Ear Cleaning Solutions for Dogs

Dogs' ears are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other infections. They need to be cleaned regularly to keep a pet healthy. Many dogs dislike being washed in the bath or having their owner mess around with their ears. This can make the cleaning process a lot more difficult and discourage owners from performing regular ear cleaning. A few tricks help make this process less painful for both the pet and the owner.

  1. What to Look For

    • It is important to know what to look for when cleaning a dog's ears. Although the owner should carry out cleaning on a regular basis, some signs indicate when a cleaning is more pressing. Ear wax build-up, debris or general dirt should be cleaned as soon as possible to limit bacterial growth. Inflammation or any abnormal smell indicates more serious infection and an owner should contact the dog's veterinarian.

    Calming the Pet

    • Keep a dog calm during cleaning makes the entire process easier for the owner and less distressing for the dog. Pet the animal while cleaning and do not apply cleaning solution immediately. Stroke the dog for a while and casually look in its ears for any signs of dirt or infection. Reassure the dog constantly as you clean to make this a positive, rather than a punitive, experience for the dog.

    What to Use

    • For cleaning, it is important to use something soft that won't cut or damage the ear. A piece of cotton wool or a soft tissue is ideal. Under no circumstances should the owner insert a Q-tip, cotton wool bud or anything else into the ear itself as this may cause damage and injure the ear drum. Numerous cleaning liquids are available from over the counter all-round cleaners to prescription versions. Do not pour the liquid directly into the ear, but rather put a small amount on top the ear flap and gently massage it in.

    Regularity

    • Long haired dogs, dogs with longer ears and dogs that regularly swim need to have their ears cleaned at least once a month, or as soon as dirt builds up. Short haired and short eared dogs need their ears cleaned much less regularly.

    Dirt or Infection

    • An owner can attend to dirt or debris in a dog's ears, but an infection should only be dealt with by a veterinarian. A veterinarian normally prescribes a cleaning solution based on what has caused the infection, such as bacteria, yeast or a injury, and demonstrate how to apply the cleaner. The owner then carries out the instructions at home. Use the same calming techniques when applying prescription solutions.