RELIQ
Getting Holiday-Ready with RELIQ
I’m not sure how we’re about to enter December already, but whether we’re ready or not, it’s here! With as much joy this time of year brings, it also prompts a bit of stress. The stress of finding the perfect gifts, having a recipe (not to mention an outfit) for every holiday party, and most significantly, preparing to host guests in your home.
While Great Pyrenees don’t have typical “doggie odor”, we now live in the Pacific Northwest. Pyrs may be “immune” to the typical smell, but no dog can avoid the horrid wet dog smell. Candles can help mask, or even eliminate, the smell, but unless you beat the smell at its source, it will always exist.
What’s the obvious solution to beat the smell? Give them a bath, of course. But once again, you must truly eliminate the odor. Too many dog shampoos only mask the odor, leaving you with a scented wet dog. That’s almost worse than pure wet dog smell! If the shampoo does truly eliminate the odor, it’s often full of chemicals that really shouldn’t be put on dogs or leaves your dog’s coat with a “waxy” feeling.
Thankfully, RELIQ offers shampoos that eliminate the smell without covering your dog in harmful chemicals. Their secret – volcanic minerals and nano-science.
Unlike most pet shampoos that utilize herbal extracts and vitamins to nourish your dog’s skin and coat and eliminate the odor, RELIQ recognizes that these ingredients aren’t enough to truly eliminate the smell. Instead, they use proprietary volcanic minerals to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria and effectively clean your pet’s hair and skin. Because RELIQ completely eliminates (rather than masks) the odors, your pet will stay fresher and cleaner for even longer. No more trying to mask the smell to avoid the dreaded “b word” for as long as possible 😉
Why RELIQ?
Aside from complete odor elimination, RELIQ products have several other benefits:
- Gentle, easy-rinse formula
- Natural, fortifying vitamins and minerals
- Safe for dogs who lick their fur post bath (I’m looking at you, Mauja)
- Natural relief of itchy skin
- Moisturizes skin and coat
- Environmentally-safe
- Groomer-friendly formula to avoid dry, blistered hands
RELIQ also offers 5 different scents, each with a unique purpose. While all 5 scents contain the key minerals eliminate odors and promote healthy skin/coat, you can then pick a formula specifically for your dog’s needs. For example, I choose different formulas for Mauja and Atka. Mauja is currently using the Lavender formula for a calm mind and Atka uses the Green Tea formula for a deeper clean.
Helping Mauja’s Itchies
If you’ve been following us recently, you know that Mauja has been dealing with some horrendously itchy skin, which is causing rashes all over her belly. We are still working with the vet to try and figure out the source of her recent itchiness, but it was recommended to try bathing her in an oatmeal shampoo to alleviate her discomfort. Not only could I not find one that smelled nice, but it didn’t seem to work very well.
After a few failed attempts, we tried the RELIQ shampoo because it is said to be extremely nourishing. While it hasn’t solved her itchiness since we don’t know the root of the problem, it has definitely been more effective in offering relief than any oatmeal shampoo we’ve tried.
Beyond Shampoo
RELIQ offers several other products for keeping your dog healthy. My current favorite is the Light-Activated Odor Eliminator for Dogs. If you have a Great Pyrenees, you know they shouldn’t be bathed very frequently. However, there is no avoiding the wet weather this time of year! If Mauja and Atka are getting a bit of wet dog smell, I’ll spritz them with the Lavender Odor Eliminator. Unlike other products on the market that only mask the odor due to large particles, he nano-enhanced minerals are able to break through the odor molecules and instantly dissolve them.
For dog’s with really itchy, red skin, RELIQ has a Skin Solution product to fight the microbes that lead to skin allergies and hot spots. This is actually our next step with Mauja. Since we’ve loved the other products so much, I’m hoping the Skin Solution can help her itchiness even more.
We’ve also been using the Ear Solution as a natural alternative to traditional ear cleaners. Since it is a non-alcohol formula, it doesn’t have the typical chemical smell associated with ear solutions. As much as Mauja and Atka hate their ears being cleaned, they tolerate the RELIQ Ear Solution more than others we have tried. I think they don’t mind it as much because the lack of chemicals makes it a non-stinging solution.
Holiday-Ready Thanks to RELIQ
As we’re preparing to have guests in our home over the next month, I plan to keep plenty of RELIQ products, specifically the Odor Eliminator Spray on hand to keep the fluffies smelling fresh. If I’m going to put a lot of effort into keeping the house clean and smelling nice, I don’t want it to be tainted with scented wet dog smell!
Ready to try RELIQ products yourself? Use code “ITSDOGORNOTHING” for 30% off your RELIQ purchase!
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Disclaimer: I received the product mentioned above and compensation in exchange for my honest review. Don’t worry – an advertiser will never influence the content of this blog and It’s Dog or Nothing only shares products we love and believe in.
Yeast Infections in Dogs [GIVEAWAY!]
Yeast Infections in Dogs
Yeast infections are caused by Candida, a sugar-digesting yeast that forms naturally in your dog’s mouth, nose, ears, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts. When there is an overgrowth of Candida in the dog’s body, Candidiasis, or a yeast infection, occurs. While yeast infections can affect any dog, Candida is opportunistic and will often impact immuno-suppressed animals.
Yeast infections can affect a single part of the body or multiple parts at once. Either way, your dog will be uncomfortable and you should seek treatment.
Causes
There are several possible risk factors for dogs who suffer from yeast infections. Any dog with traumatized, dying, or inflamed skin has a higher likelihood of being affected. Dogs with diabetes, urinary retention, or indwelling catheters are also at a higher risk. Sometimes, an underlying condition such as allergies, bacterial infection, ruptured ear drum, or trapped object will cause a yeast infection in the ear.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary based on the location of the infection. The most common location for yeast infections in dogs is in the ear canal, which is what I want to focus on in this post.
Symptoms will include:
- Shaking, rubbing, or scratching their head
- Visible waxy residue
- Scabbing or redness along the outside of ear
- Smelly ears
- Loss of hair around the ear
- Loss of balance
- Loss of hearing
Treatment
First, your vet will look into your dog’s infected ear to determine if the eardrum is intact or if a foreign object is causing the infection. Outer ear canal infections will most likely be treated with a topical antifungal cream. Middle ear infections require treatment through tablets or injections. If a foreign object is suspected, surgery may be needed. Your vet will also recommend a full cleaning of the dog’s ear canal on a regular basis.
Prevention
Keeping the ear canal clean and dry is most important for preventing yeast infections in the ears. Regular cleanings will also allow you to check for discharge, odor, and swelling that may be missed, especially in floppy eared dogs. After swimming or baths, gently dry the ears to prevent infection.
Bayer ExpertCare
A few months ago, we were able to try the ear cleansing rinse from Bayer ExpertCare. It quickly became our new favorite and we use it on a regular basis to keep Mauja and Atka’s ears clean and infection free.
If your dog is not used to regular ear cleanings, it’s important to take it slow as to not damage the ear drum. In this post, we talk about the steps to successful ear cleanings with the Bayer ExpertCare Ear Cleansing Rinse.
We love the rinse so much that we wanted to offer a giveaway for you! Enter using the widget below for a chance to win the Bayer ExpertCare Ear Cleansing Rinse.
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Lumps and Bumps
Lumps and Bumps
Finding a lump on your dog can be terrifying, but it isn’t always cause for alarm.
When Mauja was only a year old, we found a small lump on her chest. My mind immediately went to the “c word”. After a mild panic attack and a visit to the vet, we found out it was nothing to worry about. Thankfully, the vet determined it was simply a lipoma.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is one of the most commonly found lumps on a dog’s body. These masses are usually soft, rounded, and not painful for your dog. They typically appear just under the skin and are generally benign.
Most of the time, lipomas do not have to be removed. This has been the case for Mauja – her bump has stayed the same size and not caused her any problems, so we haven’t had it removed. Occasionally, lipomas can grow into very large fat deposits that are uncomfortable for the dog and must be removed.
Other Non-cancerous Lumps and Bumps
Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts typically arise due to clogged oil glands in the skin. These cysts are composed of dead cells and can contain a clear fluid. Oftentimes, these rupture without medical intervention and heal on their own. If the cyst becomes irritated or infected, your vet will help to determine the best course of action.
Sebaceous Adenomas
While sebaceous adenomas are not the most common type of lump found on dogs, they are the most commonly biopsied. Like the cysts, these growths are rarely problematic once surgically removed.
Warts, infected hair follicles, and blood blisters are other common, non-cancerous bumps. These bumps often cause discomfort to your dog, but they have less of a health impact than cancerous growths.
Cancerous Lumps
These lumps can be malignant or benign and include mammary gland tumors, mast cell tumors, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, malignant melanoma, fibrosarcoma, and many other types of tumors.
Diagnosing Cancerous Lumps
There are four main methods for determining the type of lump that has been found on your dog.
- Impression Smears – Some masses are easier to collect cells than others. If the mass can be examined through an impression smear, your vet will collect cells by pressing a microscope slide to the raw surface of the mass. Sometimes, your vet will be able to diagnose the smear immediately, but most likely the sample will be sent to a pathologist for diagnosis.
- Needle Biopsy – In some cases, the lump can be analyzed through a simple needle biopsy rather than by complete removal. Your vet will insert a sterile needle into the lump and vacuum out cells for examination. As yucky as this procedure sounds, it is usually a painless one.
- CT Scans – If analysis of internal organs is needed, a CT Scan will be performed to help determine if the lump has gone deeper into the body.
- Radiography – Similarly to CT Scans, radiography will be used to determine the state of internal masses.
Treatment
Treatment will vary based on the age/health of the dog and the severity of the tumor.
- Surgery – Surgery will be completed in order to remove a lump that causes pain or discomfort or one that has been deemed dangerous.
- Chemotherapy – Typically, chemotherapy is done in conjunction with surgery to ensure the mass has been totally removed. It allows the vet to stay ahead of the tumor to hopefully achieve a cure.
- Radiation – If the tumor does not have well-defined borders or is spreading rapidly, radiation will be done to help save your pet’s life. As with chemotherapy, surgery typically accompanies radiation.
Most importantly, each lump must be treated individually to ensure the best course of action for your dog.
In cases where vigilance for tumors is part of the animal’s care, such as in animals where a malignant tumor has been removed and the veterinarian wishes to keep abreast of the stage of disease, then every lump should be submitted for histopathology. In other cases where the clinician is sure of a benign diagnosis such as lipoma or a wart-like skin mass then it might be understandable to use discretion. The clinician also has to take into consideration the risk of surgery compared to the risk of health problems from a particular lump or bump. – Dr. Dubielzig in PetMD
Have you ever dealt with lumps and bumps on your dog? What was your course of action?
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Coconut Oil Benefits for Dogs
Coconut Oil Benefits for Dogs
Coconut oil is a great thing to add to your dog’s meals. Unfortunately, the fluffies really don’t like anything coconut-y. I want them to get healthy fats other than salmon or krill oil, so I’m having to get creative.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been melting a small amount of coconut oil and adding it to their meals. Every few days, I increase the amount of coconut oil. I’m hoping to have them up to a full serving soon! It will be great to have another healthy fat to rotate in their diet.
Coconut oil is truly an amazing thing and has been unfairly demonized in the past. I have personally used it to relieve extremely dry skin, clean my teeth, moisturize my hair, and cook my meals. As humans, we can receive so many amazing benefits from coconut oil. Turns out – dogs can too!
Why Is Coconut Oil So Healthy?
Coconut oil is more than 90% saturated fat. Before you freak out about the words “saturated fat”, let me explain. Saturated fat has several subcategories and coconut oil has a very unique composition of fatty acids.
Coconut oil consists almost entirely of medium-chain triglycerides which can be used as a quick source of energy. The fatty acids go from the digestive tract, straight to the liver to be turned into ketone bodies. Coconut oil is also high in lauric acid, which when broken down to monolaurin in the body can kill microbes like bacteria and fungi.
Research has shown that populations who eat a large amount of coconut oil (we’re talking over 50% of their calories) are much healthier than Western nations. Both the Tokelauans and the Kitavans ate a large amount of saturated fat, mostly in the form of coconut oil, and had no traces of cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
There are many benefits of coconut oil for dogs that range from skin health to overall vitality.
- Clears eczema
- Reduces allergic reactions
- Helps create a glossy coat
- Prevents yeast and fungal infections
- Wound healing (when applied topically)
- Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
- Helps with IBD
- Reduces bad breath
- Promotes normal thyroid function
- Helps control diabetes
- Aids in arthritis and joint problems
- Helps to increase energy
How Much Should I Give My Dog?
When adding anything new to your dog’s diet, ensure that you start slow. You need to give your dog’s body some time to adjust to the new addition. You’ll know if you transitioned too quickly if your dog starts to exhibit flu-like symptoms and has diarrhea or greasy stools. I recommend starting with less than a teaspoon for giant breed dogs – even less if you dog’s tummy is particularly sensitive.
After the initial adjustment, you can slowly work your dog up to the recommended daily amount. Your dog can have approximately a tablespoon for every 30 pounds. That may seem like a lot for your giant breed, so you can split it up over their meals. I’m working toward 2 tablespoons and each meal for Mauja and Atka
Does your dog get coconut oil? Have you seen any benefits from using it?
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You Might Have a Great Pyrenees If…
You Might Have a Great Pyrenees If…
1. You wear a suit of white fur everywhere you go. You probably find that fur in your food (it’s a condiment, right?). You find white fur in your office, your car, and even on your friends clothes. Sorry, not sorry, guys.
2. Your dog is frequently mistaken for a “white Newfoundland” or, more commonly, a polar bear. There’s also Santa Paws, Olaf, and Falkor.
3. You keep your house on the cool side, even in the winter, to ensure your fluffy butt is comfortable. Pan to me in front of the fireplace, under a heated blanket, clutching a mug of hot chocolate…
4. You have a scar on your face from being whacked with a giant pyr paw. It was a loving paw, of course, and you’ll always have the mark to remember it.
5. You feel like a celebrity when you’re out with your dog. People flock to pet your dog making it impossible to get from point A to point B in decent time. You don’t care – it brightens your day to talk about your beloved furbaby. People secretly (or not so secretly) snap photos with your dog. #celebridog
6. You’ve snorted *insert beverage of choice* out of your nose when a stranger asked your dog to sit and instead your dog casually walked away. A remark about a lack of training was probably made, but you were laughing too hard to care.
7. You’ve become immune to the sound of barking. Your neighbor kindly (or not so kindly) informs you of the noise you no longer hear.
8. Speaking of barking – You turn up the volume on the television rather than try and quiet the bark fest. You know you’ll never win.
9. You twisted your ankle from tripping in a giant crater your dog gifted you with.
10. You’re constantly looking for the holy grail of vacuum cleaners that will withstand your pyr fur (and not die in a few months), but you haven’t had any luck so far. PS – Currently accepting recommendations.
11. You’ve experienced a true love and deep devotion that you never imagined existed.
So tell me – what are some other signs that you have a Great Pyrenees?
Will My Great Pyrenees Bark All the Time?
Does your Great Pyrenees bark? If so, you are not alone. There are several reasons that the Great Pyrenees is surrendered to rescue, but the most common reasons include size, their tendency to roam, and to top off the list – Great Pyrenees bark. A lot.
Whenever I talk with potential adopters about pyrs we always discuss what they should expect in regard to barking. They usually respond with, “Oh, my (insert breed here) barks all the time. I’m used to it.” I let out a chuckle and think, “we’ll see how you feel later”. I often joke that anyone interested in a Great Pyrenees should take Mauja for 24 hours and then decide how they feel about their current dog’s barking.
Great Pyrenees don’t typically bark much as a puppy, so a puppy’s bark is not indicative of how the dog will act once mature. Usually around 6-8 months, your Great Pyrenees will ‘find his voice’ as he matures into the guard dog he was meant to be. Mauja’s always been a barky butt (as we lovingly call her), but Atka didn’t make a peep until almost 9 months old.
Mauja and Atka bark at people, dogs, plastic bags, screeching cars, birds, someone shoveling, kids playing, yelling on TV, weird noises, objects that aren’t where they are ‘supposed to be’, and us when they’re feeling particularly sassy. Great Pyrenees bark at anything they feel could possibly be a threat. Furthermore, they don’t stop barking shortly after the sound occurs or when the person is beyond the yard. Great Pyrenees bark and bark until they are absolutely, positively sure that their message was heard and understood.
You cannot train a Great Pyrenees not to bark.
Let me say that again.
You cannot train a Great Pyrenees not to bark.
Yes, you can absolutely manage the barking, reduce its frequency and intensity, and remain on the good side of your neighbors, but attempting to eliminate pyr barking is going against their natural instincts. Asking a pyr not to bark is like asking a bird not to fly or a fish not to swim. I’m a firm believer in working with your dog’s natural instincts, not against them.
Great Pyrenees bark during the day and night. There are several tactics to help reduce the amount of barking and find a middle ground between your desires and your pyr’s instincts.
Great Pyrenees Day Barking
The Great Pyrenees is a livestock guardian dog who was born with the natural instinct to guard his flock. The flock need not be livestock; it can very well be your family. Pyrs are not attack dogs and generally will not become aggressive with predators unless the situation becomes dire. They prefer to intimidate their enemy through their giant size and booming bark. Attempting to prevent your pyr from guarding will just lead to a confused, unhappy, and unstable dog.
A lot of the time, Great Pyrenees bark at things you can’t see or hear. Rest assured, they are indeed barking at something. It might be the sketchy-looking leaf that just blew by your backyard or a person coughing 3 miles away, but they are barking at something!
Dealing with Great Pyrenees barking during the day is a bit easier because you will generally have more understanding neighbors when the sun is shining. The technique that has worked time and time again is to thank Mauja and Atka for barking (read more about that technique here). Praising your dog for doing his/her job will go a long way in minimizing the amount of barking. However, sometimes your Great Pyrenees will get so worked up about something you can’t hear or see and nothing you say or do will quiet him down. Mauja and Atka will ignore their highest value treats when they are in serious guard dog mode. Simply bring your pyr inside (you’ll definitely have to go outside and get him!) until he calms down so your neighbors don’t hate you.
Ideas To Reduce Barking
Socialize, socialize, socialize. Allow your pyr to experience the world around him and learn about different sources of stimulation. Socialization will allow him to determine what is ‘normal’ in his world and what are the possible sources of threat. Regardless of whether your pyr is 10 weeks or 7 years, socialization should occur. Dogs are most receptive to socialization as a puppy, but that doesn’t mean it should be neglected at an older age. The Great Pyrenees is naturally aloof so socialization will help prevent your pyr from being suspicious of those around him.
Exercise. Great Pyrenees have relatively low activity needs, but their exercise should not be pushed aside. 30-60 minute brisk walks each day will help your pyr to learn even more about the world and hopefully limit boredom barking. Great Pyrenees were bred to do a job so they need to be given the opportunity to use that energy in a productive way. Without proper exercise, pyrs will bark incessantly and/or become destructive.
Mental stimulation/training. The Great Pyrenees is an incredibly smart, yet independent, breed of dog. It’s important not to confuse independent with dumb. Pyrs were bred to work on their own without human direction so they typically have little interest in obedience training. However, it’s important to exhaust their minds to help lessen their barking. It will take time, but find what works for your pyr and keep sessions short as they bore easily. Atka has his Advanced Canine Good Citizen certification – it can be done! Kongs and other interactive toys are also great for keeping your pyr’s brain busy.
Thank your Great Pyrenees. This is hands down, the best technique I’ve tried so far. Never yell at your pyr for barking; he is doing his job! I talk more in-depth on this technique to reduce Great Pyrenees barking here. When you thank your pyr, go outside or over to him and acknowledge his work. Let him know that you’re grateful for the alert but you’ll take it from here. Your Great Pyrenees knows he needs to protect you, but he also knows that you will protect him.
Great Pyrenees Night Barking
The Great Pyrenees is nocturnal by nature so typically their barking will increase once the sun goes down. Nighttime is when most predators will be active, so the Great Pyrenees had to adapt to best protect its flock. I have found that the most successful way to keep pyrs quiet at night is to establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Our bedtime routines started with Mauja and Atka on day one to try and get them on the same schedule as us. Every night we would do the same thing: evening potty break, bedtime treat, snuggles and a bedtime song (yes, I’m serious), and then finally crate time (when we were still working on house-breaking). Once they were each housebroken, our last step was to close the bedroom door so they were in there with us overnight.
A proper bedtime routine has been a complete game-changer for so many people who are frustrated by their pyr’s nighttime barking. People even tell me that they thought the bedtime song was ridiculous until they tried it. Some pyr’s latch so tightly to their routines that they’ll cry if you try and finish without their usual song! Mauja and Atka’s nighttime routine no longer includes the song, but we still do the same thing every night to keep things consistent.
I would also recommend purchasing a fan or a white noise machine to filter out the sounds that your Great Pyrenees will inevitably hear. I also advise against keeping your window open if you are still struggling with nighttime barking. They have exceptional hearing so Great Pyrenees bark at things you can’t hear. You want to drown out as many noises as possible.
Unless you live in the country and are using your Great Pyrenees as a livestock guardian, it is not recommended to leave them outside overnight. Mauja and Atka would be so incredibly happy if we let them outside overnight, but we would have the police knocking at our door at 1 am due to noise complaints. Trust me. When it’s dark they do. not. shut. up. I never worry that anything will sneak up on us, though!
Conclusion
Great Pyrenees bark. There are some pyrs that are naturally quiet, but they are the rare exception to the rule. Don’t get a puppy and expect to be able to raise him not to bark; their instinct is incredibly strong. If you are hoping to share your life with a quieter Pyrenees, talk with rescue groups where the dogs are living in foster homes. This will give you a better idea of what to expect in the dog (but remember, you never truly know how a dog will act in a different home).
If you learn to appreciate the breed-specific traits of a Great Pyrenees, you will never be able to imagine your life without one <3
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4 Gifts for Pets
I’m sure if you have kids (or know anyone that does), you’ve heard of the 4 gifts approach to Christmas. It goes as follows:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
Since this is being done for pets rather than for children, “read” can easily be swapped with “eat”, if you’d prefer! I know Atka (AKA Mr. Paper Shredder) would ruin any lovely book 😉 Here’s the gifts I would give Mauja and Atka if following the “4 gifts” approach.
Something They Want – Bully Canes
These Bully Canes from Best Bully Sticks are between 28-36″ in length so they are recommended for large dogs and aggressive chewers. Mauja and Atka LOVE bully sticks, so I know they would want this treat. The question is – will it slow them down?
Something They Need – Cooling Pad
This Cooling Pad from the Green Pet Shop is fantastic. We received one to review a few months ago, but we have two dogs! Mauja and Atka do a good job of rotating, but they really need another one!
Something To Wear – ID Tags
BadTags on Etsy has an amazing selection of ID tags with tons of fun sayings! Mauja and Atka’s current tags are pretty boring, so it’d be fun to spice it up! These four are current contenders. Can you guess who would get each?
Something To Eat – PowerStew
The Only Natural Pet PowerStew has become a fluffy favorite. The chunks of meat make it ultra-appetizing as a topper, but it’s also great for mental stimulation by stuffing in a Kong and freezing.
If you were to follow the 4 Gifts for Pets approach, what would be on your pet’s Christmas list this year? Make sure to visit the other blogs in the hop and see what’s on their lists!
Teach Your Dog to Accept Ear Cleanings #BayerExpertCare
Like many other floppy eared dogs, the Great Pyrenees is prone to ear problems and infections. Their floppy, furry ears can easily trap moisture and dirt that if not cleaned properly can lead to ear infections. Mauja and Atka (for the most part) have naturally clean ears, but that doesn’t mean we skimp on cleaning; it’s a part of our regular grooming routine. In case they do develop an ear issue, I want them to be comfortable with me messing with their ears.
Most dogs aren’t comfortable with foreign objects being shoved in their ears, so if your dog is new to ear cleaning ensure you take it slow. Here’s a process that has worked well for training Mauja and Atka to accept regular ear cleanings.
Training Ear Cleaning Acceptance
- Grab some yummy treats. Soft treats typically work the best for working through uncomfortable situations with Mauja and Atka. However, with Kaeto, we had to break out the cooked chicken to even get close to him with the cleaner!
- Sit with your dog. If you have cleaned your dog’s ears before, chances are he knows exactly what the ear cleaner looks like and what that means! I like to just sit on the floor with the cleaner and treats in hand waiting for Mauja and Atka to approach me. Anytime they get near the cleaner, they get a treat!
- Take it a step further. At this point, I start putting the nozzle in the very tip of their ear (but not too far as to avoid poking their ear). Praise, treat, praise, treat, praise, treat! You can’t praise too much during this phase. It was helpful for me to utilize a second person so I didn’t get clumsy with the cleaner or treats.
- Use the product. Once your dog is okay with the cleaner in his ear, it’s time to actually do the ear cleaning. Be sure to praise and treat! Most likely, the cleaner will startle him so be wary to avoid poking the ear. Most cleaners then require that you massage it into the ear, which I always try to disguise with an ear rub 😉
It’s important to note that these steps take time and most likely will not be accomplished in a single sitting. It took several weeks of practicing before Mauja and Atka would allow me to put the cleaner in their ears. Take it slow. After enough practice, hopefully you’ll have a dog that tolerates ear cleaning!
Bayer® ExpertCare™ Ear Cleansing Rinse at PetSmart
I like convenience. I want to be able to either order something online or pick it up at a place that I shop frequently. Trust me, convenience doesn’t outweigh a quality product, but it’s nice when the two coincide! That’s why I’m thrilled that the Bayer ExpertCare products are being sold at exclusively PetSmart. This is perfect for a busy woman like myself that wants to give her pups the best care possible.
The Bayer ExpertCare line includes a fantastic ear rinse. The solution is a fresh-scented antiseptic cleansing rinse that contains wax-dissolving and drying agents with aloe vera. This was our first time using the ear rinse from Bayer and I’ve been really impressed with the results. I’ve decided to swap this ear cleaner for the one we typically use and I love that I can easily grab it while we are at PetSmart.
Do you have an ear cleaning routine for your dog? Have you tried any of the Bayer ExpertCare products from PetSmart?