DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz MY cocker spaniel, Beau, has frequent ear problems and we often visit our vet for ear drops. I have a cleanser solution to use when he is not infected but it seems to sting his ears. What else can I do? You are taking the right steps to manage Beau’s ongoing ear problems. In addition, ensure any hair growth about the entrance to his ear canal is kept short. There is a new ear cleanser available that is neutral, so will not sting when applied and also has some antibacterial and yeast affect, which both often cause ear infections. Obtain the cleanser from your vet and place the nozzle at the entrance of the ear and fill the canal. Gently massage the ear and then let Beau shake his head. Repeat until the ear canal is clean. You can use this with ear ointments from your vet and once the infection is clear use once a week to maintain health. My daughter has just purchased a British short-hair kitten and wants to make her an indoor cat only. What can she change in her house to make her happy? It is acceptable to have a cat spend her life, indoors preventing the risk of cat or dog bites and disease. Simple changes can be made to keep her happy. Cats like to view the world so ensure there are perching places next to many windows, either on top of furniture or an attachment. Have cardboard boxes with blankets in the house for her to hide in. She will need exercise so there should be set play times each day with a wandtype toy or laser pointer. A cat tree, either purchased or handmade, for scratching and climbing would also be needed. She could still be walked outside after being trained to accept a cat harness.