How Should A Dog’s Ears Be Cleaned?
They accumulate all kinds of dirt, they can be the ideal environment for fungi and bacteria that cause infections, and one of the main sources of bad smell in your pet. For this reason, in the following article we will give you some tips to clean a dog’s ears and avoid ailments and diseases.
Tips for cleaning a dog’s ears
Some people are reluctant to clean a dog’s ears and go to the vet or a pet grooming salon to do the job. However, it can be done at home without problems, saving time and money (as long as they are not infected or injured).
It is very important that you check the hygiene of the animal’s ears every week, especially if, due to its breed, it has them down or “glued” to the skull (as happens, for example, with Cocker Spaniel).
Here are the steps and tips for cleaning a dog’s ears:
1. Inspect the state of the ears
It is normal for it to produce a little earwax and to accumulate dirt in this area. If you see yellowish, gray, or light brown material, as well as blood (dry or not), take it to the vet. If you have never had an ear canal cleaning, this is a good opportunity to have it done by the expert.
2. Look for foreign bodies
Parasites like ticks look for the dog’s ears as a home. There the pet does not “arrive” with its teeth. If your canine goes outside, wallows in the grass, or relieves himself near trees, you may also find herbs, flowers, or even seeds in his ears. In any case, you will have to remove them delicately.
3. Detects bacterial or fungal infections
When this happens, the animal’s ears have a foul odor and brown or green discharge is seen. They may require the administration of a special topical medication. Cleaning alone does not heal and could even make the condition worse.
4. Use special products
In pet stores you can find endless items to clean a dog’s ears. Another option is to make a homemade mix with products that you have at home, such as alcohol and apple cider vinegar (combine them in equal parts at room temperature). Do not use any household cleaner in case it has infection or irritation, because it can worsen the picture.
5. Use cotton and water
Many times a little lukewarm water and a cotton ball is enough to clean a dog’s ears. Rub slowly without applying too much pressure, but with enough force to loosen the dirt from the area.
6. Don’t forget your ears
Once you are done with the ear canal, move to the outside of the ear. Use another cotton ball and clean water. Be careful to avoid tearing the skin and do not use alcohol or vinegar if it has wounds, because it will burn and it will be very difficult for it to allow subsequent cleanings.
6. Irrigate the ears if necessary
Consult your veterinarian, as in some cases dogs can generate more earwax than usual and it is necessary to irrigate with a special liquid or warm water. Once the ear canal is soaked, gently rub the base of the ear for 1 minute. With gauze or cotton, clean the dirt that appears.
7. Let the dog shake
At the end of the cleaning, your pet will want to shake his head to remove any liquid or dirt that has been in the ears. Let him do it, because he will finish himself with the cleaning task that you have started. Just step back a bit so I don’t get dirty. And don’t forget to clean the environment well afterwards. We recommend that for this task you choose the kitchen, the bathroom or the garden (terrace or balcony).
8. Stay in the routine
It is very important that you schedule a cleaning at least every month. In order not to forget you, you can mark it on the calendar or leave an alarm on your mobile. And, if necessary, advance the date if the animal has gone to the park more than usual, has had contact with water, has gotten into a puddle after the rain, etc.
