Our friend's ears are a part of his body very important For him, they allow him to hear not only what is happening around him but also our voices and many sounds that we don't perceive. Taking care of them is relatively simple, as we will only need clean gauze, an specific ear cleaner for dogs or ear drops prescribed by a veterinarian and a little bit of patience to keep them clean and healthy.
In addition to cleaning, it is essential to understand that debris naturally accumulates in a dog's ear canal. wax, remains of environmental pollutionsmall particles of dust and even water after bathing. All of this, if left unchecked, can contribute to the development of fungi, bacteria and mitesleading to otitis and other painful infections.
Once we have it all, let's see how to take care of the dog's ears how to clean them properly, when to clean them, what products to use, and what signs indicate that we should go to the vet.
How often should you clean your dog's ears?
It is very important to check the dog's ears regularly regular to prevent infections, but the cleaning frequency isn't exactly the same for all dogs. A healthy canine ear produces cerumen which acts as a defense mechanism, so excessive hygiene can also be harmful.
The original article recommended performing a cleaning weekly To prevent infections; this recommendation remains valid for many dogs, especially those with long ears or those that tend to get dirty easily. However, the current recommendation is to adjust the frequency according to the type of dog and the circumstances.
As a general guideline, in dogs with healthy ears and no history of problems, one is usually sufficient. clean every 2-4 weeks and a weekly visual inspection. However, there are cases where it's advisable to clean more often:
- Dogs with long, floppy ears (cocker spaniel, basset hound, beagle, etc.): lack of ventilation promotes humidity and wax buildup, so cleaning may be advisable weekly or after each bath.
- Dogs that swim frequently In rivers, lakes, the sea, or swimming pools: water retained in the ear increases the risk of otitis, so it is advisable Clean and dry well the ears after each water session.
- Dogs predisposed to otitis or a history of ear infections: the veterinarian may prescribe regular cleanings with specific products to keep the problem under control.
A rigid cleaning routine isn't necessary if your ears look healthy; the most important thing is observeIf you see obvious dirt, excessive earwax, or the dog has been in environments with a lot of dust or mud, then it is advisable to clean them.
Cleaning: How to clean your dog's ears step by step
The truth is that this is a moment that could be very difficult for him. annoying to the animal, so you have to be patient and, above all, start getting it used to it from when it is a dogIn this way, he won't feel so bad when we are manipulating this part of his body and he will associate the routine with something positive if we accompany it with Awards and caresses.
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials near you: specific otic cleanser for dogs or physiological salinesterile gauze or soft cloths (never paper that tears easily) and some snack to reward him in the end. Avoid soaps, solutions with alcoholAvoid using hydrogen peroxide or products intended for human use, as they can irritate the ear.
So when we decide to clean them, we have to do the following:
- The first thing to do is raise your ear Then place a few drops inside the ear using a gentle ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian. You'll see that it has a vertical and a horizontal section. It's important that the liquid goes deep inside, otherwise you'll only be cleaning the surface.
- Next, we will do a massage at the base of the ear For a few seconds to ensure the product reaches all parts of the inner ear and helps dissolve earwax and dirt. It's normal to hear a "swish-swish" sound.
- Then we let the dog shake your headThis action allows it to expel some of the liquid along with the dissolved dirt.
- Then with a clean gauze Wrapping it around your finger, remove as much dirt as you can from the outer part of the ear and the entrance to the ear canal, without going too far in so as not to damage internal structures.
- Finally, we'll repeat these same steps on the other ear, using a fresh gauze pad to avoid transferring dirt from one ear to the other. When finished, we can offer you a... prize to reinforce the experience.
If the vet has prescribed medicinal drops To treat an infection, it is ideal to apply them shortly after cleaning the ear, once it is free of excess dirt, so that the medication works better.
Review and signs that something is wrong
In addition to cleaning, it is essential to perform a eye check frequent ear infections. A healthy ear usually presents a Pink color, without excess wax, without bad smell and the dog allows us to touch it without showing pain.
Taking care of the dog's ears is very important, but if we do it wrong we can damage its ear canal. For this reason, never use cotton budsbecause we could cause injuries that will require veterinary attention and, in addition, push the wax to the bottom. Likewise, if we see that it is coming off... unpleasant smell and/or if it is red, we need to take him to the specialist because he probably has an infection, such as otitis.
Some warning signs The following are signs that you should consult a veterinarian:
- Ears very red, hot or visibly inflamed.
- Suppuration or yellowish, greenish, very dark brown or black discharge with a bad odor.
- Dog that It scratches a lot. rubs his ears against the ground or shakes his head frequently.
- Pain when touching the ear or when we open the earlobe to look at it.
- Presence of dark scabs or the appearance of coffee grounds, which may indicate mites.
- Alterations of the equilibrium, constant tilting of the head to one side or apparent hearing loss.
In these cases, it's not advisable to apply home remedies on your own; it's best to have the veterinarian examine the ear with a... otoscopeDetermine if there are bacteria, fungi, or parasites present and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Improper cleaning of an already inflamed ear can significantly worsen the situation.
Additional tips for caring for your dog's ears
Caring for your dog's ears is very important and goes beyond just cleaning them. There are a number of good practice that help keep them healthy in the long term and reduce the risk of otitis or other conditions.
- Avoid harsh remediesDo not use undiluted vinegar, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or human products, as these can severely irritate a dog's ear canal.
- Check after the bathroomsIf your dog bathes at home, at the beach, or in rivers, carefully dry the outside of its ears and check that no water remains. Constant moisture is one of the biggest factors contributing to infections.
- Pay attention to predisposed breedsDogs with large, floppy, or very hairy ears (such as cockers, basset hounds, poodles, or terriers) tend to accumulate more wax and dirt, so they need more frequent monitoring.
- Don't overuse cleaningEven if you check your ears every week, only clean them when you see dirtExcessive earwax or other factors that justify it. Earwax also protects the ear from external aggressions.
- Always ask if you have any doubts.If you notice changes in the color, smell, behavior, or amount of wax and are unsure how to proceed, it is best to consult your veterinarian before applying any product.
Check and care for your dog's ears weekly to prevent infections. A good observation routine, using suitable products A gentle cleaning technique, along with veterinary help when necessary, will allow your furry companion to keep their ears healthy, avoid unnecessary pain, and fully enjoy their great hearing.