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And many of those problems can lead to the most annoying symptom of all—constant ear itching. Next, find out more about some of the most common dog skin problems and the signs to watch out for. In my blog you will find all the important information about dogs – breeds, upbringing, care, ammunition, interesting facts, etc.
As a dog owner, you may be wondering if you need to clean your dog's ears regularly and how to clean dog ears at home. Some dog breeds may never require an actual ear cleaning, while others will need you to clean them regularly. A dog’s ear is very tender, especially when infected. It makes sense to know how to examine your dog’s ears, what to look for, and how to prevent infections. This article teaches you how to spot problems before they become serious and how to make a homemade dog ear cleaner.
Why do dogs' ears get dirty?
Gently swab the inside of your dog's ear flap. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an ear infection. Add two parts of water, one part of white vinegar and one part of rubbing alcohol in a plastic bottle. Massage the base of the ear to help the cleaner pass into the ear canal. Plenty of treats for during and after the ear cleaning.
Breeds with extra furry or long ears will need more frequent ear cleanings. This is because dirt, moisture, and dust accumulate faster and stick around longer in those types of ears. Be sure to check their ears regularly and always be on the lookout for anything unusual. Of course, it’s ideal if you start handling or cleaning their ears when puppies as they’re much more likely to be ok with ear cleaning when they’re older. However, this isn’t always possible, particularly if you have a rescue or an older dog who’s never had their ears cleaned before. Throughout the process, pay attention to your dog’s natural response.
Dry the Ear
After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears. To help you determine when that is, first make sure you know what a clean ear should look like. Dogs with larger ears and dogs who spend a lot of time in the water or are prone to ear infections can have their ears cleaned more frequently.
Next, repeat the same process with the other ear. You can use either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar , both of which are edible and completely non-toxic. Your pup might not appreciate the smell, but don't worry—the strong vinegar scent fades once it dries. But your dog's favorite massage spots are vulnerable to a range of health issues.
How can I soothe my dog's itchy ears?
In addition, the use of cotton tip applicators can push debris further into the ear canal. To clean your dog’s ears, make a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 rubbing alcohol and let it come to room temperature. Then, dip a cotton ball into the liquid and squeeze out any excess fluid so the ball is just damp.
To district your dog, you can also fill dog puzzle toys with treats that they have to figure out while you’re cleaning. Christy Caplan is a certified vet technician, writer, blogger, chicken keeper, and storyteller. In 2012, Christy graduated from Portland Community College in Oregon with a degree in veterinary technology. She passed the certified veterinary technician board exam and practiced as a technician for a few years.
How to Clean a Dog’s Ears at Home
Shaking will loosen ear wax and other debris inside the ear. Use a clean, dry cotton ball to wipe it out of the ear. Repeat the drops and wiping as needed until no more wax comes out. Then give your pup hugs and a treat, he’s earned it. A good rule of thumb is to check your dog’s ears for wax once a month.
You’ll probably notice your dog digging at his ear more than usual too. Your pup’s ears may be one of your favorite parts about them. They perk up when you walk into the room, and they somehow always seem to hear you open your refrigerator no matter how quiet you try to remain. Knowing how to clean a dog’s ears should be required learning for pet parents.
But because it can be tricky to use olive oil without making a mess, we typically recommend pouring some into a little squeeze bottle first. You’ll want to store it in a cool, dark place in between uses. The povidone-iodine helps kill bacteria, but it also stains everything brown, so if your dog’s fur is white you might want to omit it. Will be taking him to his vet, but I learned how to clean his ears the right way!
Your veterinarian can help you select an ear cleaner that is right for your dog. Once again, hold the ear flap up, and remove the loosened debris and cleaning solution from the outer opening of the ear canal using a cotton ball or gauze. Just as humans need to know when and how to clean our own ears for effective grooming, we need to do the same for our dogs’ ears to promote good health and comfort.
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