Detecting an ear infection in your retriever might be as simple as a quick look into the ear canal, but true diagnosis and treatment should be left to a veterinarian. (Tony J. Peterson photo)
Earlier this spring, we dog-sat for my brother-in-law. As soon as he dropped Leni off, I reached down to scratch her behind the ear. She whimpered instantly, so I calmed her down and took a look at her inner ear. Prominent patches of dark wax and a strong yeast smell told me all I needed to know.