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An older man in a fishing vest sits on a wooden bench near the beach, scratching the ear of a harlequin Great Dane. 33 / 39

Grandpa Earl Found a Bench Near the Beach. Domino Found the Best Ear Scratch in Town.

AI imagegreat daneseasidebench

The ocean is just beyond the weathered fence, and a boardwalk runs along the dunes in the distance. Grandpa Earl has settled onto an old wooden bench in a seaside yard, wearing shorts, a plaid shirt, and his fishing vest with a lure clipped to the front. He's smiling down with deep affection, one hand gently scratching behind Domino's ear. The harlequin Great Dane leans into the touch, nose lifted toward Earl's face, eyes half closed in contentment, long tail curled behind him. Red geraniums, a watering can, and a few potted plants add color to the sandy little garden.

Ear scratches are a favorite for many dogs, and they're also a great chance to do a quick ear check. Great Danes have floppy ears, at least when left natural, and dogs with ears that hang down can be more prone to trapped moisture and ear infections, especially after swimming or beach days. Signs of trouble include redness, a bad smell, discharge, head shaking, or scratching. Gently drying ears after water play and checking them regularly helps catch problems early. If you notice anything unusual, it's best to talk to your vet before trying any cleaning solutions.

With the sound of waves nearby and a gentle hand on his ear, Domino looks like a dog with absolutely nothing left to wish for.

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