Between Groomings—Ears
While you do not have to perform this task everyday, your dog's ears should be checked for ear mites weekly. You need no special training and don't need any instruments. You simply look inside them. If you spot coffee ground-like specks your dog may have ear mites. Ear mites can cause severe inflammation in your dog's ears, and they are quite contagious. The good news is that they are susceptible to many over-the-counter medications.
If you find that your dog has an ear infection, have your veterinarian thoroughly examine your dog's ears before attempting to treat the infection yourself. There are many causes of ear infections in dogs, and it's best to have your vet determine whether the infection is caused by ear mites or some other irritation before deciding on the best course of medication.
