With cancer in dogs and cats, early detection and treatment are critical. By detecting cancer early, you can work with your veterinarian to increase the chance of cure or remission.

But noticing the subtle signs of cancer early enough can be difficult if you don’t know what you are looking for, and sometimes the signs can be so subtle that pet parents may mistake them as a normal part of aging.

Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of the following subtle signs of cancer in your pet. If the cause is cancer, you can catch it early and start a treatment plan.

1. Weight LossUnexplained weight loss in dogs and cats—especially when a pet isn’t on a calorie-restricted diet—can be a sign of cancer. While some cancers can cause quick and dramatic weight loss that is hard to miss, it’s more common that the weight loss is gradual over time. It can be so gradual that, initially, it goes unnoticed by the pet parent.

Sometimes, weight loss isn’t even noticed until the pet is taken to the veterinarian and the change in weight only becomes obvious when compared to historical weight measurements.

If a pet is losing weight even though they’re eating normally, then the top diseases to consider are diabetes mellitus, conditions that affect the digestive tract’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, hyperthyroidism (more common in cats), and cancer.

2. Lumps and BumpsWhile lumps, bumps, and other skin changes are easier to notice on short-haired dogs or cats, many times they go unnoticed on long-haired pets.

Pet parents will also often postpone a veterinary visit if a lump is small; however, you cannot determine if a skin lump is cancerous based on the size. Even the smallest skin lumps can be cancerous.

Tumors of the mammary chain—also known as breast cancer—are often missed by pet owners. Female dogs and cats most commonly develop breast cancer when they were not spayed early in life.
Dogs and cats are also subject to cancers of the gastrointestinal system, vascular system, liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, endocrine glands, immune system, lymphatic system, and reproductive organs. These cancers may cause fluid to accumulate or masses to form in the belly. If your pet is large or overweight, you may not notice any changes until they become life-threatening.
Another place where lumps and bumps can be hidden is in the mouth. Dogs and cats can get oral tumors on the gums, palate, or tongue. Tumors under the tongue are very hard to find—unless you are looking for them!

3. Changes in CoatA normal, healthy pet has a glossy, full coat. Changes in the coat can indicate cancer, such as:

• Hair loss
• Brittle or dry hair
• Excessive dandruff or scaling
• Skin infections that don’t respond well to treatment
• Excessive shedding

Skin cancers can directly affect a pet’s coat, but so can cancer elsewhere in the body. For example, cancers of the endocrine system, such as tumors on the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands, can all cause changes in your pet’s coat.

Overgrooming, no grooming, or excessive licking at a body part can also be subtle signs of cancer in both dogs and cats. If a body part is painful due to cancer, a dog may excessively lick that area, which can cause brown lick stains and hair loss.

If a cat feels sick or is in pain, they may not groom enough or at all, which can lead to a matted, unkempt coat. Alternatively, cats are also known to overgroom and pull out hair in response to stress or pain.

4. Changes in Appetite
An increased or decreased appetite can be subtle signs of cancer in dogs and cats. If a pet is feeling yucky or is in pain, then they may not want to eat. Conversely, other cancers can cause a pet to eat more than normal. Some cancers consume a lot of calories, which will increase a pet’s appetite (if they are feeling well enough to eat).

Certain types of aggressive, malignant cancers can cause a pet to eat normal or more than normal amounts of food and still lose weight. And benign tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands can cause a condition called Cushing’s disease that leads to hormonal changes and an increased appetite.

5. Changes in Urination or Bowel MovementsChanges in your pet’s bathroom schedule are worthy of note when it comes to early detection. Different types of cancer can cause changes in your pet’s potty habits, from an increased need for potty time to constipation.
For example:

• Cancer of the gastrointestinal system can cause diarrhea and/or constipation.
• Cancer of the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, liver, or kidneys can increase thirst in dogs and cats and lead to an increased need to urinate. 
• Cancer of the urinary system can increase the urge to pee but sometimes obstruct the urethra, which makes it difficult to urinate. So, pets with urinary cancer may have to pee frequently, have accidents inside the house, or seem to strain when urinating.

6. Changes in BehaviorA change in behavior can also be a subtle sign of brain cancer, metabolic changes associated with cancer, or cancer pain. This includes:

• A lack of energy or lack of interest in the things that used to bring your pet joy
• Accidents in the house
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Pacing
• Increased aggression or clinginess
• Seizures or tremors can also be a sign of cancer, and unless you witness them, they can be missed by pet parents. Some signs that may indicate a pet has experienced a seizure include loss of balance, twitching, excessive drooling, and temporary blindness.

7. CoughingCancer can cause dogs and cats to cough, so any dog or cat that develops a persistent cough needs to be seen by a veterinarian. A persistent cough can be a potential sign of a tumor pressing on an airway, fluid in or around the lungs, or lung tumors.

Persistent coughing can also be a sign of other pet health issues, so if your pet has a cough they cannot seem to kick, it’s always best to take them to their veterinarian.

How You Can Help Detect Cancer in Pets EarlyVeterinarians are trained to notice any abnormalities in your dog or cat, and a veterinary examination is your best weapon against cancer.

However, most pets only see their veterinarian once or twice a year. So, it’s helpful if you play an active role in monitoring your pet’s health as well. As a pet parent, you see your pet every day, which means you can keep a look out for these potential subtle signs of cancer.

To do at-home checks, you can run your hands over your pet to feel for any lumps or bumps and visually inspect your pet. Don’t forget to inspect the nipples and surrounding tissues in female dogs and cats for any changes, lumps, or bumps.

Feel your pet’s rib cage for any signs of weight gain or loss, or better yet, weigh them monthly and keep a log so you can notice trends early. Look in your pet’s mouth and check their teeth and gums. Hold a treat out, and let your pet lick the treat while you visually inspect the top and bottom of the tongue.

Pet guardians know their pets best, and by conducting these monthly at-home inspections, you may be more likely to catch subtle signs of cancer early enough to make a difference.
WRITTEN BY
Sarah Wooten, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists,...

Feeling safe is an essential need for every living creature, just like having access to clean water and food. While humans can choose to retreat to a quite place, install security cameras and alarm systems when they’re scared, dogs doesn’t have that choice. That’s why creating a safe and quiet place for your dog is vital for your dog’s physical and mental health.

What Does Safe Mean For Dogs?
Safe means being “protected from or not exposed to danger or risk: not likely to be harmed” per Merriam-Webster dictionary. This means a dog learns to feel safe and secure when they are away from scary things, such as other dogs, visiting guests, repairmen, children or loud sounds.

Choosing A Safe Place
This step is critical and depends on your dog’s needs. It’s best to choose a bedroom that’s easily closed off by a secure door. By far, choosing the master bedroom works best as it smells like the dog’s pet parents. Also, your dog can practice nightly and enjoy sleeping in the room with her pet parents, which is another great way to teach your dog that this room is safe, relaxing and comfortable.

Creating A Safe Space
Once a bedroom has been located, it’s time to set up the room to address your dog’s needs.

• Your dog should have access to a very comfortable bed and water bowl.
• To drown out noises, place a white noise machine or large box fan (used on medium to high volume) near the door or windows. White noise drowns out construction, thunderstorm, visitors talking loudly, barking dogs or any other scary noises from stressing your dog.
• Tightly close drapes and blinds to prevent sounds (such as construction) or shadows (from people or dogs walking by) from distracting of scarring your dog.
• If a dog is afraid of lightening, turn on a light to prevent prevent lightening flashes from lighting up the bedroom.
• Plug in or regularly spray a calming pheromone (such as Adaptial) in the room.
• Essential oils are very calming to for dogs, try adding 2-3 drops of a dog safe essential oil into a diffuser in a far corner of the room.

Teaching Your Dog To Enjoy Their New Space
Before placing your dog into her safe place when visitors arrive, you should plant to spend 2 weeks teaching your dog that her safe place is truly safe.

1. Grab high value treats, such as string cheese. Walk to your dog’s safe place and toss food inside the room. Do this 10 times (don’t close the door yet) twice a day. Practice this for two days
2. Using high value treats, toss a large chunk of cheese or several small peas size pieces inside the room. When your dog goes inside to eat the treats, close the door for one second, then open the door. Dog this 10 times twice a day. Practice this for 2 days.
3. Follow step 2 but increase the time that the door is closed. Start with 2 seconds and slowly add 1-2 seconds per training session. If your dog should scratch at the door or whine, take a step back and decrease the duration of the door closed. Practice 10-20 times and twice a day.
4. When your quietly dog can stay behind the door for 5 minutes, give your dog a yummy food filled Kong toy. Do this everything you place your dog inside her safe place.
5. Now turn on the sound machine and essential oil diffuser and toss your dog a food stuffed toy every time she goes into her safe place.
6. Slow increase the time.

When To Use Your Dog’s Safe Place?
Place your dog into her space place whenever she needs it. Most dogs enjoy lounging in their safe place during dinner and birthday parties, when guests visit, when strangers arrive, during thunderstorms or during construction. Let your dog chose to go to her safe place whenever she needs it.

Many dogs dislike lots of commotion or loud parties, they would rather relax in their safe place. Additionally, you never know if your dog will eat something or get out the front door. When in doubt, keep your dog safe in her safe room.

Safe Place For Multiple Dogs?
It’s best to keep dogs separate in their safe space. When unpredicted scary things appear, many dogs may become so stressed and take their frustration out on the other dog. Plus, it’s never safe to have two dogs in a room with food stuffed Kongs. Place each dog in a crate or behind a secure barrier when unsupervised. If housemate dogs have squabbled in the best, it may be best to give them their own safe room (two different rooms with securely closed doors)

Which Dogs Should Have A Safe Place? All dogs should have a safe place.
​Most dogs enjoy their crate it it’s not located near high traffic areas, near windows or doors. Ideally, a dog’s crate should be placed into a bedroom that has a door, which can be closed. This prevents someone or something walking near or toward a dog, when they are crated.

If you have any questions about creating or teaching your dog to enjoy a safe space, please contact us.  ​https://positivepooch.net/

Rabbits are hopping into homes and hearts more than ever in recent years, and it’s important that pet parents know how to safely handle and pick them up. Bunnies, like all small pets, can be easily injured without proper support. Once you understand the basics, you and your bun will have everything you need to be as inseparable as any other pet parent and their furry friend.
Here's how to pick up a rabbit without scaring or injuring them.

How to Hold a Rabbit

1. Gather Your Rabbit
To get started, find a safe area to handle your rabbit. Starting on the floor is the safest choice, in an area with no obstacles (nothing to knock over or break) and preferably a blanket, rug, or carpeting to soften any impacts should your rabbit break loose.  With your area set, lure your rabbit with treats so they can get used to your setup and settle in.

2. Pet the Rabbit
To hold a rabbit, you must touch under their belly and under their rump. As prey animals, rabbits can be skittish by nature and may hop, thump, or run if you try to touch their belly or back end.

To help your rabbit prepare for being picked up, begin by petting areas they’re used to (such as along the back and scruff) and slowly introduce your petting to new areas, like behind their back legs, under their chest, and on their belly.

At this stage, don’t lift them up yet—just see how your bunny reacts to being touched. If they startle badly, repeat this step for as long as it takes for them to get used to you touching the necessary areas.

3. Pick Up Your Rabbit
When you and your rabbit are ready, it is best to settle next to your rabbit, either behind or to their side. Scoop one hand under their chest, and another under their back legs or rump, drawing them into your lap or chest as you do so.

You want to do this swiftly, though not rushed, and with confidence. If your rabbit startles or tries to jump, hold them firmly to your body for their comfort and safety.

A rabbit will only feel safe being held if they:

• Feel supported at both the front and back end
• Are in a stable hold
• Are held to your body rather than in the air

It is critical to use both hands—one at the front and one at the back of the rabbit.

Bunnies, like all small pets, can be easily injured without proper support.Depending on how you are sitting or standing when holding a rabbit, it may be more secure to hold your rabbit’s chest and shoulders from the side or above. You may also hug them into your body, under their back legs, or the classic hold of under both the chest and rump. The hand at the front of the rabbit should span underneath and to the side or top of the shoulders to provide better control.

Old dogs often experience a decline in their physical abilities and health, which can impact their ability to keep up on walks and necessitate extra special care. This change is a natural part of the aging process in dogs, just as it is in humans.  According to VCA Hospitals: Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.

Here are several reasons why older dogs might struggle with walks and require more attention:
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬:
One of the most common issues in older dogs is arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. This can make it difficult and painful for them to walk, run, or even stand. Regular, gentle exercise can help, but care must be taken not to overexert an arthritic dog.

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬:
As dogs age, they naturally lose some of their stamina and muscle mass. This decline can make it hard for them to keep up on longer walks. Older dogs may tire more quickly and need shorter, more frequent walks instead of long excursions.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞:
Aging can also affect a dog's senses. Loss of hearing and vision can make walks more challenging and potentially frightening for an older dog. They may become more anxious or hesitant, especially in unfamiliar or busy environments.

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬:
Older dogs often have chronic health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, or other conditions that can affect their energy levels and overall health. These conditions may require specific care routines and can limit the amount and intensity of exercise they can safely handle.

To care for an older dog, it's important to adapt to their changing needs.
Suggestions:

• Walk with THEIR pace;
• Don't tug at them to keep going;
• Shorten the walk;
• Use a supportive leash for short distances, if your dog enjoys his walks.

​While you may shower your pup with verbal affection, toys, and cuddles, a nagging uncertainty might linger—does your dog know you love them?

Actions tend to speak louder than words. However, recent research suggests that the sentiment behind verbal expressions of love may not be entirely lost on your furry friend. That said, every pup has their own love language.

By using any of the following tips, you can show love to your furry friend.

Do Dogs Know We Love Them?
Belly rubs, games of fetch, daily walks, nutritious meals… The ways you care for your pup convey a sense of love that domesticated dogs can comprehend. While it might not be the same love that humans understand, the genuine bonds between dogs and humans remain.
While some dogs may experience love at first sight, many require time to develop a strong bond, much like any other deep connection in our lives. Rescue dogs, in particular, may need several days, weeks, or even months to understand that you love them.

Most dogs can’t say “I love you” (at least without the help of talking dog buttons), but they express love through body language, such as a happy tail, perky ears, and loving licks. Scientists also say that the signs of love are apparent in dog and human biochemistry, since we both get a surge of happy chemicals at the mere sight or sound of the other.

As for those who doubt that dogs love us in return, this is precisely what neuroscientist Gregory Berns aims to explore through brain-imaging and behavioral experiments. “I think the answer is yes. [Dogs] love us for things far beyond food—basically the same things that humans love us for; things like social comfort and social bonds,” he tells his colleagues at Emory University.

How To Show Your Dog You Love ThemLike humans, dogs have their own love language for expressing and receiving affection. Next time you want your pup to feel loved, try one of these affectionate gestures.

1. Communication
Acts of love are important, but don’t underestimate the power of telling your dog you love them, especially in a sing-song, cheerful tone, according to NPR.

Berns found that when given the choice of food or verbal praise from their beloved human, nearly every dog in his study opted for praise. “We know how it feels when someone praises us; there’s a positive feeling associated with it,” he says. “That’s perhaps similar to what dogs are feeling.”
Dogs with close human relationships also respond positively to their human’s gaze, often approaching them or pawing at them for pets.

Just keep in mind that hard stares can be threatening in dog speak, so use gazing in moderation and only with pups you’ve established a positive relationship with.

2. Treats
Of course, we all know the saying that the way to a pup’s heart is through their stomach, and there’s still plenty of truth in that. Consider loveable Ozzie: He’s a short-haired terrier mix who participated in Bern’s study. He chose treats over his human’s praise 100% of the time.

While an outlier in this study, Ozzie isn’t the only pup who enjoys treats from his humans. Experts say high-quality training treats should be on every pet parent’s shopping list. “There is nothing more bonding than using rewards to train your pup. Dogs get to do the three best things in the world: be with you, learn a behavior, and eat all at the same time,” says Dr. Gary Weitzman, veterinarian and president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society.

3. Food
Your dog wants to know they can count on you. A good way to accomplish that? To feed them nutritious meals on a set schedule. In fact, dogs thrive when they have a routine, from meals, walks, and even potty breaks and bedtime.

Overfeeding pups is often confused as showing love, but it’s keeping them at an ideal weight that’s the ultimate gesture of caring for and loving your pooch.

4. Respect
When it comes to cultivating a strong bond with our pets, respecting them is one of the most important things we can do.

One study suggests that mutual respect in dog-human relationships fosters trust, a sense of security, and even increased dependency within the relationship. The same study goes as far as saying that recognizing and respecting our dog’s boundaries brings many pet parents the fulfilling realization that they are genuinely meant to be their dog’s caretaker.

• Ways to show your pup respect include:
• Paying attention to and reading their body language
• Not hovering over or forcibly taking away key resources, such as their food
• Knowing—and not touching, pulling, or poking—their “no pet zones”
• Avoiding punishment, yelling, or other fear-based interactions
• Hugging, scratching, and petting with care
• Teaching children how to properly interact with pets
• Asking houseguests to show your pup the same respect

5. Scratches, Rubs, and Pats
For dogs who cherish physical contact, a gentle pat, ear scratch, or belly rub serves as a heartfelt “I love you.” Not all dogs are fond of being touched, just as there are humans who don’t appreciate the gesture.

However, if your dog is constantly in your space, lying on or next to you, or wiggles their entire body at the mere sight of you, it’s a good indication they’ll appreciate more physical affection. 

Even brief interactions with their human companions (as little as three minutes) can elevate oxytocin levels and reduce stress levels in dogs. Those doing the petting are likely to experience the same mood-boosting effects.

The best areas to pet, scratch, or rub a dog typically include:

• Ears
• Hard-to-reach spots, like along the neck and under their collar
• Chest
• Upper back

Because dogs can’t communicate verbally, closely watch their body language to gauge comfort. Look for changes in ear position, gaze, body posture, and facial expressions. If a dog moves away from your outstretched hand or during physical contact, respect their request not to be touched.
Where you pet, rub, or pat matters too. Most dogs don’t enjoy being touched on or near their:

• Tail
• Groin
• Lower legs

​6. Play
Play can look different for every dog, especially as puppies grow into adults and eventually settle into their senior years. So, try a variety of toys that keep your dog active and mentally engaged. Hunter recommends tug-of-war toys and puzzles or games that turn mealtimes into treasure hunts.

“Mental activities are a great way to bond with your pet,” says Hunter. “Dogs thrive on attention, and you may even find your dog returning the favor by being more attentive to your cues.” Without interactive play with their cherished humans, dogs can become bored, potentially leading to destructive behaviors and, in some cases, depression.

7. ExerciseWhen you participate in activities like walking, swimming, or practicing agility with your dog, you’re not just providing opportunities for new experiences; you’re demonstrating love and strengthening the bond with your canine companion.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), exercise, particularly outdoor exercise, is a critical opportunity to stimulate a dog’s brain with a variety of sights, smells, and sounds. Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining your dog’s muscle tone and joint mobility, as well as your own.

Exercise can be serious business for your pup, so before gearing up your dog for more strenuous activities, such as flyball or hikes, consult your veterinarian to make sure your pet is in good health. Your vet will also discuss any necessary precautions, ensuring that your dog’s love for movement aligns with their overall well-being.

Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them FAQs
How do dogs say I love you?Pups who like to tell you that they love you may lick, exuberantly wag their tail, and even boast a broad smile. Love is also evident in your pup’s daily activities and subtle gestures. They may stay close during playtime, display a keen sensitivity to your emotions, or consistently show eagerness to join you in new adventures.

How do you make your dog feel safe?Establish a consistent daily routine that your dog can count on. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect, and knowing that you’ll serve them breakfast just after their morning walk and that they’ll get their favorite chew toy just before you leave for work will make their day and yours go much smoother.

Never physically or verbally punish your dog, as it only fosters fear and can lead to reactive behavior. Instead, stick to positive reinforcement training, which teaches your dog desired behavior with reward-based learning while strengthening your bond.

Featured Image: LittleBee80/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
WRITTEN BY
Janelle Leeson
​Freelance Writer

Keeping your dog's ears clean is an important part of their overall health and grooming, and can prevent or treat potential health issues, such as an infection. However, cleaning your dog’s ears can be challenging—especially if you’ve never done it before.  

Your vet can advise you on the frequency in which your pup’s ears need cleaning. Your dog’s ears may also need cleaning if they develop an infection.


Since proper ear care is a necessary when caring for your beloved pup, it’s important that it’s performed correctly to prevent injury or damage to your dog’s ears. 
​
Not sure whether to see a vet?

Answer a few questions about your pet's symptom, and our vet-created Symptom Checker will give you the most likely causes and next steps.

Check your pet’s symptomShould You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?Your veterinarian can help you decide if—and how often—you should clean your dog’s ears. Your vet may ask you the following: 

• Does your dog have a lot of ear wax?  
• Is your dog groomed regularly?
• Does your dog swim?
• Does your dog have an underlying allergy?  

Some dogs don’t have earwax or have lifestyles that require frequent ear cleaning (dogs who swim, play in the dirt, or have long, floppy ears filled with fur).
However, dogs that get water into their ears from either swimming or bathing will benefit from having their ears cleaned.
Dogs with allergies or ear infections will also benefit from routine ear cleaning. In fact, cleaning your pup’s ears can help prevent or reduce the frequency of ear infections.  
Check your dog for earwax once a month. Your groomer may also perform a routine ear check.
Bath time provides a great opportunity to inspect your dog’s ears. You can also peek at them when you’re brushing your dog, or trimming their nails. 
If you aren’t sure whether your dog should get their ears clean regularly, ask your vet to examine your pup. They can determine if there’s a reason to avoid ear cleanings.
Vets may recommend against routine ear cleanings at home for dogs with damage to their eardrum or pups that have an inflamed ear canal. Pups with trauma to the eardrum or ear canal need careful cleaning performed by their vet.
If ear cleaning at home isn’t recommended for your dog, your vet may also provide ear cleaning services. This may be a good option for dogs with an infection, other health issues, or if you are simply uncomfortable cleaning your dog’s ears.  
When To Call Your VetIf your dog’s ears are red, painful, or have a bad odor, they may have an ear infection. If you spot these symptoms, don’t attempt to clean your dog’s ears. Contact your vet immediately.
Some ear infections can be minor, while others can be severe. Your veterinarian will guide you on the best course of treatment and follow-up care. 
When To Clean Your Dog’s EarsThere’s no standard timeframe to follow for routine ear cleaning. However, if you notice a buildup of wax in your dog’s ear, it’s time to clean them.
Dogs are all unique and can develop wax in their ears based on their breed, health, and other factors. Your vet can help you determine a cleaning schedule that’s best for you and your pup.
Ear Cleansers for DogsIt’s important to only use a cleaner that’s approved specifically for dogs.
Don’t use household items like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or essential oils. These materials will not efficiently clean your dog’s ears and may lead to ear infections or damage to their ear canal. An example of a recommended vet-approved ear cleaner is Virbac Epi-Otic® Advanced Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats.
When you clean your pup's ears, use clean cotton balls or cotton wipes.
Cotton swabs should never be used as they can push wax down into your dog’s ear canal, making it harder to dislodge the buildup in your pup's ear.
In fact, cotton swabs could potentially cause damage to the eardrum. 
How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Make sure you have all your supplies within arm’s reach. Have a pet-approved cleaner, cotton balls or wipes. 
Have support. If your dog is not used to ear cleanings, you may need another person to help hold them while you clean their ears. Restrain your dog by gently placing an arm around their neck to prevent your pup from pulling away. Use your other hand to gently stabilize their head or the back half of their body.Expect a mess. Until you know how much your dog will fight or wiggle, clean your dog’s ears outside or in a place that’s easy to clean. A towel may be helpful to keep the rest of their body clean. 
Be gentle. Carefully hold the exterior floppy or erect portion of your dog’s ear, which is made up of hair, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels (pinnae). This will allow for entry to their ear canal. 
Use your cleaner. Fill the ear canal with your vet-approved ear cleaner. Make sure the dog ear cleanser fills both the horizontal and vertical ear canal. Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear while slowly moving your hand upward so the entire ear canal is massaged. 
Allow your pup to shake it out. Your dog will shake their head. Shaking lets your dog expel most of the cleaner and wax on their own. 
Clean up. Use a clean cotton ball to wipe out as much of the ear canal as you can see. Don’t shove the cotton ball into your dog’s ear. This will avoid injury and the cotton ball from getting stuck. Repeat the flushing and wiping process until the cotton ball is clean and there’s no more visible discharge in your pup’s ear canal. If there is a lot of debris, you may need to flush three to four times.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean isn’t just a matter of hygiene—it will help you notice problems early.
If you notice things like redness, frequent heavy debris, odor, or pain, it's time to move past your routine cleaning at home and contact your veterinarian. 
This can help you to nip a problem in the bud and prevent a more severe infection and pain from developing in your pup.
WRITTEN BY

Joel DeJaynes, DVMVeterinarian

The winter holidays are a magical time, punctuated with glittering lights, shimmering ornaments, Christmas trees, and brightly colored garlands. Not only are all these things fun for us, but they’re also intriguing to our pets. However, before you set up your tree and start taking out your decorations, take a moment to consider these Christmas tree safety tips to keep your pup happy, safe, and healthy throughout the holidays.  Dog Christmas Tree Safety TipsIt can be very difficult to keep a young puppy away from the Christmas tree, particularly if this is their first Christmas. Even an older dog—who may have learned not to jump on the tree—can still be curious.

Here are a few pet safety hazards and precautions you should consider.
1. Don’t Let Them Chew on Branches and NeedlesA live tree can be especially dangerous to pets.
Dogs like to chew on a tree’s limbs, and the fir tree oils can be irritating to your pup’s mouth tissue, causing symptoms like drooling and vomiting. If your pet is chewing on the branches, there’s a pretty good chance that they are also swallowing the needles.

When ingested, pine needles can get caught in a dog’s intestinal tract, puncturing the lining or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction. Both can be fatal.

Additionally, you should be careful with artificial trees as pets are likely to chew those crunchy needles, too. These trees can cause the same kind of obstruction in a dog.

The best way of protecting your pup from these afflictions is limiting their access to the area around your Christmas tree.

Consider purchasing a dog-friendly gate or pen to surround the Christmas tree.

2. Don’t Let Them Ingest Fake SnowFake snow—also called flocking—is a popular Christmas tree decoration.
However, it can cause serious problems in pups when large amounts of it are swallowed.
If you’re going to have a tree in your home, it’s best to get a regular, non-flocked tree.

3. Keep Them Away From Christmas Tree WaterSome trees are treated with chemical preservatives to keep them fresh longer.
These chemicals drain into the water in the base of the tree, making the water poisonous to drink. Dogs will drink the water if the base of a tree is left uncovered.
You should cover your tree’s water with a tree skirt, towel, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
However, putting a gate or pen around your tree is the safest and best preventative of toxicity in pups.

4. Maintain a Barrier for Christmas Tree LightsChristmas lights should be positioned away from the bottom of the tree.
Electric cord injuries will damage a dog’s mouth tissue and can lead to long-term problems eating, difficulty breathing, and even death.
Regularly check the electric light cords frequently for signs of chewing (which is also a fire hazard).
To ensure your pup’s safety, put a gate or pen around your tree. You can also buy plastic fish tank tubing, split them, and cover your lights. This makes them much more chew-proof.

5. Keep Ornaments Out of Reach
Hang your ornaments on the uppermost branches of your tree and tightly secure them on the branches. It’s better if you select tree ornaments that don’t easily shatter.
For delicate glass, treasured, or priceless ornaments, consider creating an area where they can be displayed that is far out of reach of your dog's tail, paws, or mouth.
You can hang these from a garland that’s placed across a mantel, over a doorway or window, or you can hang them in shadowboxes on the wall.

6. Remove the Threat of Tinsel, Strings, and Candy CanesTinsel is one of the most dangerous tree decorations you can choose.
If your pet ingests even a few strands of tinsel, they are highly likely to develop an intestinal obstruction.
This also occurs when edible ornaments—such as popcorn and cranberry strings and candy canes—are ingested by your pup.
These strings can tear a dog’s intestines and can be fatal. Leave these decorations off your tree.
Other decorations that can be deadly to dogs (and children) include:

• Angel hair
• Spun glass or plastic decorations
• Garlands
• Lit candles
• Mistletoe
• Poinsettia plants
• Holly berries
• Advent calendars that hold candy and/or chocolate
• Liquid potpourri, which can be spilled or ingested

Remember that it’s better to be overly cautious to protect your pup from holiday hazards.
By following these tips, you can be confident in creating a happy, healthy holiday season with your furry, four-legged family member.


WRITTEN BY
Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Elfenbein graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She currently practices in...