5 Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Ears Healthy

5 Tips to Keep Your Pet's Ears Healthy

Folded, floppy, hairy, or straight, we love our pets’ ears. They’re fuzzy, cute, and fun to scratch, but they can be a source of health problems for our dogs and cats when they are not properly cared for. Pet ears can attract parasites like ear mites, as well as become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. So, maintaining your pet’s ears will maintain their health, too!
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5 Things to Do to Keep Your Pet's Ears Healthy

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1. Stay Dry

Pets with floppy, folded ears are more susceptible to developing ear infections as a result of moisture getting trapped in their ears. After a bath, a day at the beach, or splashing in the rain, be sure to dry your pet’s ears out by wiping them down with a soft, clean cloth.

2. Keep Clean

Add a mild ear cleaning solution to your pet’s regular grooming routine. Keeping your pet’s ears free from dirt, debris, and other buildups will help them stay healthy.

3. Drive With the Windows Up

Dogs love to hang their heads out the windows and feel the breeze in their fur, but doing so can actually result in debris getting trapped in their ears (and in their eyes and noses, too). This can increase their chances of developing infections. So, it’s best to keep the windows rolled up whenever you’re out for a drive.

4. Recognize the Signs of Infection

If your pet does develop an ear infection, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms so that you can get them the proper treatment from your veterinarian right away. Symptoms of ear infection include:
  • Odor
  • Discharge or excessive, dark-colored earwax
  • Crusting or scabbing
  • Hair loss near the ears
  • Swelling or redness
  • Head shaking
  • Scratching or pawing at the ears
  • Tilting the head
  • Drooping ears
  • Rubbing the head against objects
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If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your pet, it’s best to schedule a veterinary appointment right away.

5. Talk to Your Veterinarian

If your pet suffers from frequent ear infections, they could have an underlying allergy or skin problem. Talk to your veterinarian about finding relief for your pet.

Everything You Need for Healthy Pet Ears

At VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy, we have all the products – from drops to antibiotics and antifungals – that you need to maintain your pet’s ear health. To learn more about ordering your pet’s medications and supplies from our pet pharmacy, we welcome you to contact us today.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe From Fleas and Ticks

How to Keep Your Pet Safe From Fleas and Ticks

Parasite season is upon us. On Long Island, flea and tick season usually peaks during May and June, but it starts as early as late March and can last through October. Fleas and ticks not only cause pets discomfort, but they also carry several diseases that can harm your pet’s health and that of your human family members, too! Consider the following tips to make sure your pets are protected from fleas and ticks this season.
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3 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe From Fleas and Ticks

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1. Use a Parasite Preventative

Hands-down, using a parasite prevention medication is the best way to protect your pets from picking up fleas and ticks. These come in a variety of forms including topical ointments, medicated collars, and oral tablets. These need to be applied, replaced or administered at different times throughout each parasite season.
The best products for your pets depend on species, size, and the other pets in your household. Do not use parasite preventatives intended for one species on another, as this can be very dangerous for pets.
For best results, never miss a dose and carefully follow your package’s administration instructions.

2. Groom Regularly

Keep your pet’s coat free from debris and any lingering pests with regular appointments for professional brushing and bathing – or brush your pet out at home after walking in any brushy areas.

3. Avoid Parasite Paradises

During peak parasite season, it’s smart to avoid areas where parasites will be out in large numbers. Try to keep your pets out of grassy, brushy, or heavily wooded areas. Keep your lawn well-trimmed and maintain their immediate outdoor environments so they’re clean and free from debris, grass clippings, and brush, as these areas harbor fleas and ticks.
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Parasite Prevention for Your Pet From VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy

If you’re looking for a high-quality parasite preventative for your pet or suggestions about the best product that will effectively protect your pet while being safe for your entire household, we welcome you to contact a pet med pharmacist at VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy. We can help you select an effective product based on your lifestyle and your pet’s species and size that will be safe for all the pets and children living in your household.
To learn more about the variety of parasite preventatives for cats and dogs, we invite you to contact us today.