Having a dog implies a responsibility since it is not only to enjoy the good, but also to take care of the needs that your pet has. Tasks like bathing him, taking him to the vet or knowing how to clean a dog's ears they are very important as they can prevent health problems.
For this reason we want to help you know how to clean a dog's ears. Here you will find a complete guide to carry out this weekly care. Shall we get down to work?
Why you should check your dog's ears
In case you don't know, a dog's ears are one of the most sensitive parts of these animals. And that makes them a place where infections can get into you. If you don't take care of them, you can eventually suffer from recurrent otitis, hearing problems, hearing loss, or even worse, as the infection could spread to other parts of your body.
Periodic inspection, as well as cleaning, is very important and must be done several times a month to check that it is okay. Keep in mind that dogs cannot clean their ears on their own, but they need the help of their owner.
By taking care of your dog's ears, you will not only keep it clean, but you will also avoid health problems, or having to go to the vet.
How to clean a dog's ears
Next we want to leave you a practical guide of everything you must take into account about how to clean a dog's ears, from the elements that you will need to the steps you must take to do it. Of course, keep in mind that if you notice something strange, the best thing you can do is consult your vet before the problem can get worse.
Essential elements
We are going to start by telling you all the necessary elements to clean a dog's ears. These are not difficult to find and the safest thing is that you have them in your own home.
Specifically, we are referring to:
- Cotton.
- Ear cleaner for dogs. This can be found in pet stores but also at the vet where you usually go.
- Clean towel.
If your dog is large, or you have a very restless dog that is not easily cleaned, then the best thing you can do is do this Task between two people for one to hold it while the other handles and cleans the ears.
Lastly, you might want to have some treats to give after cleaning a dog's ears as a treat. This way you will learn over time that, if you let yourself be done, you will later receive something that you like very much. Of course, do not forget that caresses or spending time with him can also be great rewards.
Ear cleaning frequency
One of the most important data you should know when cleaning a dog's ears is their frequency. That is, how often do you have to clean them so that they are healthy. And in this case, the answer is not as easy as you might think because it will largely depend on the breed of dog you have.
As you know, there are many breeds of dogs, and each one has different characteristics. In this case, what you should keep in mind is that, dogs with long floppy ears (those that cover the ear canal) are more prone to ear infections.
In other words, dogs with long, floppy ears need more regular cleaning than those with short and upturned ears.
And how often to clean? Then:
- If they are dogs with short and pointed ears: 1-2 times a month.
- If they are dogs with long, drooping ears: 1-2 times a week.
Depending on the dog's lifestyle, this frequency can vary, but regular cleaning is important to avoid major problems in the ear canal, especially if there is little air flow or moisture or debris accumulates.
Steps to clean the dog's ears
Have you ever cleaned your dog's ears? The ideal is that do it since it is a puppy, so that you get used to letting yourself be done. You should start by taking him to a place where he feels comfortable. If you find that he becomes nervous, it may be necessary to have someone to help you hold him while you examine and clean the ear.
Grab the ear and hold it between your thumb and forefinger. In this way you can take a good look inside the ear and see if there are secretions, bad smell or redness. If you notice any of these things, including a lot of wax, it is best to go to the vet to make sure there is no more serious problem.
The next step you should take is to gently clean the ear with a damp cotton ball. You can use serum to clean it properly. Of course, try not to put too much cotton because it will be unpleasant for them. Then, insert the tip of the dog cleaner and add some of the liquid. Massage well so that it passes through the ear canal and loosen the ear.
The normal thing is that the dog shakes itself, but after it does it try to catch the ear again as at the beginning and remove the excesses with another moistened and clean cotton.
This will have to be done in the other ear as well.
How to prevent ear problems in dogs
In addition to cleaning, it is important to prevent some situations that can promote the appearance of ear infections. For example, the humidity, well when bathing or if it gets wet (from a rain) because this can cause bacteria to grow in the ears.
Another point to take into account are the strange bodies, which will cause irritations. We are talking about dust, plants that stick and rub your ears (or get stuck to it), etc.
The hair, since some breeds of dogs have it longer and it is usually cut, but in reality it is not the best because this hair acts as a barrier against foreign bodies, humidity ...
Symptoms that your dog has otitis
And how do you know if your dog has hearing problems? The otitis are frequent, especially in summer, which is when we get the most wet. Therefore, knowing what symptoms can put you on alert can help you act before it gets worse.
Among those notices we have:
- Let your dog shake more than normal.
- Let it scratch or rub.
- If your dog's head is on one side.
- That avoids contact in the ear.
- Secretions and bad smell.
- Hearing problems
If you notice several of these symptoms and despite cleaning his ears, the best thing you can do is take him to the vet to have him checked.
Do you have questions about how to clean a dog's ears?