gemy - thank you for the ear cleaning tips. My husband said he noticed that they smell a little, so I'm guessing I need to keep a better eye on them. Is it safe to use puppy wipes inside the ear??? Seems like the easiest way to me...
Thank you all again for this...I feel so welcome!!!
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Im not sure about puppy wipes as I don't use them so don't know their ingredients. I use an ear cleaner made for dogs. There are several brands you can get in the pet store.
Good nose on Daddy, I forgot to mention that can be one of the first things you notice, a "smell".
Here's the thing you need to clean inside of the ear canal and not just the upper inside ear. I use a flat cosmetic pad to clear the upper inner ear. I do use Q tips for the ear canal, but if you aren't sure about those, you can use a cotton ball and dose it with the ear solution, make it smaller by twisting it, and with a curving motion clean ear canal. You can have vet show you just how deep you can go.
The Butt stuff:
Quite normal to find especially in a puppy some er evidence of potty. I do do what you do, soak it, remove it, and wash really throughly.
Also it does get better honestly. You will learn how to trim hairs around anus, and if you keep your dog clipped short, you won't have a problem very often as he matures.