How To Clean Dog Ears
Dog ears tend to get dirty very easily, sometimes generating infections that can be avoided.
Find out how to clean dog ears.
These are in fact one of the most sensitive areas of the animal and among those that get dirty more easily, generating problems.
For this it is essential to learn how to clean the dog’s ears to prevent pain, redness or accumulation of bacteria.
When to clean a dog’s ears?
We have a bad habit of not giving too much importance to the hygiene of this part of the dog’s body, focusing more on the coat or paws, as well as on oral hygiene. However, cleaning your dog’s ears is vital as the area is very sensitive and vulnerable to infection.
It is recommended to check the pet’s ears once a week or at least twice a month. The periodicity will depend on the shape and size of the ears (not the same in the case of a Cocker Spaniel or a Doberman).
Your dog’s ears should also be washed if rain has entered them or if he has taken a bath in the sea or swimming pool.
Other cases in which more attention should be paid are walks, if the dog has got dirty with the earth in the park or if it has entered the mud.
Tips for cleaning your dog’s ears
To avoid infections, accumulation of germs and bacteria, it is recommended to clean the dog’s ears at least once a month. You can take advantage of the moment you bathe it by remembering to dry it thoroughly when finished. Pay attention to these tips:
1. Examine the dog’s ears
Position yourself at the height of the animal and lift its ears. Check for ear wax or dirt, such as sand or earth. In that case, you will have no problem cleaning your ears yourself.
If, on the other hand, you notice a fluid abscess, a very red area or a thick layer of brown, gray or yellow ear wax, or even blood, take him to the vet right away. Your dog may be in a lot of pain due to an infection.
2. Look for ticks or other foreign bodies
In the ears the dog can host different organisms … this is the favorite space for ticks. Even more so if the dog frequents areas of grass or earth, insects of this type are more likely to sneak into his ears.
If you notice ticks, moisten some cotton with alcohol and press it on the parasite for a few seconds, until the tick detaches itself from the skin. If you try to pull it off hard, you could hurt your dog.
3. Buy a special solution
In pet stores, specific products for cleaning the dog’s ears are on sale. Many contain alcohol, but it is recommended to use it only for the outer part of the ear. For the interior, it is better to choose a solution free of invasive agents.
4. Use some cotton balls
Make a ball with a little cotton and moisten it with the purchased solution. Insert it carefully into the dog’s ear. Keep in mind that cleaning must be superficial, avoid getting the cotton on the eardrum.
Remove all the dirt and debris you see. You may have to repeat the operation several times to get rid of them completely. Remember to always use a lot of delicacy so as not to damage the animal’s skin.
5. Ear spray
Using the same solution, if your vet recommends it, you can rinse your ears to get rid of ear wax and dirt lodged deep in the ear canal. It’s easy: place the tip of the bottle in your ear and press to release the liquid. Massage carefully and turn the dog’s head to make it succeed along with the dirt residue.
Finally, we recommend that you carefully dry your dog’s ears once finished. If the dog shakes his head, don’t worry, this is normal.
