Ear cleaning in dogs is recommended by veterinarians to help decrease bacteria, debris, and yeast inside the ear. When it comes to maintaining ear health in dogs, the goal is to remove excess wax and dirt.
A normal amount of honey-colored ear wax is normal for dogs, but if your pup has a very dark discharge or yellow or green gunky matter in his ears, this could be a sign of an ear infection or ear mites. More details on dogs care and hygiene can be found at globalpets.info.
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits, but these ear infections are often not noticed when they start. By this stage, ear infections are well-developed, and the problem needs to be addressed quickly. Ear infections are most often caused by ear mites, allergies, and even the shape of a dog’s ears.
Ear infections can lead to hearing loss, discomfort, and pain if left untreated. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections and keeps your dog’s ears healthy.
Why Ear Cleaning is Essential
There are a few breeds that have long drop ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds. This type of ear conformation tends to get more bacterial and fungal ear infections. This is because yeast or bacteria thrive in deep, moist recesses of the ear canal.
To prevent ear infections, you should wipe out the ear with a cleanser whenever your dog gets wet after bathing or swimming. This restores the pH balance to the ear and lessens the chances of your pup getting an ear infection.
Dog Breeds Most Prone to Ear Infections
- Basset Hound
- BloodHound
- Cocker Spaniel
- Springer Spaniel
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Afghan Hound
Common Causes of Ear Problems in Dogs
- Moisture: Dogs that enjoy swimming or that get water in their ears often may retain moisture in their ear canals, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and ear infections.
- Excess Wax: Some breeds, like the Cocker Spaniel, naturally produce more ear wax than others, which can build up and lead to blockages. Dogs with very long ear canals, like the Basset Hound, also can be prone to lots of wax buildup.
- Allergies: Dogs with allergies may experience inflammation in their ears, leading to itchiness and infections.
- Foreign Bodies: Grass seeds, dirt, or other debris can get trapped in your dog’s ears during playtime or walks.
Yeast Ear Infections
The most common cause of ear infections and issues in dogs is a yeast called Malazzesia, which lives on the skin and the ears. Under normal conditions, the many types of bacteria and yeast live in balance on a dog’s skin, but when this isn’t the case, the Malazzesia will use the excess moisture in the ear and overgrow, causing a problem.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Safely
A dog’s ears are very sensitive, and you should be as gentle as possible when cleaning your dog’s ears, rewarding as much as possible. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine says that if your dog seems to have sensitive ears during an ear cleaning, you should stop immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Before you start, check with your vet to see if there are any specific instructions or solutions they recommend. When you’re ready, follow these steps:
Gather Your Supplies
There are so many types of safe and gentle ear cleaning products for dogs, yet some work better for certain types of dog ear infections, waxy buildup, removal, or routine ear maintenance washes. Cornell University says that you should avoid any dog ear cleaner with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in the solution.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a quiet, comfortable area where your dog feels safe. Gently hold your dog’s head, calming them with a soothing tone.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Squeeze the recommended amount of ear-cleaning solution into the ear canal. Avoid inserting the bottle tip too deeply. ” If your dog does not tolerate ear solution directly into the ear, try saturating cotton pads or balls with the ear cleaning solution instead,” advises Cornell Veterinary.
- Massage Gently: You should gently massage the base of your dog’s ear to help the ear cleaning wash break up wax and debris. This is when your pup is most likely to shake his head to get all the debris out. This helps loosen the debris.
- Wipe Away Debris: Always use a cotton ball, soft gauze, or dog ear wipes to remove any dirt or excessive wax buildup. Do not use cotton swabs inside your pup’s ear canal.
- Reward Your Dog: Have high-value treats nearby, and don’t forget to praise and reward your pup.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
The frequency will depend on whether you’re cleaning for treatment of an ear infection (daily) or maintenance, which could be every one to two weeks, says Cornell Veterinary. Keep in mind that dogs that suffer from frequent ear infections or allergies and breeds with long, floppy ears will need to have their ears cleaned more frequently.
Signs of an Ear Infection
There are many red flags to look out for, like a strong yeasty smell coming from your pup’s ears, as well as excessive scratching and constant head shaking. Even if you see nothing when you look inside your dog’s ears, don’t assume that everything is fine.
To check for sensitivities or a possible ear infection, you can use a finger wrapped in soft tissue or an ear wipe to move it inside the ear gently. If the dog ear wipe has a dark brown stain, there’s an excess of Malassezia in the ear canal. You should then get the yeast stained at your veterinarian’s office for diagnosis. Keep an eye out for red flags that may indicate something is wrong:
- Unpleasant odor from the ears
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
- Redness or swelling in or around the ear
- Discharge or noticeable wax buildup
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to your veterinarian.
Types of Dog Ear Cleaners
If your pup has an ear infection, your veterinarian will help you choose the best ear-cleaning solution for dogs. Nonetheless, there are many types of ear-cleaning products for dogs to choose from. Veterinarians usually will recommend that you look for the following benefits when choosing an ear wash for your pup.
- Maintains suitable ear pH for preventative ear care in dogs
- Easy to use before bathing or swimming
- No prescription is needed ( if there is no ear infection)
- Includes antimicrobial ingredients to help prevent ear infections
- Suitable for dogs that are prone to ear infections
- Suitable for regular use
- Ear wipes that soothe and deodorize
- Ear wipes that help with excessive ear itchiness
- Helps combat stinky ear smell
- Uses ingredients that break down debris inside the ear
- Safe to use in pups
Before You Go
Using a gentle ear-cleaning solution or ear wipe for ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s grooming routine. Boosting your dog’s immune system also helps to create a good balance of bacteria in his ears. A high-quality multivitamin mix given every day will help prevent future ear infections.
