After a day of hunting or running in uneven terrain, a Saluki's eyes and ears should be inspected for signs of imbedded objects and scratches. The ear can be easily inspected with the aid of a small flashlight to help you see the upper interior. It is quite easy for burrs to become entangled in or around the ears canal, or for tiny sand particles to work their way under the eyelids and irritate the eye. The dog will react to such irritants by pawing at the spot, often causing more damage by scraping the surface raw and inviting infection. if the dog is continuously rubbing these areas and no cut or imbedded object is visible, there may be an abrasion that will require a salve to remove the sting and aid in the healing.
Ear troubles are also indicated when a dog constantly shakes it's head, rubs it's head against the ground, produces an excessive amount of visible ear wax, or if there is a foul odor from the ear's interior. If the dog reacts violently to an inspection of the ear or if there is redness or swelling, it probably is suffering from an inflammation called otitis that must be treated topically. Such inflammations can be the result of a variety of causes, such as parasitic mites or bacterial infections.
You can help to alleviate the normal buildup of wax and dirt in the ear by routinely swabbing the easily accessible areas of the ear with a cotton ball wet with a little warm water. Ointments made specially for cleaning the outer ear can be purchased from local or online pet stores. Avoid oily substances, as they may leave a sticky residue that will retain dirt. Do not probe into the ear canal during cleaning, as this can be very damaging and extremely painful for the dog. Clean only the exposed area.