In today's issue:

-Meet our dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Want your pup to be featured here?

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

The Droop Factor: Do Floppy Ears Need Extra TLC?

There is something undeniably charming about a dog with long, velvety, floppy ears. Whether they belong to a soulful Basset Hound, a bouncy Cocker Spaniel, or a spirited Golden Retriever, those pendulous "leathers" are often the first thing we want to reach out and pet. But as many pup parents eventually wonder while scratching behind those ears: Does that adorable droop come with extra maintenance?

The short answer is Does. While every dog benefits from a quick check-up, those with "pendant" ears (the technical term for floppy ears) do require a bit more attention than their pointy-eared cousins.

Why the Flop Matters

To understand why floppy ears need more cleaning, we have to look at the anatomy of a canine ear. A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an "L." It goes straight down and then takes a sharp turn inward toward the eardrum.

• Trapped Moisture: In dogs with upright ears, air flows freely into the canal, keeping it dry. When an ear flaps down, it essentially acts as a heavy velvet curtain, sealing off the canal. This creates a warm, dark, and humid environment—the exact conditions that yeast and bacteria love.
• The "Sweeping" Effect: Floppy ears often act like little dust mops. When a dog sniffs the ground or explores tall grass, their ears drag along, picking up dirt, burrs, and debris that can eventually find its way into the canal.

Signs Your Pup Needs a Scrub

How do you know if it’s time to break out the ear cleaner? Your dog will usually give you a few hints:

1. The Signature Shake: A frequent, vigorous head shake is often the first sign of discomfort.
2. The "Old Sock" Smell: Healthy ears shouldn’t really have an odor. If you notice a musty or yeasty scent, it’s time for a cleaning.
3. Visible Debris: If you see brown, black, or waxy buildup on the inner flap, things are getting a bit crowded in there.
4. Sensitivity: If your dog winces or pulls away when you touch their ears, they might be experiencing some inflammation.

Tips for a Stress-Free Clean

Cleaning doesn't have to be a chore. With a little patience and a lot of treats, it can actually be a bonding moment.

• Use a Vet-Approved Cleaner: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can be drying and painful if the ear is irritated.
• Fill, Don't Poke: Instead of sticking a cotton swab down into the canal (which can push debris further in), gently fill the ear with the cleaning solution, massage the base of the ear until you hear a "squishing" sound, and then let your dog shake it out.
• The Wipe Down: Use a soft cotton ball or gauze to wipe away the loosened gunk from the visible parts of the ear flap.
• Reward the Bravery: Always end the session with their favorite high-value treat. They’ll soon associate "ear time" with "snack time."

Finding the Balance

While floppy-eared dogs need more frequent checks, you don't want to over-clean. Cleaning too often can strip the ear of its natural protective oils and cause irritation. For most floppy-eared friends, a thorough cleaning once every two weeks—or after a swim or bath—is usually the sweet spot.

By keeping those ears clean and dry, you’re not just avoiding a trip to the vet; you’re ensuring your dog stays comfortable and ready for their next big, floppy-eared adventure!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
• Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
• Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.