Of course, it’s ideal if you start handling or cleaning their ears when puppies as they’re much more likely to be ok with ear cleaning when they’re older. However, this isn’t always possible, particularly if you have a rescue or an older dog who’s never had their ears cleaned before.
If your dog has an infection, they’ll have ears which are sensitive to the touch and they’ll be red and inflamed. They may also shake their head regularly or try and scratch their ears as it’ll feel incredibly irritating for them.
Keeping our dogs ears clean is an important part of pet care. But it can be a bit of a challenge. Some dogs have naturally clean, healthy ears that may almost never need to be cleaned. While others need regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt and wax that can lead to ear infections. Certain breeds such as those with floppy, oversized or hairy ears like golden retrievers, basset hounds, cocker spaniels and poodles can be more prone to ear infections. This is because floppy ears and excessive ear hair can act as a lid trapping in moisture and heat, which can encourage the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. Whilst certain breeds are more prone to ear infections, they can occur in any dog breed.
The first step is to check the health of your dogs ears and if they need cleaning. A healthy, clean ear looks pink, odourless and free from dirt. If they look dirty or you notice that your dog is shaking their head more frequently, its time for a clean. However if your dog’s ear looks red or inflamed, smells abnormal, you notice a discharge coming from their ear or your dog appears to be in pain, contact your local vet. These symptoms can be an indication of an ear infection, ear mites or allergies that require medical attention. Cleaning an infected ear can do more harm than good. Lynne our groomer at Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital checks and cleans your dog’s ears as part of each grooming service. So if you visit a groomer, it’s worth checking with them first.
You will need to gather a small amount of supplies to clean your dog’s ears. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ear cleaning can get a little messy so find a location that is confined and easy to clean ie. bath tub or simply go outdoors. It is quite common for your dog to shake their head and ear solution everywhere after you clean their ears.
There are a number of steps you can take to look after your pet’s ears. Your vet may recommend a preventative program if your pet is susceptible to ear infections. Below is a checklist towards healthy ears in your pet:
Taking care of your dog’s ears can help to prevent infections and protect your dogs hearing. Regular ear examinations will help to identify any problems before they become serious and ensure your dog’s ears stay healthy. If you need advice about cleaning your dog’s ears or if you suspect your dog has an ear infection, give us a call on 03 8784 4444. |