Dog Hygiene: How to Clean Your Furry Friend's Ears

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 Having a dog is not just feeding it, taking it on walks and playing with it in the backyard. Having a dog means accepting all the responsibility for its health, regular vet visits and maintaining its hygiene. Cleaning your dog's ears is not a fun activity but it's something you should do regularly. Dog ear infections are very common and can lead to more serious issues.

Tools & Products You Need

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Just like us humans, dogs require special tools and products when it comes to their hygiene. This is very important when it comes to their ears because of how sensitive they are. There is a wide range of ear cleaner pet products and simple tools that will help you keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy.

The first thing on the list is a cleanser. They're pH-balanced products that are suitable for ear wax removal. They can also reduce odour, which can be a big issue at times. It works by killing the accumulated bacteria and preventing the re-growth of infectious agents. After you’re done with the cleanser, you can use ear powders. Their job is to keep the ears dry. Moist dog ears can be very uncomfortable and smelly.

Boric acid is a very common ingredient in these powders. What makes them good for removing hairs from the dog’s ears is the fact that they have good gripping properties. They also help with itching by relieving some of it. Cleaners are another dog product. They're the best way to get rid of ear wax. They also treat fungi, bacteria and yeast infections, and you can treat the dog with it once a week.

Ear elixirs can be a solution if your pup has issues with its ears for a long time. This is a safe product to use and it’s very effective in treating ear problems. Elixirs will remove wax and help with inflammation, odour and other chronic ear issues. Even if your furry friend doesn’t have any ear problems, you can use these elixirs as a safety precaution.

When it comes to tools, there’s one main tool you’ll need: hair remover forceps. They’re very similar to ordinary scissors but are quite smaller. The main purpose of this tool is to help you remove hair from the dog’s ear canal. It's especially helpful in dog breeds like the terrier. When you’re buying a pair, make sure the handles are grippy and slip-resistant. Otherwise, it can injure the dog. Last but not least, you’ll need finger condoms that will give you a better grip when you’re pulling the dog’s hair.

Cleaning the Dog’s Ears

Not all dogs require weekly ear cleaning. Always consult with a vet before doing it on your own. They'll give you the best advice on when and how to do it. How often you need to clean your dog’s ears depends on its age, breed, activity level and coat. Some need a cleaning once a month and some need it once a week.

There are several stages of the cleaning process. The first thing to do is to gather all of the supplies you need so you don’t get up. The supplies and tools should be within a hand’s reach. Get some towels below and dress appropriately if your dog hates getting its ears cleaned. Prepare the ear cleaner pet products like: cloth, solution, cotton swabs, forceps and anything else you might need.

The next thing is to make sure the pup is comfortable and calm. If it’s nervous or angry, you won’t be able to get the job done. There are many ways to calm it. Some dog owners use toys, some use food, some bring out the dog’s comfort blanket and some even play music the dog likes. Once the dog is calm and settled, you can start cleaning.

Examine the ear and keep an eye for infections, discharge, smell and redness. If you notice something out of the ordinary, go to the vet before putting anything else in the dog’s ears. If there’s nothing, wipe the ear’s entrance with a damp cloth made of wool or cotton to remove dirt and wax.

The next step is very delicate. Get the cleaner and insert its tip into the dog’s ear very gently. Don't go too far because you can injure it. Give the bottle a slight squeeze so the liquid can flow inside the canal. To send the liquid further down, massage the base of the ears for 30 seconds. If there are squishy sounds, it means the liquid dissolves the debris and buildup. After that, take the cloth and wipe the rest of the product.

How Often to Clean?

This is not a question with one universal answer. It depends on the dog’s breed, age, coat and activity level. Once a month is a general answer but not a perfect one. Some breeds are more prone to infections than others and the main reasons for this are the floppy ears and thick hair in the ear canal. This type of breed needs a clean at least 2-3 times a month. But just to be sure, you should always consult with a vet.

When Not to Clean?

There's also the possibility of overcleaning the dog’s ears with pet ear cleaner. This can also be a problem. If there’s a very strong odour, something you’ve never smelled before, don’t do it. Visit the vet. Excessive redness or ear wax—don't do it. Let the vet take care of it because you can make it worse and create a bigger health problem.

Signs of Ear Infection

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As a dog owner, you should be able to identify the signs of an ear infection. The pup will be very sensitive when you touch its ears. It might not even let you do it because it’s either painful or uncomfortable. The ears will be red and inflamed. If the dog shakes its head more than usual or scratches the ears constantly, this might be a sign of infection. Too much discharge is also a symptom. It's best to see a veterinarian right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.