Some dog breeds are more susceptible to ear problems than others. If your dog is one of these breeds, then you may need to be even more diligent in caring for your dog’s ears. For other dogs, it may be a matter of lifestyle. Dogs that swim a lot or spend time in the water may have issues with excess moisture in the ears. Similarly big floppy ears or excessive hair in the ears can restrict airflow and leave the ear canal damp. Check your dog’s ears frequently to check for moisture and other discharge. If earwax is dark in color, your dog may have an infection or ear mites. Look for redness and rubbing or scratching. Clean your dog’s ears regularly using cotton balls and a dog-safe ear rinse. You can use cotton swabs but don’t reach any deeper into the ear canal than you can see. For more information, contact your Myrtle Beach, SC vet, visit the website http://waccamawveterinary.com/.