Many people groom their dogs, but forget about the ears. Dirty ears can cause infections, pain, or a bad smell that makes your dog uncomfortable. In this write-up, you’ll learn how to clean a dog’s ears, signs that show your dog’s ears need cleaning, and what to do if there’s already an infection or problem.
A dog’s ears can easily trap dirt, dust, wax, and moisture. Some breeds, especially those with long or floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, or Basset Hounds, are more likely to have ear issues as their ear structure makes moisture and dirt stay trapped inside. Dogs that swim often also get dirty ears more easily. Water and moisture create a warm place for yeast and bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection.
Signs That Your Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning.
You don’t need to clean your dog’s ears every day. In fact, cleaning too often can do more harm than good. Look out for the following to know when to clean:
- Foul Smell:
A foul smell emanating from the ear is a sign that something is wrong. Healthy ears should have little to no smell.
- Excessive Scratching:
If your dog keeps scratching its ears or rubbing its head against furniture, it may be feeling itchy or irritated. Time to clean!
- Head Shaking:
Dogs often shake their heads to get rid of water or dirt. But if it happens too often, it may mean there’s something uncomfortable inside the ear.
- Redness or Swelling:
Look inside your dog’s ears. If you see red skin, bumps, or swelling, it’s a sign that the ear might be infected or dirty.
- Discharge and Colors:
A bit of earwax is normal, but if you see thick green or yellow gunk, it may be a yeast or bacterial infection. Black or brown discharge usually indicates the presence of ear mites.
- Crying or Avoidance:
If your dog cries or pulls back when you touch its ear, that means it’s sore or painful. You should consult your vet before cleaning.
- Loss of Balance:
Severe ear infections can affect balance. If your dog looks dizzy or tilts its head to one side, get help.
- Visible Accumulation:
Seeing an accumulation of wax and dirt in your dog’s ear is the most obvious sign that a cleaning is due. Monitor your dog!
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
Dogs with floppy ears like Basset Hounds, should have their ears cleaned once every one to two weeks. Dogs that swim often should also be cleaned after every swim. However, dogs with upright ears can have their ears cleaned once every three to four weeks. Also, for dogs with known allergies or infections, a vet should be consulted before any ear cleaning.
Note: Always check first. If the ear looks clean and dry, don’t clean it just for the sake of it.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
So you are ready to clean your dog’s ears, but aren’t sure what you need for it, or how to go about doing it exactly. Not to worry, here’s a list of things you would need to use and a step-by-step guide on how to use them:
– Dog ear cleaner (from a pet store or veterinarian).
– Cotton balls or soft pads.
– A towel.
– Some treats to reward your dog.
– Optional: a friend to help hold your dog still if it moves a lot
Don’t use cotton swabs because they can push dirt deeper into the ear and cause injury, and don’t use human wipes as it’s not suitable for their skin.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dog.
Pick a calm time when your dog is relaxed, like after a walk or meal, is best. Sit on the floor with your dog beside you. If your dog is nervous, talk softly and pet them gently. Let them sniff the ear cleaner bottle and the cotton balls so they know it’s safe.
Step 2: Check the Ears.
Before cleaning, take a good look. If the ear is red, smells terrible, or has a yellow or black discharge, don’t clean it yourself. Go to the vet first. If the ear just looks a little dirty with some wax or dust, you can proceed.
Step 3: Apply the Ear Cleaner.
Hold your dog’s ear flap upright and gently squeeze a few drops of the ear cleaner into the ear canal. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
Step 4: Massage the Ear.
Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You’ll hear a squishing sound, which means the cleaner is working. This step helps break up wax and debris.
Step 5: Let Your Dog Shake.
Now let your dog shake its head. The shaking helps bring up the loosened dirt and wax from deeper inside the ear to the outer part.
Step 6: Wipe the Ear.
Use a cotton ball or soft pad to wipe away the debris and cleaner from the outer ear. Don’t go too deep, only clean what you can see. If the cotton ball comes out dirty, use another one and repeat until it comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Dry the Ear.
If the cleaner leaves the ear damp, gently pat it dry with a clean cotton ball or towel. Moisture left behind can cause infection.
Step 8: Reward Your Dog.
Give your dog a treat or some praise. Positive rewards help your dog associate ear cleaning with something good, so next time it’ll be easier.
Treatments and When to See a Vet.
Sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough. If your dog’s ears are already infected or inflamed, home cleaning may make it worse.
- Ear Infections:
If your dog’s ears are red, swollen, and smelly with discharge, it may have a bacterial or yeast infection. Only a vet can properly diagnose this and prescribe treatment. Ensure to finish the full treatment even if the ear looks better after a few days.
- Ear Mites:
Ear mites are tiny bugs that cause a lot of itching and dark brown dirt that looks like coffee grounds. The vet will prescribe a special ear drop or topical medicine that kills the mites and eggs. You might also need to treat other pets in the house because mites spread easily.
- Allergies:
If your dog’s ears keep getting dirty or infected, it might have allergies. The vet may suggest a change in diet, medicine, or a special shampoo.
- Foreign Objects:
Sometimes, small bits of grass might get stuck deep inside a dog’s ear. You might notice your dog scratching and shaking its head a lot. Let the vet remove it safely.
- Chronic or Repeated Infections:
If ear infections keep coming back, your vet might check for deeper problems, like narrow ear canals or hormonal issues.
Cleaning your dog’s ears is a simple but important part of care that many owners overlook. It doesn’t take much time, and it helps prevent infections, pain, and vet bills.
