How To Clean A Dog’s Ears
It is one of the most sensitive parts of an animal and, at the same time, and the most easily dirty. And they can develop infection right away! Therefore, it is essential to learn how to clean a dog’s ears and avoid bad smell, redness and accumulation of bacteria. Find out how in this article.
When to clean the dog’s ears?
Hygiene of this part of the pet’s body is often downplayed, as we only focus on the coat or legs, even the mouth. However, cleaning the dog’s ears is very important because it is a very sensitive area and vulnerable to infection.
It is recommended to check the ears of the animal once a week or at least twice a month. The periodicity will depend on the shape and size of the ears (those of a cocker spaniel are not the same as those of a doberman).
We should also clean our pet’s ears if rainwater has entered it or it has been submerged in the sea or swimming pool. Other external factors to consider are the activities you do and the places you visit. For example, if he has gone to the beach, if he has got dirty with dirt in the park or rolled in the mud.
Tips to clean the dog’s ears
To avoid infections, accumulation of germs and bacteria, it is recommended to clean the dog’s ears at least once a month. We can take advantage of bath time, as long as we dry the area well at the end. Pay attention to these tips:
1. Examine the dog’s ears
Stand at the height of the animal and lift its ears. Inspect for only earwax or dirt, such as dirt or sand. In that case, you can clean the ears yourself.
However, when you see fluid draining, the area very red, a thick brown, gray or yellowish wax, and even blood, take it to the vet immediately. The same if you have a strong smell in the ears, as it can indicate infection.
2. Look for ticks or foreign bodies
In its ears, the dog can harbor different organisms … They are the place of choice for ticks! Especially if your pet frequents grassy or dirt areas, a foreign body is more likely to lodge in his ears.
If you have ticks, moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and press on top of the parasite. Hold for a few seconds until it just comes off the skin. Trying to forcibly pull it off will hurt your dog.
3. Buy a special solution
In pet stores they sell specific products to clean your dog’s ears. Many use alcohol, but this is only recommended for the outer part, for the ears. For the interior, better a solution that does not generate adverse effects.
4. Use a cotton ball
Roll some cotton into a ball and moisten it with the cleaning solution. Insert very carefully into the dog’s ear. Keep in mind that cleaning should be superficial, so avoid getting the cotton in the eardrum.
Remove any dirt and debris that you see. Maybe you need to repeat the operation several times to eliminate them completely. Remember to be very delicate so as not to injure the animal’s skin and, above all, to keep it as still as possible.
5. Irrigate the ears
Using the same solution above, and if the veterinarian advises it, you can irrigate the ears and remove earwax and dirt lodged deeper in the ear canal. It’s easy: place the tip of the bottle in your ear and press to release liquid. Gently massage and turn the head of the dog so that the water mixed with wax and other elements falls.
Finally, we recommend that you clear the dog’s ears at the end of the cleaning. Your first reaction will be to move your head to both sides. Don’t worry, it’s normal.
