Nobody likes dirty ears! Just like us, dogs need regular grooming so they can stay happy and healthy. Some canine health routines are best left up to the professionals (such as nail trimming and teeth cleaning) but other grooming activities can be performed in the comfort of your home.
Before you start any grooming activity, check in with your trusted veterinarian and ask how often your dog’s ears should be cleaned. Based on breed, age, coat, and activity level, your dog might need frequent or infrequent ear cleanings. Veterinarians generally recommend cleaning a dog’s ears once a month to keep them healthy, but if your dog likes to swim or engage in frequent outside activities, you should perform this task more often.
Steps on How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Table of Contents
As a pet owner, you know how difficult it is to get your dog to do anything when they’re excited. An energized dog won’t sit still for an ear cleaning, so it’s important to wait until before bedtime to go through with the cleaning. Wait until they are relaxed and ready after a busy day, and give them gentle belly rubs to ensure them that the activity is normal and simple.
Here are the steps to clean your dog’s ears
- Have your dog lay on their side.
- Fill their ear with the cleansing fluid, then contain it by gently pinching their ear closed.
- Massage the base of the ear for at least 30 seconds. This will loosen up any debris that you can’t reach, and you should be able to hear the fluid swishing around.
- Release your pinch, allowing your dog to shake themselves which will help loosen up any debris and bring the ear cleaning fluid higher into the ear canal.
- Using gauze, a cloth, or wrapping a cotton ball around your finger, slowly wipe away the ear canal where you can comfortably reach but no deeper than a knuckle. It’s best to use your pinky and wipe away all crevices.
- Treat time! Make sure you give them a treat and plenty of belly rubs for doing so well.
When to Carefully Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Your dog’s ears are a breeding ground for infection, and it’s best to check them once a week for signs of irritation, dirt, parasites, or sensitivity. Look for redness, dirt, discharge, or waxy buildup, and routinely check them for any changes. You need to become familiar with how your dog’s ears are supposed to look so that you know when they are in good health. If you notice any change to how their ears look, or your pet reacts strongly to their ears being examined, you may need to call Paoli Vetcare for a vet exam.
Look for signs of ear infection, such as:
- Swelling or inflammation
- Redness, crusting of skin, or blockages
- Yellow or reddish-brown discharge from your dog’s ear
- Foul odor
- Check for ear mites
- Pain or discomfort when their ears are touched
- Itchy ears
Does My Dog Need Deep Ear Cleaning?
It’s easy to notice signs of healthy ears. Many dogs enjoy having their ears touched and rubbed and won’t show signs of discomfort. If your dog’s ears are tender, it might be a sign of infection or irritation. They will pull away from you and won’t want their ears touched. Gently massaging your dog’s ears is a good first step towards checking their condition—if you notice your furbaby is strangely sensitive to you touching their ears, it’s time for a closer look.
If you don’t feel comfortable checking or cleaning their ears on your own, reach out to your veterinarian. They can set you up with preventative medicine for pets and answer any questions you might have about ear cleanings.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
While your veterinarian might recommend monthly or bi-monthly ear cleanings, there’s no easy answer. Every type of dog has a different type of ear, and some dogs are more susceptible to infections than others, and might require more frequent ear cleanings.
Large floppy ears, for instance, are more likely to become infected or irritated, as moisture and debris can become trapped in their canal. This can lead to irritation and infections, especially after swimming or playing outside. Smaller dog breeds might have a lot of extra hair, increased ear wax production, narrower ear canals, or genetic diseases. Allergies can also cause ear issues, and a dog with any of these problems will require more frequent ear cleanings. A dog without any issues might only require a cleaning once a month or every other month, but it’s important to check in with your veterinarian.
What can I use to clean my dog’s ears? A washcloth or cotton ball is best, but remember never to put anything in your dog’s ears that’s bigger than the first knuckle of your finger, and you should use your pinky when cleaning their ear canal as dogs actually have small inner ears.
In some cases, you might not be able to clean your dog’s ears yourself. Check with your veterinarian before you begin, especially if your dog has allergies, underlying genetic issues, or their ears are difficult to clean. Don’t use cleanser if your dog’s ears are already healthy—introducing a foreign substance into clean ears could cause problems. Dog ears are balanced ecosystems, and if you have a dog whose ears stay healthy naturally, it might be a good idea to leave them alone. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best course of action during your pet’s next check-up.
Maintaining Healthy Ears
Once you know the signs, maintaining your dog’s healthy ears is just another easy activity to add to your pet’s routines. This will ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being and provide them with a long and active life by your side.
If you notice any signs of infection, or you’re worried about cleaning your dog’s ears yourself, reach out to a trusted veterinarian like those at Paoli Vetcare. We’re always happy to see new or returning patients, and we want the best for your dog. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
