Five dog breeds most likely to be ill this summer

Five dog breeds most likely to be ill this summer If you have one of these dogs at home it's important to check them over. Few things are as fun as taking your family to the beach in summer to enjoy the sunshine and sea. However, if your family includes a dog, there are some breeds which need to be treated with a little more caution. With dogs spending more time playing outdoors and swimming, ear infections are on the rise. Vets are warning dog owners to be aware of the signs of ear infections - and know if their dogs are more at risk than others. According to Dr Tanya Leslie, a veterinary advisor for DOUXO, warns that many owners mistake early signs of an ear infection for normal post-swim behaviour - but they could be a sign something is wrong. There are several breeds of dog which have a higher risk due to their longer, floppier ears or narrow ear canals. The five breeds more likely to get ill - Basset Hounds - Labradoodles - Beagles - Golden Retrievers - Cocker Spaniels Because these breeds have longer ears or smaller ear canals, the natural airflow is restricted which means their ears take longer to drive after swimming, The tricky thing is that the beginning of an ear infection can be subtle and hard to spot. Several signs like head shaking or scratching can look like normal behaviour - but hide an infection. Ear infections often start subtly and can be easy to miss. Occasional head-shaking, mild scratching at the ear, or occasionally a faint smell are the earliest signs, but they're frequently dismissed as normal post-swim behaviour. If you miss these early signs, they can progress into a full blown infection. Signs of an ear infection - Visible discharge - Redness - Heat - Obvious pain Dr Tanya Leslie, Veterinary Advisor for DOUXO, said: "After every swim, gently dry the outer ear and the entrance of the ear canal with a soft towel; there's no need to go digging around inside. A vet-approved ear cleaner designed to remove excess debris and wax and support a healthy skin barrier may help reduce the buildup of conditions that result in problems. "Never use cotton buds, as they push debris and moisture further into the canal and risk damaging the eardrum. Never use home remedies, regardless of how natural they claim to be, as they may cause lifelong issues if used in the wrong situations. "Ear disease is exceptionally painful and can progress quickly if left untreated. If in doubt, it's always better to have your vet check it early; a mild infection is far easier and less costly to treat than one that's been left to develop."