Discover a surprising fact: Massaging your dog's ears benefits their well-being. In this article, our veterinarians in Douglasville reveal simple methods to assess your dog's ear health and provide a step-by-step guide to properly clean their ears when necessary.
Ear cleaning is an important aspect of dog grooming that should not be ignored. If your dog visits a professional groomer, their ears are likely cleaned regularly. However, it is useful for dog owners to learn how to clean their dog's ears as well.
What supplies do I need to clean my dog's ears?
To start, you will require the necessary materials. These consist of:
Ear Cleanser: Look for a commercial cleaning solution that has been recommended by a veterinarian. Cleansers containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate your dog's sensitive ears, should be avoided. If you're unsure, simply ask your veterinarian if something is safe to use on your dog
Cotton Balls or Pads: Cotton swabs can be used to clean the outer and inner ear canals, but they should never be inserted into the ear canal.
Tweezers: If your dog has a lot of hair in his ears, keep these on hand.
Towel: This is recommended for containing potential messes, especially if your dog shakes his head when something gets in his ears.
Treats: As a reward when everything is done.
How to Clean a Dog's Ears
Before you begin, take a moment to check your dog's ears. If they are red, inflamed, smelly, or if your dog shows signs of itching, stop and contact your vet. It could mean that your dog's ears are infected or infested with ear mites.
Here's a simplified version of the steps to clean your dog's ears:
- Have your dog sit and give him a treat. Let him sniff the bottle of ear cleaner.
- If your dog's ears are not already raised, gently hold the ear flap up and carefully fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution.
- While keeping the ear flap out of the way, use your fingers to softly massage the base of the ear for about twenty seconds.
- Release the ear and allow your dog to shake his head if he wants to. Place a towel over his head to prevent the cleaning solution from splattering everywhere.
- Use a cotton ball or a cotton pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog's ear canal and outer ear. Only use a cotton swab if necessary and limit it to the visible portion of the ear.
- Reward your dog with another treat and then repeat these steps for the other ear.
Making the Process Easier
Keeping your furry friend's ears clean can be a challenging job. Don't worry! Our expert veterinarians have shared some helpful tips to simplify the process and make it more manageable for you.
Keep Your Dog in a Confined Space or Clean Their Ears Outside
Keep your dog confined to a small space to prevent water from spreading all over. You can place your dog in a bathtub or, even better, take them outside. Also, remember to wear old clothes that can withstand spills of cleaning solution without getting damaged.
Don't Cut Corners With the Solution
Discover the hidden activities within your dog's ear canal. To thoroughly clean the ear, ensure the solution fills the canal. Your dog will naturally shake its head to remove any remaining cleaner. In case the ears still appear unclean after cleaning, you can repeat the process. However, immediately halt if you notice redness, bleeding, or any indications of discomfort in your dog.
Clean Floppy-Eared Dog's Ears More Frequently
Different types of dogs have varying needs when it comes to ear cleaning. For dogs with short ears and minimal hair, it may be sufficient to clean their ears only when they appear dirty. However, dogs with floppy ears or abundant hair around their ears should receive ear cleanings at least every two weeks. Additionally, it's always a good idea to inspect their ears regularly.