How to clean my dog's ears? The importance of his ear hygiene

Keeping your dog's ears clean is an essential part of their grooming and hygiene routine. Dirty ears can not only cause discomfort, but can also lead to serious infections if not given proper attention. As a responsible dog owner, it is essential that you learn how to clean your dog's ears properly and as often as necessary to avoid health complications.

At La Casa de Turrón , we offer you this complete guide so that you know how to clean your dog's ears safely and effectively. Throughout this article, you will learn the necessary steps, what products to use, and useful tips to take care of your pet's ear hygiene.

Index

1. Why is it important to clean your dog's ears?
2. How often should I clean my dog's ears?
3. How to identify that your dog needs an ear cleaning
4. Steps to clean your dog's ears
5. Recommended products to clean your dog's ears
6. Common mistakes when cleaning your dog's ears
7. Conclusion

1. Why is it important to clean your dog's ears?

Dogs' ears are especially vulnerable to a buildup of wax, dirt, and moisture. This combination can lead to ear infections, such as otitis, which are uncomfortable and can sometimes become chronic if not treated properly. Additionally, some dogs, especially breeds with long, floppy ears (such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds), are more prone to developing infections due to the lack of natural ventilation in their ears.

Cleaning your dog's ears regularly will help prevent these infections, keep your dog more comfortable, and avoid further complications. Plus, during cleaning, you can detect potential health problems, such as redness, odor, or inflammation, allowing you to act quickly.

2. How often should I clean my dog's ears?

How often you should clean your dog's ears depends on several factors, including his breed, the structure of his ears, and his lifestyle. Dogs with upright ears, such as German Shepherds or Huskies, tend to need less frequent cleanings than those with long, floppy ears. Likewise, if your dog swims frequently or gets very dirty, he'll need more regular cleanings.

General recommendations:

• Dogs with long, drooping ears: Weekly or even twice-weekly cleaning is recommended, as ventilation in their ears is more limited.
• Dogs with upright or short ears: These dogs may need monthly or bi-monthly grooming, depending on how much dirt they accumulate.
• Dogs that swim or get wet frequently: If your dog is fond of water, it is important to check and clean their ears after each bath or dip to prevent moisture buildup that can cause infections.
• Dogs that roll around, especially in parks with spikes: Spikes are one of the biggest problems for some dogs. They get stuck between their toes and, in many cases, get lodged in their ears. They are very difficult to see and need to be removed as soon as possible. They are very annoying (they may require anesthesia) and should be avoided.

Remember that it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate frequency for your pet, as some dogs may need more or less frequent cleanings, depending on their hearing health.

3. How to identify that your dog needs an ear cleaning

Sometimes it's not easy to know when your dog needs his ears cleaned. However, there are signs that can tell you when it's time to do it:

• Strong or unpleasant odor : If you detect an unusual odor coming from your dog's ears, there is likely a buildup of wax or an infection (for example, otitis).
• Excess wax : If you notice that your dog's ears have a large amount of brown or black wax, it is a sign that they need to be cleaned.
• Redness or inflammation : If your dog's ears look red, swollen, or tender to the touch, there may be an underlying infection.
• Constant scratching : If your dog is scratching at his ears or shaking his head frequently, it may be a sign of irritation or discomfort from having something inside. Check carefully for any thorns.
• Discharge : Any type of unusual discharge (fluid or pus) is an indicator that something is wrong and it is advisable to take the dog to the vet.

4. Steps to clean your dog's ears

Cleaning your dog's ears may seem complicated at first, but with the right products and following these steps, you can do it safely and effectively.

1. Prepare the necessary materials:

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• Ear cleaner specifically for dogs
• Clean gauze
• Alcohol to disinfect the tube that is inserted into the ear canal and gauze to dry the excess cleaner
• Treats to reward your dog.

A. Secure your dog:

Make your dog comfortable and relaxed before you start cleaning. You can sit him in a quiet place or ask someone to gently hold him if he is restless.

B. Apply the cleanser:

Follow the instructions on the cleaner you have purchased. Generally, it is recommended to pour a few drops of the product into the dog's ear, making sure not to insert the applicator too far into the ear canal. First, we will carry out the entire process in one ear and then in the other. At La Casa de Turrón we want to emphasize that it is very important to clean the applicator before inserting it into the other ear. Because many times the infections are only in one ear and, if we did not clean it, we would spread the infection to the other.

C. Massage the base of the ear:

Once the cleaner is in your ear, gently massage the base of your ear for 30 seconds. This step helps loosen any accumulated dirt and wax.

D. Let your dog shake his head:

Allow your dog to shake their head to expel excess fluid and dirt. This is something they will do on their own, so don't worry if they don't do it or take a while to do it.

E. Clean off excess product and wax:

Using gauze (never cotton), gently clean the outside of your ear, removing any earwax and debris that may have come out. Avoid using cotton swabs inside your ear canal, as they can push wax further in or damage your ear.

F. Repeat in the other ear:

If both ears need cleaning, repeat the process on the other ear, first cleaning the applicator with disinfectant alcohol.

5. Recommended products to clean your dog's ears

There are several products on the market designed specifically for cleaning dogs' ears, so we recommend that you always use ear cleaners specifically for dogs. These products are formulated to remove wax and dirt without irritating the skin. Make sure you choose a quality one that is suitable for your dog.

6. Common mistakes when cleaning your dog's ears

Cleaning your dog's ears is a delicate task and often some owners make mistakes without realizing it. Below we point out the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Inserting objects into the ear canal: Never use cotton swabs inside your dog's ear, as this could cause injury or push wax further in.
• Using products not designed for dogs: Human cleaners are not suitable for dogs as they can be too harsh on their skin.
• Not drying properly: Leaving moisture inside the ear can lead to infections. Make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after each cleaning.
• Over-cleaning: Over-cleaning your ears can irritate your skin and strip away your ear's natural defenses.

7. Conclusion

Cleaning your dog's ears is an essential part of their overall care and well-being. Keeping their ears clean not only prevents infections and health problems, but it also allows you to keep an eye out for any signs of illness or discomfort. With the right products and by following the right steps, you can ensure your dog maintains good ear hygiene without complications.

At La Casa de Turrón , we always recommend consulting your veterinarian if you have any questions or if you notice symptoms such as redness, bad odor or secretions, as these could be indicators of an infection or a more serious problem.