As dog owners, we are aware of how crucial it is to regularly clean our dogs’ ears. However, if our dogs aren’t trained to accept ear cleaning or if we don’t feel comfortable doing it, cleaning those ears can be difficult.
While some dogs naturally have clean, healthy ears and may hardly ever need to have them cleaned, other dogs need to have their ears cleaned frequently to avoid the buildup of dirt that can cause ear infections. All dog breeds are susceptible to ear infections, but those with long hanging ears, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, are among the ones at the most risk.
You should frequently examine your dog’s ears to make sure they are healthy. If your dog pulls away from you, it could be because his ears are hurting even though he could prefer having them stroked when they’re healthy. Therefore, by gently stroking your dog’s ears, you may start evaluating their condition.
How to Tell When a Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning
Verify that your dog genuinely requires ear cleaning before pulling out the dog ear cleaner. Learn what a healthy, clean ear looks like (pink, odorless, and not dirty or inflamed) and smells like (not yeasty or stinky), and only clean your dog’s ears when you detect a change. Over-cleaning your dog’s ears can cause infection and irritation.
While some dogs only need their ears cleaned occasionally, others, including those who are prone to ear infections or those who spend a lot of time in the water, might. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises preventing water from entering the ear canals during bathing and applying topical astringents on dogs who frequently swim to keep the ear canals dry and well-ventilated.
It’s probably time for a cleaning if you smell a faint odor or see your dog moving his head more frequently than usual. Contact your veterinarian if your dog’s ear seems red and inflamed, smells funky, or if he shows signs of pain. These signs, which call for medical treatment, could point to allergies, fleas, ear mites, or ear infections. Frequently, cleaning an infected ear does more harm than good.
Ear-Cleaning Supplies
To successfully clean your dog’s ears, you just need a few tools: a cotton ball or piece of gauze, dog ear cleaning solution, and a towel. Avoid using anything with a pointed tip, including cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips). These instruments may force dirt and other material deeper into your dog’s ears, increasing the risk of infection and even causing damage to the ear’s internal structures.
A word of caution: While easy, ear cleaning can be unpleasant. If your dog moves his head a lot while you’re cleaning his ears, you might want to do it in a restroom or another easily cleaned area.
Dog Ear-Cleaning Solutions
There are numerous homemade dog ear cleaning products available online. The safest option is to use ear cleaning products that have been recommended by veterinarians. Some homemade ear-cleaning remedies include poisonous or irritant substances. Others merely don’t do well.
Most veterinary clinics stock dog ear cleanser. As some products may be more advantageous for your dog’s unique needs than others, you can also consult your veterinarian for their recommendations.
How to Clean Dog Ears in 3 Easy Steps
- Bring your dog and your supplies together. It will be simpler to clean your dog’s ears if you wait until he is calm. Don’t be hesitant to entice them with sweets.
- Fill your dog’s ear canal with an ear cleaning solution that has been recommended by a veterinarian, then gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. As the product removes buildup and debris, you will hear a squishing sound. As touching your dog’s ear with the applicator tip could introduce bacteria, avoid doing so.
- Give your dog a headshake. This is where the towel comes in; you may use it to clean his face and shield yourself from the spray. Once your dog has stopped shaking, carefully wipe out the ear canal with a cotton ball or piece of gauze, only going as deep as one knuckle. During the cleaning process, if your dog seems to be in pain, stop and call your veterinarian.
Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Dog Ears?
No. On your dog, avoid using hydrogen peroxide. In fact, this ubiquitous home item might irritate healthy skin cells. Hydrogen peroxide use over an extended period of time may eventually cause harm to the ear itself because ears contain very sensitive tissue. Use only cleaning products that have been recommended by veterinarians.
How to Clean Dog Ears: A Summary
Now that you understand how to clean dog ears, let’s review the fundamentals:
- Understand the appearance and smell of a clean, healthy ear.
- Following a bath, regularly check your dog’s ears.
- Overly frequent ear cleaning can result in severe inflammation.
- Use a dog ear cleaning product that has been approved by a veterinarian.
- If you think your dog may have an ear infection, consult your veterinarian.
Maintaining your dog’s ears helps keep them free from infections. Regular ear checks will also help your dog become less sensitive to handling his ears and catch any further issues, like ear mites, before they worsen.
How frequently should I ear-clean my dog?
Should you regularly clean your dog’s ears? The answer to this question, which dog owners frequently ask veterinarians, is a loud “yes! Your pup’s general health and happiness depend on you taking good care of their ears.
Why Is Caring for Dog Ears Important? Dogs’ ears are delicate, and over time, as wax and oils accumulate inside the ear, they may become more prone to infections. The risk of infections might be further increased by external factors like too much dampness or allergies.
The following are indications that your dog may have an ear infection:
- a bad odor around or around the ear
- Expulsion from the ear
- ear canal swelling or sensitivity to light
- excessive pawing or ear-scratching
Make an appointment with your veterinarian straight away for an examination and ear cleaning if you have any of these symptoms.
How to Do Dog Ear Cleaning at Home the positive news Ear infections can be avoided altogether with routine cleaning and treatment. Establish a routine of regularly checking your dog’s ears, ideally once a week or once every other week. This will not only enable you to identify possible issues before they become serious, but it will also help your dog become accustomed to having his or her ears touched.
You must use a mild ear cleanser made specifically for dogs if you want to clean your dog’s ears at home. Dribble a little bit of the cleaning solution into the ear canal while holding your dog’s ear flap upright. Use your fingers to massage the base of the ear for around 15-20 seconds as the cleanser penetrates down into the canal.
After this round of cleaning is complete, your dog might want to shake their head; a towel might help to prevent spills. Wipe out any extra solution and any loose earwax using a clean cotton ball or pad (not a cotton swab, which could harm your dog’s ears).
Advice for Caring for Dog Ears Are you unsure about how frequently to clean your dog’s ears? A good basic guideline is once each month. Dogs who swim frequently or breeds with long, floppy ears could require weekly or even biweekly ear cleanings. Ensure that your dog’s ears are completely dry after swimming or taking a bath.
Cleaning your dog’s ears will be simpler if you practice good general care, such as maintaining clean, neatly trimmed, and mat-free hair around the ear flap. Above all, use as little force as you can, and avoid sticking anything directly into the canal. Your dog’s hearing could suffer permanent harm if you do that.
Making ear cleaning enjoyable for dogs is crucial because it can be unpleasant for them. Only clean your dog’s ears when they are already relaxed, and be sure to give them lots of treats both during and after.
A crucial component of your dog’s overall care regimen is learning how to take care of their ears. You can contribute to ensuring your pup’s ears remain healthy for life by performing occasional at-home ear cleanings, routine professional groomings, and keeping up with vet check-ups.
Why are my dog’s ears so filthy on the inside?
Excessive ear wax, infections, allergies, and mites are all potential causes of dirty dog ears. Your dog’s ears need to be cleaned and examined on a regular basis to be healthy.
Making sure your dog is healthy and happy is one of your most critical responsibilities as a pet owner. Many pet parents additionally check their dogs’ ears, even though you may already check your dog’s lips or recognize when they’re not feeling well. Dog filthy ears may be brought on by various conditions, such as normal earwax and dirt buildup, mites, or inner or outer ear infections. You can decide when it’s time to take your dog to the vet by understanding the causes of your dog’s filthy ears. What causes filthy dog ears, how to clean your dog’s ears, and when to take your dog to the vet will all be covered in this article.
What should I use to clean the ears of my dog?
- Use regular saline or an over-the-counter ear cleaning. It’s possible to irrigate without worrying your dog.
- Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution while holding the ear flap upright. Squeeze the bottle into the canal for about five seconds to fill it. After you do this, it’s fantastic if your dog wants to shake their head—they will just shake out the extra.
- For around 20 to 30 seconds, gently massage the base of the ear with your fingertips while keeping the ear flap out of the way.
What’s that dark substance in my dog’s ears for?
The color of earwax can range from dark gray to light brown to pale yellow. Use the dog ear wax color chart if you’re unsure about the color of typical dog ear wax.
- Probability of infection
- Allergies may be the cause of pinna (outer ear) inflammation and pruritus.
- associated with ear infections brought on by yeast
- Veterinarian consultation is advised.
- Ear wax in healthy ears might be yellow, light brown, or black.
- Infection may be indicated by odor or inflammation.
- Ear wax that is normal can range in color from yellow to light brown to black.
- The pinna (outer ear) ought to be reddish.
- neutral smell
- perhaps connected to ear infections
- Bloody ear wax may be a sign of an injury or insect bites.
- There may also be pruritus.
- Yeast and fungal infections are linked to green ear wax and unpleasant odor.
- Could be an indication of filth
- Possibly linked to ear infections
- zero discharge
- Since there is no earwax or discharge, an infection is unlikely. However, allergies may be present if there is outer ear inflammation.
- black or dark brown
- This kind of earwax is frequently linked to bacterial or yeast ear infections. If your pet’s earwax is this color, it’s a good idea to speak with a veterinarian.
- Brown
- Earwax that is light brown is typical and anticipated. Wax that is accompanied by odor or swelling may indicate an infection. A visit with a veterinarian is advised.
- Yellow
- Yellow earwax is typical, but if there is swelling, redness, or discomfort, an infection may be brewing.
- Red
- Blood can be detected by the appearance of red earwax. This may result from wounds, insect bites, or itching from pruritus (itchiness). It is advised to see a veterinarian to determine the reason of red earwax.
- Green
- When a bad odor is also present, this earwax hue is frequently linked to yeast infections.
- GrayEarwax that is gray in hue may suggest an ear infection or dirt and debris buildup. Check to see if your dog’s earwax returns to its regular shade of yellow or light brown after cleaning their ears.
In addition to earwax color, you should also pay attention to its consistency and quantity. An underlying problem can be indicated, for instance, if the earwax is oozing instead of semi-soft or if there is an excessive amount of it.
Can you clean a dog’s ears inside and out?
Yes, cleaning your dog’s ears keeps them clean and helps avoid the buildup of wax and other debris that might cause an infection. Regular swimmers and dogs with pendulous ear flaps should have their coats cleaned more frequently because they are more likely to accumulate dirt and illnesses.
Similar to human ears, the presence of wax at the ear hole indicates that cleaning is necessary. Another frequent symptom is that the ears may “quelch” when touched or begin to smell.
Can dogs safely use baby wipes?
1. Are baby wipes safe to use on dogs?
In general, no. Baby wipes and other human moist hypoallergenic wipes shouldn’t be used on puppies or dogs. They aren’t the best option for everyday cleaning your dog, so you shouldn’t be utilizing them.
2. Do pet wipes need to be used?
Your dog’s coat has gathered surface grime or filth, and dog wipes are useful for cleaning it. Additionally, you can use them to clean small spaces like muddy dog muzzles or unclean paws. In conclusion, dog wipes are a great tool for cleaning small spaces.
3. What distinguishes baby wipes from dog wipes?
Pet wipes clean and soothe your pet, whereas the majority of baby wipes clean and quiet a newborn. Both sorts of wipes have a unique use.
Are ears cleaned by dog groomers?
An examination and cleaning of the ears are typically included in professional grooming services. Regularly checking your dog’s ears will prevent you from complicating the groomer’s job. In truth, some experts have found organic material and weeds in dogs’ ears, and some weeds, like the deadly “foxtail” weed that thrives on the West Coast of America, can make their way down a dog’s ear canal.
The Ear Cleaning Process
Here are some of the grooming tools that experts use:
- Hemostat: Before and after each cleaning operation, this should be sterilized.
- Deodorizer Powder: Some experts will also use medicated ear powder.
- There are numerous options for ear cleaning products, some of them are natural and contain aloe vera.
- Cotton Balls: For optimal results, groomers should use sterile, medical-grade cotton wool.
Professional groomers almost always start by elevating the dog’s ear and exposing the inside flap so that it faces him. They never use alcohol or Q-Tips (cotton swabs). A little amount of medicinal ear powder is inserted into each ear after any protruding hair surrounding the external ear canal opening is removed.
The groomer trims any hair in the ear canal if there are no signs of ear issues, but they won’t go any deeper than half an inch into the ear hole. The powder is used to dry off wax and hairs, which makes them easier to remove by absorbing moisture. The dog’s hair is grabbed with the hemostats, which are also used to remove any unwelcome particles. The groomer then cleans the hemostats and informs the owner of any findings, including any potential infection symptoms. One of the last procedures is to gently clean the ear canal with cotton balls dipped in the cleaning solution before making sure that all of the powder has been removed from the ears.
A reputable groomer will take their time, never put your dog in harm’s way, and always sanitize their equipment. Make sure your dog’s ears are cleaned properly by getting in touch with an expert right away if you want what’s best for your pet. We assure you that your dog will be incredibly appreciative if you do.
