<![CDATA[OwyheeStar - Blog]]>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:09:31 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[This Can Save You Money]]>Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:16:01 GMThttps://www.owyheestar.com/blog/this-can-save-you-money
Well, we ought to say this product can save you not only money but a lot of issues. The all-purpose Vetericyn works excellent to spray a small wound--even works to clean the outer ear canal. We use a cosmetic pad dampened with Vetericyn and clear the outer ear. And may we suggest that because it is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and thwarts yeast development, then it could also be spritzed on a female's privates. (Yup!) It may help you prevent infection, or in particular, the dreaded yeast infections that so many females experience. 

Here are a couple of choices--we, of course, us the larger size. In our previous blog, we talked about the Vetericyn that is specifically designed for the ears--you might want to check it out, too.​
]]><![CDATA[Ears Again]]>Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:24:15 GMThttps://www.owyheestar.com/blog/ears-again
Picture
We have discussed how the flop-eared Weimaraner is often prone to ear issues. It is best to avoid them altogether. This point in the conversation is where I should mention that often one ear is more prone to infections than the other--that might seem odd. Our Veterinary says it is not uncommon for one ear canal to be smaller than the other--this makes a huge difference.

It has always been our recommendation that after a swim, a bath, or water sports that the Weimaraner receive a bit of ear powder to help dry out any extra moisture. The powder has always helped, but recently, we have been able to purchase a relatively inexpensive one that works even better. (It is similar to the canker ear powder we used to import (at a considerable cost) from the UK.) 

​The bottle is small--but it goes a long way. If your Weimaraner is prone to ear issues, we suggest you give this a try. The directions say to clean the ear first--so you need to plan on that. In a pinch (if you didn't have any ear cleaner), you could use 50% cider vinegar solution.
]]><![CDATA[The Ear Challenged Weimaraner]]>Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:06:42 GMThttps://www.owyheestar.com/blog/the-ear-challenged-weimaranerRecently we discussed the preventative care for the Weimaraner ear. Despite the best of care, it is easy to find yourself fighting the battle of the ear. Several things fuel the recurring or chronic ear issue. Often it starts with an allergic reaction. 

Allergies to their food or something in the environment are not as rare as one would hope. A goodly number of pets see a vast improvement by switching to high-quality food and in some cases, a home-prepared meal. For many, a simple elimination of certain grains from the diet can be the catalyst toward overcoming this acute ear issue. This ear situation is a tricky one. Adding to the confusion as well as the frustration--in the news, grain-free diets are no longer considered the solution. Scientific studies indicate the grain-free diet can lead to other health issues. So, be selective in your choice--opt for rice instead of corn, wheat, or barley. Besides making a food change, some Weimaraners enjoy a couple of spoons of yogurt stirred into the morning fare. Make it the kind with live cultures. Our Weims love natural, vanilla, or berry-flavored store brand yogurt. Make it all-natural and with live cultures to get the health benefits. 

When Supplements, food and Yogurt fail

When the simple solution fails, we turn to Zymox. It is an over the counter (otc) which has proven effective for us. We suggest you try the one with hydrocortisone. The one exception that we are aware of for this product is for a pregnant or lactating female. Zymox makes the hydrocortisone-free product that works quite well. Nothing brings quicker relief than the hydrocortisone. Sometimes you need the itching, shaking, and discomfort to stop. The Weim most certainly does too!
​
We (of course) always buy a larger container. We keep the 8 oz size on hand for the occasional flare-up. For some, it might be a preventative measure we use during the monthly grooming.

We recommend you invest in the 4 oz bottle pictured at the right. When you consider what a vet visit cost, this investment is small --an easy precaution for the well-being of your Weimaraner. 

There are other ear issues which cannot be cured or managed with any of these suggestions. Although this can work in conjunction with a medical procedure, it is not a total solution for parasites--ticks, mites, or fleas. They require additional treatment. The Zymox ear cleaner would be another good option if you didn't opt to get the Vetricyn Ear solution. 

Coming Soon!

We will talk more about the Weimaraner and their potential ear issues. We truly appreciate your support!

​OWYHEESTAR WEIMARANER DISCLAIMER

When you purchase products using our links, we receive a small referral fee, which helps us provide this informational blog. Thank you in advance for purchasing through our website. 

Secondly, we want to disclose our recommendations or advice is based solely on our experience with the Weimaraner. Neither Cliff or Shela Nielsen is a licensed Vet Technician, nor are either of them a licensed Veterinarian. When in doubt about a medical concern, please check with your Veterinary professional.

Finally, all information and photos are of the property of OwyheeStar Weimaraners. Some are photos provided by OwyheeStar clients, and they have been used with permission. © 2016
]]><![CDATA[Ears]]>Fri, 18 Mar 2016 17:08:36 GMThttps://www.owyheestar.com/blog/ears
Picture

~Lend me your ear 

The Weimaraner ear may well be your biggest challenge. The ear issue may not be looming large for you but for many it is problematic. It is wise to give the ears the attention before a problem presents. Discomfort (due ear infection) can spiral out of control and become something more painful.

Why is the Weimaraner ear health a bigger concern than with some other breeds? One explanation is simple--the inner ear environment is perfect for an infection. Secondly, a Weimaraner may have a narrow ear canal keeping the moisture trapped in the lower ear canal. This environment can exacerbate the propensity of the flop-eared Weimaraner to develop the occasional infection.

Very often, one ear is more prone to this issue more than the other. As you are probably aware, some paired body parts (such as feet and ears for the human as well as critters) are not always identical in every way. For example, a lot of people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Not every face is symmetrical, nor are the ears always the same shape and size. Likewise, it is very common that the ear canals can be less than perfect--one may be smaller than the other. The narrow ear canal is more prone to infections.​

Bacterial, Viral, or Yeast

Infections may be bacterial, viral, or yeast based. Your Vet office can culture the ear by taking a sample. Then you know what you are dealing with--and in turn you get the right treatment. The warm and moist ear it is the perfect environment for any one of these three scenarios to take hold. It is more than likely it could be a combination of any or all three scenarios. The big three are not the only culprits that can attack the ear. There is the ear mites or the occasional fleas problem. The most important thing to remember is the untreated ear issues can result in not only discomfort but pain. For the head shaking Weimaraner, it may lead to a very painful hematoma. None of us want to face this scenario. Not only is the problem terrible for our beloved Weim, but it can also be expensive. A recurring ear infection can be costly to treat.


Cleaning the Weimaraner's Ears

It is good to develop the habit of cleaning your pet's ears.
Depending upon your skill level, you may want to enlist a friend's help. Look at this like a job. It is not something you or the beloved Weimaraner is going to love. 



  1. We recommend doing this outside when possible or in your walk in shower. 
  2. Clean the ear with a gentle cleanser. We prefer using the Vetericyn Ear Rinse. 
  3. If the outer ear is waxy, start by cleaning it with a simple cosmetic pad. The cosmetic facial wipes (that come in round or square shape) are ideal for this purpose. 
  4. A Q-tip may also be used to clean the outer ear folds and the very edge of the ear canal. Never insert and press wavy debris down into the ear. You can also do a lot of damage probing in the ear canal.
  5. Once the outer ear is clean then you fill the ear canal with your ear rinse and fold the earflap over the top--then gently massage the inner ear. After you have done this with both ears, step back and let them shake their ear. 
  6. Wipe the outer ear with another cosmetic pad.
  7. Try to leave the ear alone for a week. Revisit it and if it presents with waxy discharge again, you are going to have to do a round of treatment.
The great thing about the Vetericyn is it attacks all three culprits--bacterial, viral, and yeast infections. Therefore; if you begin with this product, often nothing else will be needed. There are other good ear washes; however, for the money and effectiveness, the Vetericyn is hard to beat. 

In a pinch, you may mix cider vinegar and water (50-50) and use that. The Weimaraner ear may well be your biggest challenge. It may not; however, for some of our fur family members the ear canal leads to discomfort. In some cases, the problem spirals out fo control. You may be aware that body parts (human and in the animal world) even when they come in pairs are not always identical in every way. For example, a lot of people have one foot slightly larger than the other. It is very common that the ear canals can be less than perfect--one may be smaller than the other. Sometimes both ear canals are restricted.

Cosmetic Pads

Any cosmetic pad will work; however, one that does leave  cotton debris--or one that doesn't break apart is preferable. This type is highly recommended!

Coming Soon!

We will talk about the ear-challenged Weimaraner. By that, we mean those that have the recurring ear issue. This post is about the prevention and on-going Weimaraner ear care.

OwyheeStar Weimaraner Disclaimer

When you purchase products using our links we receive a small referral fee which helps us provide this informational blog. Thank you in advance for purchasing through our website. 

Secondly, we want to disclose our recommendations or advice is based solely on our experience with the Weimaraner. Neither Cliff or Shela Nielsen are not a licensed Vet Technician, nor are either of a licensed Veterinarian. When in doubt about a medical concern please check with your Veterinary professional.

Finally, all information and photos are of the property of OwyheeStar Weimaraners. Some are photos provided by the OwyheeStar clients and they have been used with permission. © 2016
]]><![CDATA[Welcome to The Weim Blog]]>Wed, 09 Mar 2016 23:42:07 GMThttps://www.owyheestar.com/blog/welcome-to-the-weim-blog
Application-Confirmation 1.0 Verify-File 6160f0d0ebd46de2c60f117c64c53ca2c0125f2e

Hello--Weimlovers!

We all know there is more to the Weimaraner than buying one. First, no one should just run out and purchase the Weimaraner after seeing one at the beach, the dog park, or on the street. Anyone who knows and loves this breed will attest to the basics.
  1. For them, there is no other breed.
  2. This is not the right breed for everyone.
While the most common Weimaraner is the Gray Ghost, there is not any gray area when living with the Weimar. People either love them or pretty much detest them. This blog is going to be different than our OwyheeStar Weimaraner News Blog--it is going to promote products, services, and possibly tell you how to make some of the things you might want. 

Finally, we hope to keep the categories few--so that you can search for the various topics. Posts will be random--coming as time permits. We sincerely hope you find this interesting and useful. 

                                          All the Best ~ Shela (and Cliff)
]]>