Discover how to safely and effectively clean your dog's ears!

Ears are an important part of your dog's health, but they are often overlooked.

What is the best way to clean a dog's ears, what tools and products are needed, and what are the common ear diseases in dogs?

Discover the importance of ear cleaning and learn how to do it correctly to keep your loyal four-legged friend happy and healthy.

Cleaning your dog's ears is an important aspect of their overall hygiene. Here's a detailed guide on how to properly clean your friend's ears:

What to Use for Cleaning Your Dog's Ears?

Make sure to have all the products you need before starting:

Cotton balls and gauze cut into small pieces, or moist wipes
Ear cleaning solution (usually available as drops, lotion, spray, or ointment)
Long tweezers (like those used for eyebrows)
Some small treats
Towel

Using a cotton swab to clean a dog's ears is not recommended, as without proper experience and if pushed too deep, there is a risk of damaging the animal's eardrum.

Let's clarify the topic and give you some useful advice to keep Fido's ears in excellent health.

How to Clean a Dog's Ears?

Cleaning your dog's ears is an important aspect of their overall hygiene. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly clean your friend's ears:

Create a Calm Environment:

Find a quiet place where you and your dog can be relaxed during the cleaning. Have your dog comfortably sit on an elevated surface, like a table. Ensure they are relaxed.
Inspect the Ears:

Check your dog's ears for any redness, swelling, bad smell, or unusual secretions. If you notice anything unusual, consult a veterinarian before proceeding with the cleaning.
External Cleaning:

Gently use a cotton ball dampened with ear cleaning solution to delicately clean the outer area of the ear. Avoid pushing too deeply.
Applying Ear Cleaning Solution:

Lift the ear and pour some of the cleaner into it. While holding it up, ensure the liquid flows down into the canal. To assist, place your thumb on the cartilage at the base of the ear and slide your finger from the bottom upwards.
Internal Cleaning:

Gently massage until the liquid has settled deep down and begun to dissolve the earwax. If the dog's ears are large enough, wrap a piece of gauze (or a wipe) around your index finger and gently enter the dog's ear. Clean the walls gently. Repeat with the solution and continue cleaning until the gauze is no longer dirty.
Drying:

Once finished, dry with cotton to limit leakage when the dog shakes its head.
Reward:

After cleaning, reward your dog with a treat and plenty of praise. The positive association will make the next cleaning easier.

If the dog's ears are too small, roll a piece of gauze into a stick shape and use it to clean the ear cavity.

Ensure you follow the usage instructions on the ear cleaner packaging and use only the indicated amount.

How to Remove Excess Hair from the Dog's Ear

Often, hair accumulates in the ears, blocking the auditory canal. To clear it, remove the excess hair with tweezers.

Gently grab the deep tufts of hair and pull with light pressure. If they are dead hairs, they should come out on their own.

This operation is quite delicate and if you are not confident, leave it to a groomer or veterinarian.

How to Clean Dog's Ears with Natural Remedies

You can clean your dog's ears with natural remedies, but it's important to be cautious and ensure that the remedies are safe and suitable for your pet.

Here are some common and safe natural products for cleaning your dog's ears:

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can apply a few drops of coconut oil on a cotton ball and gently clean the outer area of the ear.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted with water, apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH and create an environment unfavorable for bacteria and yeast. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and use a cotton ball to clean the outer ear area.
Chamomile: Prepare a chamomile tea solution and let it cool. Gently apply it to the outer part of the ear with a cotton ball to soothe and clean.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has soothing properties and can be gently applied to the outside of the ear to reduce irritation.
Natural Yogurt: The natural probiotic in yogurt can help maintain the pH balance in the ear. Apply a small amount of natural yogurt to the outside of the ear.
Saline Solution: Make a saline solution with warm water and salt. Use a dampened cotton ball to gently clean the outer ear area.
Olive Oil: Olive oil can help soften ear wax and prevent dirt buildup. Apply a few drops of olive oil on a cotton ball and gently clean the outer ear area.

Can I clean my dog's ears with hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is often used as a disinfectant, but it should not be used in cleaning a dog's ears.

Improper use of hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation or damage to the delicate membranes of a dog's ear.

The same applies to Amuchina, boric water, acetic acid, and other disinfectants that could irritate a dog's ears.

How Often Should You Clean a Dog's Ears?

The frequency of ear cleaning in dogs can vary depending on the dog, its breed, hair type, and genetic disposition.

In general, for most dogs, ear cleaning should be part of their hygiene routine, but it's not necessary to do it too frequently.

You can follow these guidelines, which apply only if the dog's ear is completely healthy:

Dogs with Normal Ears: For dogs with normal ears and no particular issues, cleaning can be done about once a month or every two months.
Dogs with Drooping or Long Ears: Breeds with long and drooping ears, such as Beagles or Cocker Spaniels, might require more frequent cleaning due to moisture and dirt accumulation inside the ears.
Dogs with Long Hair on Ears: Dogs with long hair covering their ears might retain more dirt and moisture, thus requiring more regular cleaning.
Dogs with a History of Ear Problems: If your dog has had ear problems or infections in the past, it might be necessary to clean them more often as a preventive measure.

It's important to constantly monitor your dog's ears and act accordingly.

If you notice signs of inflammation, redness, discharge, or bad odor, consult your veterinarian.

Unhealthy ears can be a warning sign of more serious diseases, and it's important to consult with a veterinarian when an anomaly is detected.

Why is it Important to Clean a Dog's Ears?

Cleaning your dog's ears is a fundamental aspect of overall care and hygiene for your four-legged friend. Here's why it's important:

Dogs' ears are prone to accumulating dirt, wax, and moisture, which can create an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms. Regular cleaning can help prevent painful and annoying ear infections.
Infections and irritation in the ears can cause discomfort and pain to the dog. Keeping the ears clean reduces the risk of discomfort and contributes to the overall well-being of your furry friend.
Regular cleaning gives you the opportunity to inspect your dog's ears closely. This can help you detect early signs of infections, parasite infestations, or other medical issues, allowing you to intervene promptly with the right care.
Dirt and wax buildup can cause a bad odor from the dog's ears. By keeping the ears clean, you can reduce the unpleasant smell.
For active dogs or those with drooping ears, keeping the ears clean can prevent discomfort during activities like swimming, hiking, or outdoor play.
Getting your dog used to ear cleaning from a young age can make them more tolerant of handling in general. This can be useful in medical situations or grooming.

What Are the Most Common Ear Problems in Dogs?

Dogs' ears are prone to various problems that can cause discomfort and may require veterinary attention.

Here are some of the most common ear problems in dogs and how you can recognize them:

Ear Infections: Ear infections are common in dogs, especially those with long or drooping ears. Typical symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, abnormal discharge, frequent head shaking, and unpleasant odor.
Swimmer's Ear: This issue occurs when moisture gets trapped in the ear, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and yeast growth. The symptoms are similar to those of an ear infection.
Wax Buildup: Excessive wax accumulation can cause blockages in the ear. You might notice an increase in wax production, itching, discomfort, bad odor, and possible signs of infection.
Allergies: Allergies can cause ear irritation, which may manifest as redness, swelling, and itching. Dogs with food or environmental allergies can develop ear symptoms.
Parasites: Ear mites are common parasites in dogs and can cause intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the ear.
Tumors: Ear tumors can be rare, but should be considered if you notice swelling, a change in the shape or consistency of the ear.
Foreign Bodies: A foreign object (like a grass awn) can accidentally enter the ear and cause discomfort, head shaking, and symptoms of inflammation.

To detect these problems, carefully observe your dog's ears during your regular grooming routine.

Author's Note

I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section.

Any information you wish to share about health, temperament, products, and tips on training or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to best manage them.

From the Staff of Khani.co.uk

If you found this post helpful and want to learn more about the care, well-being, and training of dogs, we are happy to help. Find here many useful tips to better understand your furry friend.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our site is general in nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts.