Cleaning Your Dog's Ears and Its Importance
Ear infections in dogs is one of the top 3 reasons for visiting a vet today..so read on.
So as dog owners we should have an understanding of the threat to our pets. Here I jut want to discuss the issues, advise on ear cleaning techniques and consider why these problkems are on the rise.
First step – preventative action. To minimise the occurrence of ear infections in your dog, simply keep their ears clean and check them regularly for any signs of discharge or unusual odour. Cleaning your dog’s ears after a bath or grooming appointment may prevent any potential infections.
Our dog's ears should always be clean and without any thick brown or green waxy discharge. There should also be no redness, itchiness or unusual smells coming from them.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Step 1. Give the ears a wipe first with cotton swabs to remove dirt from inside the ear.
Step 2: Use a cotton ball. Soak half of it, place that in the ear and massage the ear over it, paying particular attention to the base of the ear (where the canal is). The cotton ball will absorb excess solution and it will grab onto the debris as it comes up! ( change the ball a few times each treatment )
Step 3: Use cotton swabs again to wipe the ear clean and dry. Wipe once, dump, repeat. Remember don’t use the same swab for the same ear.
Step 4 :For successful treatment you must then clean the ear with a gentle cleanser as the ear will be painful.
Remember that as well as being one of their sharpest senses, the ear is a very delicate and sensitive area for dogs
There are many reasons why ear problems in dogs might occur, and many include:
• Infections due to bacteria
• Yeast infections
• Parasites such as ear mites
• Foreign bodies such as grass seeds
• Growths or tumours
Dog ears are nice, warm places. All you need is a little moistness, say from licked paws or simply a moment’s innocent wetting, and yeast will bloom. You’ll know it’s there because you’ll smell it. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs that love to swim frequently are the most susceptible to ear problems.
Many dog health advisors believe that it may be the case that the natural ability of the dog to resist these problems is compromised my modern day environmental factors and feeding habits. In other words what are WE doing that may be compromising natural immunity?
Do you know HOW to clean your dogs ears and WHY this is important? This job is often overlooked, but it's essential for keeping your four-legged friend healthy. Every dog owner should be aware of the importance of maintaining their pet's ears clean. Not only does it prevent potential infections, but it can also be an opportunity to detect any issues early on. And, it's not as complicated as it seems.
The anatomy of a dog's ear is quite different from that of a human. Their ear canal is vertical before it becomes horizontal to the eardrum. This 'L' shape can trap debris and water in the ear canal, which can lead to infections. It's why dogs are more likely to get ear infections than humans. But with the right cleaning routine and regular check-ups, you can prevent these common issues.
To clean your dog's ears, you'll need a good ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, and lots of treats. Start by calmly holding your dog's head still. Apply the solution into the ear canal until it's full, but don't let the applicator touch the ear to avoid cross-contamination. Massage the base of the ear to help loosen debris, then let your dog shake his head to help remove it. Use a cotton ball to gently wipe the outer ear. Motivation and positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, will make the process smoother. And remember to make it a routine so your dog gets used to the process.