Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Cotton swab
Instructions
Flip back the ear flap, or check the non-fur side of the outer erect ear. The skin immediately inside the ear flap should be smooth, pink and slightly oily. Inflammation, redness or unpleasant odor indicate infection or a buildup of dirt within the ear canal.
Point the flashlight inside your dog's ear. The vertical ear canal lies just inside the ear, directly after a range of small, protective, curvy muscles. Thick discharge, dark, waxy buildup or bleeding indicates the presence of contaminating irritants or infection.
Stroke the hair inside the ear with a cotton swab and examine the surface for blood, dark discharge or heavy wax buildup. The dark, long ear hair of dogs such as poodles makes dirt, debris and infection-related discharge difficult to see. A quick swipe against a white cotton swab will reveal any dirt inside your dog's ears.