Dog ear cleaning is critical to preventing infections.
Check and clean your dog’s ears weekly.
If your dog has flat-lying ears, allergies, too much hair growth in the ear canal, your dog will be more prone to ear infections.
Dog ear cleaning: Infection warning signs
If your dog has any of the following symptoms, please do not hesitate to take it to the vet for a check-up:
- Bad odor
- Scaly skin
- Frequent head shaking
- Pawing at ear(s)
- Dark and smelly discharge from ear(s)
- Redness and swelling of ear(s)
- Ear/ head scratching
Dog ear cleaning: Take precautions
If you clean your dog’s ears, take care. Their ears are sensitive.
I have been cleaning my dog Kyra’s ears for quite some time. Hence, I have some tips that could help make the cleaning process for both you and your fido an enjoyable one!
If it is your first time cleaning your pooch’s ears, don’t forget about giving your dog lots of praise and treats!
We know most dogs are fidgety. Please ensure you have prepared all the necessary tools for the cleanup, without having to stop during the process. Place everything you will need within arm’s length.
Dog ear cleaning: Necessary tools
Having the right tools is important. Otherwise, you could hurt your dog or make him uncomfortable.
You really just need two things – cotton balls and ear cleaner. If you are not certain about which cleaner you should use, please talk with your vet. You can buy ear cleaning materials or you can make your own.
A dual ear cleaner that also works as a drying solution should be used because moisture trapped in the ear canal is one of the contributing factors to ear infections.
Caution: Don’t use Q-tips (or cotton swabs) because they can push debris closer to the eardrum, causing infection or damage to hearing.
Dog ear cleaning: Simple steps
- Gently lift up your dog’s ear flap and gradually squeeze some ear cleaner into the ear canal.
- Massage the ear for about 30 seconds, to ensure the debris and wax breaks down.
- Put a towel around your dog’s head. That way, if your dog shakes his head any spills will stay on the towel.
- Wipe off excess cleaning fluid on the outer ear with cotton balls.
- Continue wiping the ear until cotton balls come back clean.
- Lastly, for dogs with an ear infection, you can apply the medication provided by your vet.
- Repeat the same steps above with the other ear.
Dog ear cleaning: To sum up
Practice makes perfect. If you have never done it before, give yourself some time and you will get better. A gentle reminder: Your pooch’s ears are sensitive, so please approach them gently whenever you clean them.
You also can observe your vet or vet tech to learn the correct technique. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to save money by cleaning your dog’s ears.
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