It is important to keep your dog healthy and happy. Cleaning your dog’s ears may be necessary to treat or prevent health problems. Cleaning your dog’s ear can be difficult, particularly if this is the first time you have done it.
Just like people, dogs also produce wax and need to be cleaned regularly in order to keep their health normal. If your dog develops an infection in their ears, they may need to have their ears cleaned. It is essential to provide your pet with proper ear hygiene.
Do You Have to Clean the Ears of Your Dog?
You can ask your veterinarian to help determine how frequently you should clean the ears of your dog. Some factors determine how frequently you should clean your dog’s ears.
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Your dog produces a lot of ear wax.
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Regularly groom your dog?
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Your dog may get water in their ears if they like to swim.
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Is your dog allergic to something?
There are dogs that do not have many ear waxes or who live a lifestyle that requires frequent cleaning. Dogs that bathe or swim, and then get water in their ears will also benefit from getting their ears cleaned. Regular ear cleaning is also beneficial for dogs with allergies or who have repeated ear infections. This will help to reduce the number of infections.
Check your dog’s ear for wax at least once per month. The bath time is a good opportunity to check your dog’s ear. When you brush them or do other regular care such as trimming their nails, it’s a good idea to peek into the ears.
When your dog gets groomed, a groomer will also do a regular ear inspection. It’s important to clean your dog’s ears if you see a lot of build-up. There is no standard schedule for cleaning your dog’s ears. Each dog has a unique breed and may develop wax in his or her ear depending on health and other factors. You can work with your veterinarian to determine the best schedule for your dog.
If a dog has red ears, or if they seem to be in pain, or if their ears have a foul smell, it could have an infection. Do not clean the ears of your dog if you notice these symptoms. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you can. Your veterinarian can guide you in the treatment of minor ear infections and how to follow up.
In some cases, a vet may advise against routine cleaning of the ears. If your dog has an eardrum injury or severe inflammation in the ear canal, ear cleaning can cause further harm.
Ask your vet to check your dog’s ears if you have any doubts about whether or not routine cleaning is recommended. Your vet can also offer ear-cleaning services if home cleaning of the ears is not recommended. If your dog has an infection or other issues with their ears, this may be the best option.
How can I clean my dog’s ears?
Use only products that are specifically approved for cats or dogs. Use only household products like vinegar, water, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol. They will not effectively clean your dog’s ear canal, and they may even cause damage or infection to their ear canal. You can purchase approved ear cleaners from your vet, from online retailers, and from pet stores.
Cotton wipes or clean cotton balls are best for cleaning your ears. Cotton swabs are not recommended because they push the wax deeper into the canal and make it more difficult to remove. Cotton swabs can also cause eardrum damage in certain circumstances.
Dog Ear Cleaning: A Step-By-Step Guide:
Prepare yourself. Make sure that you are prepared.
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Support is important. You may need someone to hold your dog while you clean his ears if he isn’t used to it. You can restrain your dog by placing one arm gently around its neck. If your dog is trying to escape, use the other hand gently to stabilize their head or back. Be careful not to squeeze them too hard.
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You can expect a messy situation. If possible, you should clean the dog’s ears outdoors or at a location that is easy to clean until you are sure how aggressive your dog can be. To keep the rest of the body clean, a towel can be useful.
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Be gentle.
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Cleanse the ear canal with a cleaner. Use an approved ear cleanser to fill the canal. Make sure you get both horizontal and vertical canals. Massage the base of the ear with your hands while moving slowly upwards.
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Allow your dog to shake their head. Shake your dog’s head. Shaking your dog’s head will help them to expel the majority of cleaner and wax.
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Use a cotton ball to wipe the ear canal. Wipe out the entire ear canal with a cotton ball. Avoid injury by not pushing the cotton into your ear. Continue wiping the cotton ball with clean cotton until there are no visible discharges in the ear canal.