Ear Care for Long-Eared Dogs

Long-eared dogs, such as spaniels, have ear flaps that hang down the sides of their heads and block air circulation through the ear. Many long-eared breeds have long fur that covers the ears and hangs down even farther. These dogs are at a higher risk for problems; such as matted fur and ear infections than their short-eared counterparts. A simple routine to care for long-eared dogs' ears can go a long way toward protecting their health.

  1. Problems for Long-Eared Dogs

    • Dog breeds that have long ears, such as spaniels, basset hounds and poodles are as healthy and active as short-eared dogs, but they are at a higher risk of ear problems. One is matted, dirty ear fur, especially in long-haired dogs: This can be battled with daily brushing and special dog feeding bowls for long-haired dogs. Another problem is a tendency toward ear infections, because the ear is closed off and bacteria can grow.

    Signs of an Ear Infection

    • If your dog is scratching its ears more frequently than usual, it may be experiencing itching or pain in the ear canal. It is also a good idea to check your dog's ears on a regular basis - do you see a lot of wax build-up? Do they have an offensive odor? Is the skin of the ear red and inflamed? These are all signs that a dog's ears are irritated or infected.

    Whether To Clean Your Dog's Ears

    • It is important to clean your dog's ears once a week, but if you suspect that your dog might have an ear infection, contact your veterinarian first. The veterinarian will be able to examine the ears and determine whether there is an infection that needs to be treated. If you clean the dog's ears first, the veterinarian will not be able to get as much information because the potentially-infected wax will have been cleaned up

    How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

    • Pour a teaspoon of pet ear-cleansing solution into one of your dog's ears. Immediately close the ear flap and grasp the ear at its bottom corner, gently squeezing and releasing a few times to push the fluid around inside the ear. Hold the dog's snout so it can't shake the fluid out. Wipe out the ear with a cotton ball. Wipe it out again with a cotton ball soaked in solution. Repeat in the other ear.