How to clean your dog’s ear in 3 simple steps | Dog Hygiene

You surely don’t want your dog to suffer from ear infections caused due to bacteria and yeast that builds in the ear due to insufficient hygiene. The act of regular ear cleaning in canine is an important aspect of pet care that needs to be carried out at least once a month as recommended by the Banfield Pet hospital, United States. Some dog-breeds require more frequent clean ups especially the ones that get their ears wet in water or play a lot in mud.

NEVER use cotton buds or insert cotton balls too deep while cleaning your dog’s ears to avoid mishaps. Image: YouTube

There are factors that will guide a dog parent to carry out an ear cleaning as and when required. The type of coat your dog has, breed-type, your pet’s level of activity, amount of wax produced in the ear over a period, the level of humidity in your city all add up to the dirt in the organ of hearing. A thin layer of wax though is considered healthy and offers lubrication as well as protection to the ear canals from unwanted infections. Wait for the right time to carry out the cleaning procedure, if done too often will only lead to irritation in the ear and scraping off the healthy wax layer.

once a month clean up using an ear cleaner that is mild and free of harsh ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and alcohol should keep your dog’s ears clean and prevent infection. Image – www.cesarsway.com

When you groom your pet it gives you an opportunity to examine it closely. Regular ear clean-ups will allow early detection of infections and other serious issues that may even lead to hearing loss. Timely treatment will save your dog from pain and fatality.

Signs of ear infection in dogs that you need to look out for:

A Discharge of pus or blood from the ears.
Unpleasant smell from the ears.
Pain and discomfort upon touching the ears.
Swelling in the external part of the ear also called the pinna.
Lumps around the ear.
Dog shows an extreme urge to scratch/ rub the ears.
There is redness in the ear canal that is a tube running from outer to middle ear.

The presence of any of these signs should inevitably lead to a trip to the vet’s clinic. Do not attempt to deal with the disease without consulting the vet.
How to avoid ear infections from showing in a dog’s ears?
Normally once a month clean up using a dog ear cleaner that is mild and free of harsh ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and alcohol should keep your dog’s ears clean and prevent infection.
The best way to ascertain the right time for ear cleaning involves you to practice a simple examination by lifting the ear-flap/pinna and checking for wax build up and dirt. In case you notice the debris, it is about time you carry out the cleaning procedure. You can check your dog’s ears while bathing it or after a muddy play session. Wiping off the dirt from the outer ear as well as the pinna will ensure your canine’s ears stay healthy and dirt free.

The choice of ear cleaner should be made carefully depending upon your target. Some cleaners are specifically devised to attack the wax deposits while others are designed to help dry up the canals of the ear. Then there are products that serve the dual purpose of dealing with wax build up as well as drying the ear canal.

Normally once a month clean up using an ear cleaner that is mild and free of harsh ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and alcohol should keep your dog’s ears clean and prevent infection. Image – in.pinterest.com

How to clean your dog’s ears?

Step1. First and foremost it is important to bear in mind that dirty, matted and dense hair growth around the ears and in the ear canals obstruct the passage of air to the inside of the ears and this causes wax and filth to settle and increase in the canals leading to an infection. It is best to fix an appointment with a professional groomer as removing hair from the ear canal is a meticulous task.

Step2. Once the above grooming has been carried out you can prepare for the ear clean up. Gently lift the ear flap and drip some drops of the dog ear cleaner/solution to sufficiently fill up the canal. Thereafter you will need to lightly massage at the foot of your pet’s ear. Continue to rub gently for about twenty seconds and let the solution enter deep inside the canal. Follow the same exercise with the other ear. This process will not cause any discomfort to your pooch but if you notice the dog cringing with pain consult your vet at the earliest.

Step3. After you have finished massaging the ears, step back and wait till your pet dog shakes and tilts its head. The shaking will loosen up the wax and bring it out of the ear canal. Use a cotton ball to remove the wax or left over solution. Do not use cotton buds for cleaning. Ear is a delicate organ and if a cotton bud is inserted deeply there are chances you may damage the pet’s ear drum and it may lose its hearing.

Your canine buddy must be comfortable throughout the procedure for it to consider it a positive experience. This way caring for and grooming the pet at home will be an easy-breezy task for you.