Cleaning your dog’s ears is just another part of routine care (along with brushing their teeth, hint hint!) and Green Dog Pet Products has some tips about ear care that will make sure your dog is enjoying their best life.
THE TRUTH ABOUT EAR CARE FOR DOGS
Ear care is an important measure to prevent ear infections, both bacterial and fungal. Dog ears come in many shapes and sizes, and while all dogs need a cleaning once and a while, some dogs require more ear care than others.
TYPE OF DOG EARS
Dogs with drop ears (ears that cover the ear canal) require more cleaning that dogs with prick ears (upright ears, like a cat). Circulation is an important element, so when you take a look at your dog’s ears, consider if air can effectively circulate to reach the inner portions of their ear. Dogs with floppy, very furry, or pendulous ears are more likely to get ear infections and thus require cleaning more frequently.
There is also a danger of over-cleaning. If you clean your dog’s ears too frequently, you risk irritating the delicate skin within their ear and ear canal and making them susceptible to skin issues and infection.
STEP BY STEP EAR CARE GUIDE FOR DOGS
Now, on to the step-by-step guide!
Cleaning your dog’s ears is often easier than brushing their teeth, as most dogs do not dislike it quite as much. Even so, be sure to offer plenty of praise and treats once the deed is done. If your dog gets accustomed to having their ears cleans and knows that a reward is forthcoming, they are more likely to sit still, and the process will be much faster and easier.
- Find the right product and gather your supplies. Don’t use shampoo or soap. Dog ears require a special formula that is PH balanced and gentle enough for frequent use. We love our earCHEER, an all-natural blend designed to naturally clean pets’ ears. earCHEER is particularly effective at cleaning the wax build up inside your dog’s ears and, with its blend of lavender and witch hazel, gently cleans inside ears and help prevent microbes from forming in the creases where fungus and yeast infections start. You’ll also need cotton balls or a clean, lint free cloth.Access your dog’s ear. If your dog has ears that stand up, this is easy. If they have dropping ears, simply lift up your dog’s ear to expose the ear canal. First, clean any debris or wax buildup on the outside by gently wiping with a few drops of your cleanser.
- Then, squirt a few drops onto the gauze and massage the base of the ear to help distribute the solution.
- Wipe clean and then dry with your gauze, cloth, or cotton ball. Don’t leave anything in your dog’s ear canal and don’t use ever use a cotton swab (a.k.a. Q-tip).
- Praise and treats!
If your dogs ear smells funky, yeasty, or is emitting a dark brown or foul-smelling discharge, it’s a good idea to bring them to the vet to make sure they don’t have an infection brewing. Dog ears are sensitive and, if left untreated, infections can wreak havoc on their hearing.
CLEAN ONCE A MONTH AT LEAST
As a good general tip, all dogs should have their ears cleaned at least once a month. For dogs with droopy ears or who are prone to ear infections, you may want to do it more frequently. For advice on your dog’s situation, consult your veterinarian who will be happy to advise. Visit the Green Dog Gazette for more tips on pet wellness and dental care.