Your Dog's Ears
Many overlook cleaning their dogs ears, but it's a spot that also needs to be cleaned. Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax.
The inner side of the ear should be a healthy pink color. Ear infections may result in: redness, discharge, odor, ear scratching, rubbing ears on the floor or other surfaces. Visit the vet if your dog is showing these signs so you can treat the infection.
>> How-to-Video <<
The inner side of the ear should be a healthy pink color. Ear infections may result in: redness, discharge, odor, ear scratching, rubbing ears on the floor or other surfaces. Visit the vet if your dog is showing these signs so you can treat the infection.
>> How-to-Video <<
Cleaning Your Dog's Ear
Practice handling your dog's ears gently. Give it delicious treats while you massage the outside of and eventually the inside of the ear. Repeat this until your dog really enjoys having his ears handled. Once your dog accepts all kinds of ear manipulation with your hands, repeat the procedure using a cloth and then with cotton balls.
To clean your dog's ear you will need the following supplies:
- Ear wash solution
- Cotton balls
- Tweezers to pluck hair
- Q-tips may be used if used properly
Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready.
Dog Ear Cleaning Steps
1. If inner side of the ear contains lots of fur at the opening to the ear canal, a few hairs at a time can be plucked. Lots of hair at the opening to the ear canal reduces air flow into the ear. Good air flow is important to maintaining a healthy ear. Be prepared with some yummy treats while you plucking the fur to make this a positive experience for your dog.
2. Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. A few drops of ear wash should be applied to the inside of the ear flap, by inserting the tip of the ear wash bottle a few millimeters into the ear canal. (Do not to tightly force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal.) Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution.
3. Use cotton balls to remove discharge from the inside of the ear. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself.
To clean your dog's ear you will need the following supplies:
- Ear wash solution
- Cotton balls
- Tweezers to pluck hair
- Q-tips may be used if used properly
Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready.
Dog Ear Cleaning Steps
1. If inner side of the ear contains lots of fur at the opening to the ear canal, a few hairs at a time can be plucked. Lots of hair at the opening to the ear canal reduces air flow into the ear. Good air flow is important to maintaining a healthy ear. Be prepared with some yummy treats while you plucking the fur to make this a positive experience for your dog.
2. Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. A few drops of ear wash should be applied to the inside of the ear flap, by inserting the tip of the ear wash bottle a few millimeters into the ear canal. (Do not to tightly force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal.) Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution.
3. Use cotton balls to remove discharge from the inside of the ear. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself.