You need to take preventative action in the form of routine ear cleaning because dirt, insects, and bacteria can seriously harm those delicate ears. The fact that your dog has excellent hearing does not translate into physically strong ears. Dogs have exceptional hearing, and they can distinguish between frequencies that are three times higher in frequency than what our poor human ears can hear. You might prefer to believe that your dog ignores or disobeys you because he can’t hear your commands. If at any point your dog appears to be in pain, Freeman advises to stop and consult your veterinarian.Here is why it is important to clean your dog’s ears. Throughout the process, pay attention to your dog’s natural response. Next, allow your dog to shake his head and then use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe out the ear canal, “going no deeper than the depth of one knuckle,” Freeman advises. Once you have your cleaning supplies, squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dog’s ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. But, “avoid Q-tips or anything with a pointed tip as these can actually push dirt and debris deeper into your dog’s ears,” she says. If and when it’s time to clean, Freeman advises having a cotton ball or gauze at the ready, along with ear-cleaning solution (you should get a recommendation from your vet) and a towel. Ear infections can be extremely painful for pets and require treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.” How should you clean dogs’ ears? “However, many times a person will assume their dog’s ears are dirty and it is actually excessive debris from a yeast infection or discharge from a bacterial infection, or both. “If the ears are truly just dirty, then it is more of just a hygiene issue,” Freeman says. Getting to know your dog’s ears is important, because it will help you keep them clean - and also know when that further medical intervention might be needed. However, if your dog appears to be in pain from the ears, it might be a sign of infection or allergies, and a good time to seek veterinary attention. If you do notice an odor or see your dog shaking its head more frequently, get ready to clean the ears, a process you can manage at home. If you notice a mild odor or see your dog shaking its head more than usual, it might be time for a cleaning," Freeman explains. “If your dog’s ears are light pink, odorless, and not inflamed, then a cleaning may not be necessary. To help you determine when that is, first make sure you know what a clean ear should look like.
Over-cleaning your dog’s ears could actually contribute to irritation or even cause an infection, rather than prevent one - so try to do it only when it is actually needed. Dog breeds with floppy ears like Spaniels are more vulnerable to infections and dirtier ears in general," she says.ĭ Trocio Photography // Getty Images When should you clean your dog’s ears? “Due to the curvature of the ear canals, debris can become trapped. The shape of a dog’s ear can also contribute to perpetually trapped dirt. “For instance, the dog digs in the dirt, the dog swims a lot, the dog lives in hot humid environment, are all circumstances that could contribute to dirt getting in your pup’s ears." “The environment the dog is exposed to and the activities it partakes in can play a role,” says Jennifer Freeman, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert. What causes dog ears to get dirty?ĭogs’ ears can get dirty from, well, actual dirt.
#Xclean a dogs ear how to
Here’s what to know about when and how to clean dog ears - without exacerbating any health issues or creating new ones - according to a veterinarian. This is particularly true for breeds with long ears that hang, as they are at the highest risk of developing ear infections. Just as humans need to know when and how to clean our own ears for effective grooming, we need to do the same for our dogs’ ears to promote good health and comfort.
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