How to clean a dog's ears?
A dog's ears, and hearing in general, are extremely important. Thanks to their well-developed ability to hear even the quietest sounds, dogs receive far more information about the world around them than humans. Therefore, every owner who acquires a pet must not only care for their dog's appearance but also ensure its hygiene. One of the most important and crucial procedures, which must be performed regularly, is ear cleaning. And although it may seem simple, it's important to know how to properly clean a dog's ears to effectively remove debris without harming their hearing.
Let's take a closer look at the procedure of ear cleaning and discover all its subtleties and features.
Content
Ear structure: what's important to know
Different dog breeds have completely different ears. The shape of the ear determines the frequency of cleaning, as well as the specific care required.
For example, those breeds whose ears have undergone significant changes during selection require more careful care and frequent checks of the condition of the ear canal.
But those dogs whose ears have remained virtually unchanged and have a natural appearance require virtually no additional care: you just need to periodically check that everything is in order with the auricle.
From the inside, the entire surface of a dog's ear is covered with small hairs, which, due to their structure, are able to effectively remove dirt and wax from the outside, preventing it from accumulating in the ear canal.
Frequently cleaning your dog's ears can damage these hairs, which will impair their natural cleaning function. Try to only resort to ear cleaning in extreme cases—when it's clear the ear isn't cleaning itself.
Pets with long ears
It's also important to remember that dogs with long, floppy ears require ear care. Because of this shape, the ears are difficult to clean, and wax can accumulate, causing various problems. It's a good idea to inspect and feel your pet's ears at least once a week to ensure everything is in good condition.
If the ear is dirty, it smells bad, or your dog is showing anxiety and shakes his head – this is a clear sign of a problem. Even if you know how to clean your dog's ears, you should still consult a qualified veterinarian. Don't delay a visit to the vet, as hearing is a very serious issue, and negligence is unacceptable.
What you might need to care for your ears
If you're confident in your abilities and have decided you can handle it, then to effectively clean your ears at home, you'll need:
- cotton pads and cotton swabs;
- special wet wipes for dog ear care;
- cleansing lotions;
- special powder for cleaning ears;
- hydrogen peroxide.
Cotton pads and cotton swabs can help remove earwax and dry the ear after using cleansing lotions and other care products. Gently sweep the cotton swab out of the external ear canal, if necessary.
Special wipes are soaked in solutions that help clean the ear. These products soften wax and provide excellent care for the delicate skin of the inner ear. They are available at all pet stores and are very inexpensive.
Cleansing lotions and powders are specially formulated to easily remove wax and debris from a dog's ear canal without the need for additional tools or equipment. Knowing how to clean a dog's ears at home will make this procedure easy, provided you have the right tools. Thanks to the wide selection of such products, owners of all budgets can find the right lotion or powder.
Hydrogen peroxide is also used to clean ears, but only in situations where special means are not available.
No vinegar (or other harsh solutions), alcohol (or alcohol-containing liquids). It's best to replace such liquids with special lotions.
How to properly clean a dog's ears at home
Call your pet to you and speak calmly while examining the ear. It's important that the dog remains calm and doesn't struggle, as this will significantly affect the cleaning process. Inspect the ears and, if necessary, wipe the visible parts with a cotton ball soaked in lotion. If you suspect there's wax further down the canal, use a cotton swab.
Using gentle movements, wipe the inside of the ear. Don't worry about damaging the eardrum, which is located deeper in the ear, behind the curve of the canal, and even knowing how to clean a dog's ears, it's practically impossible to reach it with a cotton swab. Once all the dirt has been removed, blot your pet's ear with a tissue, and be sure to give them a rewarding treat at the end.
If you have a special ear cleaning solution, lay your pet on its side and, gently massaging the outside of the ear, pour a small amount of the solution directly into the ear. Spending a few minutes applying pressure and massaging the ear will help the solution effectively dissolve and remove all wax from the canal. Blot the drained fluid with a cotton ball, and the cleaning is complete. If your dog shakes its head during or after the procedure, allow it to do so, as this helps remove excess fluid.
Video material on cleaning a dog's ears
If you'd like a more visual representation of how to clean a dog's ears, a video of how to clean the ears is posted below:
This is how to clean a dog's ears at home. If you don't understand anything, or if any part of the procedure gives you any concerns, it's best to take your dog to the vet, where they can quickly and efficiently clean your pet's ears.
Take care of your dog's health, because, as the genius Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince said, "We are responsible for those we have tamed!"
Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.
Read also:
Add a comment