One of a golden retriever dog's lovable characteristics, long, floppy ears are also to blame for ear...

1. From Problems to Preventive Care
One of a golden retriever dog's lovable characteristics, long, floppy ears are also to blame for ear
infections prevalent in goldens. That's because their winding ear canals are shut off from air,
creating a moist environment ideal for yeast and bacterial growth. And if ear infections aren't
enough, mites, wax, and debris are also common ear problems of goldens.
The good news is, pet owners can take steps to avoid dog ear problems and maintain ear health in
their golden retrievers. The first step? Simply recognizing the problem.
Recognizing Dog Ear Infections and Mites
Ear infections, or otitis, in goldens can present themselves in a number of ways, depending on the
type of ear infection. If a dog's ears are red or inflamed, feel warm to the touch, contain scabs, puss,
or discharge, or smell bad, there could be a problem. A dog with an ear infection may also scratch,
shake his head, or rub his ears. Too much scratching can cause a blood vessel to rupture, resulting
in a blood-filled swelling, or hematoma.
Recognizing dog ear mites - especially common in golden puppies or sick adult dogs - is also
important for ear health. Dog ear mites look like coffee grounds or dark, dry buildup, often in both
ears. Dogs with mites might shake their heads, scratch their ears, or hold their heads sideways. If
mites are suspected, separate the dog from other pets and call the vet. Immediate attention is
necessary.
Preventive Dog Ear Care for Goldens
While recognizing ear problems in a golden retriever is key to dog ear health, so is remembering to
check the dog's ears regularly - preferably once a week. Look both outside and inside the ear for any
signs of trouble. If nothing appears abnormal, it's still a good idea to routinely clean a golden's ears,
especially if any debris or wax is noticeable.
At-home ear cleaning can be done with an ear cleaning product, an alcohol and vinegar mixture, or

2. mineral oil. Using a cotton ball moistened with cleaner, gently insert the cotton ball into the canal
and carefully wipe the ear, including the crevices and folds. Avoid using swabs that can damage the
ear or pack debris farther into the canal. Dog ear care also involves keeping the ears neatly
trimmed, which can make cleaning easier.
Another preventative for dog ear health is protecting the dog from outdoor pests. Applying a flea
and tick product to a golden's skin can prevent tick diseases and other pest-infested problems.
Foxtails (grassy weeds that form barbed seeds, which can cause infections in the external ear canal)
are another source of ear problems in dogs who spend time outdoors, so keeping a dog away from
areas where foxtails grow is also important for ear care.
Treating A Golden Retriever Dog With Ear Problems
If a golden retriever dog succumbs to an ear infection or other dog ear health problem, the best
solution is prompt treatment. An outer canine ear infection can spread to a painful middle ear
infection, which can result in a more serious inner ear infection that could lead to deafness.
Likewise, dog ear mites and ticks can cause irritation to the ear or, worse, illness.
Treatment of ear problems begins with a trip to the vet and often includes a thorough cleansing
along with medication. The sooner the problem is detected and dealt with, the better. Some dog ear
problems are difficult to cure once established. Canine ear infections are also costly to treat on a
continuous basis.

3. Although most ear problems are not
serious in goldens, they are
uncomfortable for the dog and may
recur with frequency, causing expense
and frustration. But by taking preventive
measures to maintain ear health, golden
retriever owners can keep their dogs'
ears problem-free and flopping happily -
just like they were meant to be.
For more articles on golden retriever
health issues, see:
Sources:
Coile, Caroline, Ph.D. The Golden
Retriever Handbook. Hauppauge, NY:
Barrons, 2009.
Sucher, Jaime. Golden Retrievers: A
Complete Pet Owner's Manual.
Hauppauge, NY: Barrons, 2010.
Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. www.ygrr.org.