Best way to clean your dog’s ears Some dog breeds never or very seldom need ear cleaning. In others, however, the external auditory canal might collect wax and debris, necessitating stringent and frequent home cleaning. This may be due to the form of the ears, the presence of hair in the auditory canal, the quadruped’s lifestyle (swimming), or medical issues (allergies). If required, your veterinarian may advise you on how and how frequently to clean your dog’s ears.
How often should you clean your dog’s ears?
In general, it is determined by your dog. Lop-eared breeds, such as the English Cocker Spaniel and the Basset Hound, will need to be cleaned on a frequent basis since they are more prone to ear infections. What is the reason behind this? Long, drooping ears obstruct proper air circulation. As a result, dirt and moisture may easily get trapped in the ear canal, potentially leading to fungal infection.
Quadrupeds that swim regularly will need to have their ears cleaned on a regular basis, since the excess moisture may predispose them to ear infections. Furthermore, you should constantly be on the lookout for mites, which are one of the possible causes of ear infections and may easily be passed on to other pets.
To summarise, it is important to clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis to prevent infections, but not too often to risk injuring the ear canal or creating discomfort. If in doubt, leave the care of your quadruped’s ears to your veterinarian, who will know which hygiene regimen is most suited to your pet’s demands.
How to equip yourself well in order to clean up properly?
To effectively clean your dog’s ears, you must first acquire the necessary equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A specialised cleaning solution for the dog’s ears. Never utilise goods designed for human consumption: Look for a cleaning solution that your veterinarian has advised. Cleansers containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which might irritate your dog’s delicate ears, should be avoided.
- Cleaning cotton swabs: Q-tips may also be used to clean the outside of the ears, but never enter them into the ear canal.
- a fresh towel
- The second set of hands: this is especially handy if your dog is not accustomed to having his ears touched.
- Treats, sweets, treats to reward him after the surgery is over.
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog’s ears
1. First and foremost, you must ensure that your dog is at ease. Lift his ear to have a good look inside.
2. Examine the ear for symptoms of infection, such as redness, discharge, or an unpleasant odour. Do not be alarmed; it is usual to find a tiny amount of pale-coloured wax. However, if there is more of it, if the ears are (very) red, or if you see pus or smell a terrible odour, this is a symptom of a problem and you should see your veterinarian.
3. Wipe the region around the ear opening with a moist cotton ball to remove any debris or extra wax.
4. Insert the tip of the ear cleaner you’ve selected into the quadruped’s ear canal. To inject the product, softly squeeze the bottle.
5. Massage the cleaner into the base of the ear to help it enter the ear canal.
6. Using a moist cotton ball, remove any excess cleanser.
7. Repeat the procedure with the second ear.
Read more: What are some natural ways to unclog a drain at home?
Is it safe to clean your dog’s ears at home?
At-home ear care practice may be completely safe for your dog, but only after consulting with your veterinarian. Ear irritation can be caused by a dirty ear, but it can also be caused by an infection. Bacteria, fungus, yeast, mites, polyps, trauma, or a foreign item may all cause ear infections. As a result, before beginning therapy, it is critical to identify the underlying problem.
Signs of an ear infection include:
- Head shake
- head tilt
- Balance issues
- Redness and swelling of the ear
- Discharge from the ear
Keep in mind that ear infections may spread swiftly and be very unpleasant. It is preferable to seek expert assistance sooner rather than later in order to prevent more severe pain and suffering.
Despite the fact that there are hundreds of DIY ear cleaning recipes for your dog, not all of them are healthy for inflamed ears. Some items may do more damage than good if your quadruped’s tympanic membrane (eardrum) is irritated.