How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears: Best Cleaning Tips
Infections and bacteria can be common issues if you neglect your dog’s ears, and if you’re wondering exactly how to clean your dog’s ears safely and effectively, these tips can help. These instructions should help to make ear cleaning an easy chore and not one that’s too traumatic for both you and your dog!
3 Tips to Safely Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Dirt and other debris in the ears should be checked for and cleaned regularly. Regular ear checks can also help identify any indication of discharge, or the presence of parasites.
Your dog may have an ear infection or other issue if the ears seem sensitive to the touch, seem inflamed, or give off an unpleasant and strong smell. Look for ears that appear healthy and pink, otherwise it’s a sign of infection.
Take your dog to your local vet if you think there is an ear problem, rather than attempt to tackle it yourself. Hearing loss can be a result of problems with the ears’ that aren’t addressed promptly.
The instructions below can help you to safely clean your dog’s ears if they seem dirty.
Tip #1: Clean the ears with ear wash formula
Your dog’s ear canal can be harmed if the ears are cleaned with peroxide, and you should always use an ear wash formula instead. One part of rubbing alcohol combined with one part of white vinegar will give you your own homemade ear washing solution. Before actually using it, put it in a squirting bottle and shake it thoroughly.
If you prefer not to mix your own homemade ear wash solution, you can try this ear treatment easily available on Amazon. The Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment has close to 40,000 reviews by satisfied customers and a rating of 4.7 stars. This is a great formula for itch relief if you’re looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics.
Tip #2: Squirt solution into ears
The solution should be squirted into the ears and then to make sure it gets to the inside of the ear canal, a light massage is needed. Just ignore your dog if he shakes his head while this is happening!
Your doggie will feel irritated with the solution inside his ears but it will get into the ear canal when you give it a light massage. Do be careful not to rub too hard! You do not want to injure his ears.
Tip #3: Avoid using cotton swab
Don’t ever wipe down the inner ear with a cotton swab as it can be inserted too far, and potentially damage the ear drum. Instead, use a cotton ball for wiping.
If you have a spaniel or other long haired breed, once a week ear cleaning is recommended. Other dog breeds are typically okay with having their ears cleaned once a month, although you should always check for any issues in-between cleaning sessions. A sign to look out is when your dog seems to scratching his ears often.
Dogs with allergies are more likely to suffer from serious ear infections, and your vet should be able to offer advice on how to minimize the chances of getting a potentially serious infection.
Just like us, regular ear cleaning should be a regular part of your pet’s routine and it’s relatively easy to clean your dog’s ears yourself. However, your vet or a local dog groomer can also do this if you would prefer. Your vet may also be able to suggest any specific formulas or instructions for cleaning your pet’s ears.
The Importance Of Regular Vet Visits For Your Dog
As mentioned earlier, you should schedule regular visits to the vet’s to check for ear infections. Actually, your dog should be checked for general health concerns as well.
You and your family probably see a doctor when you feel you need to, and if you’re a dog lover, you are probably just as concerned that your pet visits the local vet when necessary.
However, it’s all too easy to only take your dog to the vets when he is injured or is clearly sick. If you’re asking yourself the question of how often should you take your dog to the vet, regular check-ups are important, and regular vet visits can often prevent the high cost of those occasional emergency visits.
Taking your dog to the vet is important and here are some common reasons for vet visits:
1. Shots
Your dog can live longer if he has his required shots on a regular basis, and of course he can remain healthy, as those shots can minimize the chances of various diseases. It can potentially cost you a lot to treat diseases that could have easily been prevented by just having your dog vaccinated.
2. Ear Mites
Regular vet visits can help dog owners keep on top of these common infections, and ear mites can be more than just annoying. The bacteria can actually make their way to your dog’s brain and grow within the tissue, sometimes leading to death, if not treated. The appropriate treatment and prevention can be prescribed by your vet.
3. Fleas and Ticks
Treatment of ticks or fleas should be carried out as soon as you notice the signs, and many dogs suffer from one or the other at some point. Any infestation can be assessed by your vet and the appropriate treatment prescribed to alleviate the condition.
4. Worms
There are actually different types of worms that require different treatment, and it’s not something that you can easily determine yourself. The most appropriate treatment can be prescribed by your vet, along with steps to take to prevent the problem from recurring.
5. Dental Health
It’s easy for bacteria to grow and cause various problems if you don’t bother to have your dog’s teeth cleaned. Your vet can advise you on the best way to clean your dog’s teeth or of course, you can always have them cleaned so you don’t have to do it.
If you don’t take care of your dog’s dental health on a regular basis, it can cause problems with teeth and gums in the future, and that can be costly. Much better to make sure your dog doesn’t have issues with bacteria in the mouth and get into the habit of regular vet visits.
Final Thoughts
You want your dog to live as long as possible and be as healthy as possible, and regular vet visits are part of making sure that happens. You probably feel your dog is an important part of the family, and keeping him well is as important as the health of anyone else in the family.
It’s always better to detect potential health issues as far ahead as possible, and address them before they can become much worse. The expertise of your local vet can help to ensure your dog has a long and healthy life.
After reading this article, I’m sure you’ll agree that you’ve to take action if you’re wondering how to clean your dog’s ears. Taking your dog for regular vet check-ups should not be something to avoid. Most dog owners find it easier than they thought. Talking in a soothing tone to your dog while touching his ears is a good approach if your dog seems uncomfortable or reluctant to have his ears cleaned. And never poke or jab deeper into the ear than you can actually see, when you are cleaning or checking the ears.