Products such as witch hazel, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide should not be used. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian. Disinfecting solutions containing chlorhexidine should be used with caution if the integrity of the tympanic membrane is not known. Cotton to wipe debris from your dog's outer ears: Use cotton balls or cotton rounds. Introduce ear cleaning gradually: Positive training should be used. You may need to go through the motions of this treatment procedure before you actually apply ear cleaner.
Do this as many times as needed while rewarding your dog with treats. Always make sure they're comfortable. If your dog is unpredictable and may bite, a muzzle may be helpful but only if they are properly introduced to your dog through desensitization. Make sure your dog is relaxed: Always exercise your dog before you start a grooming session.
This will make cleaning their ears a lot easier for both of you. Set up an area to clean your dog's ears: Ear cleaning can be messy. You can use a towel and set up in your bathroom or even outdoors. I find cleaning outside is easiest as natural light helps when you're trying to clean the smaller areas of the ear flap. It's important to understand that you're only cleaning the outer ear.
The ear has three major parts:. Outer ear: The outer ear includes the ear flap, which may be floppy like that of a hound, stiff and pointy like that of a shepherd, or somewhere in between. Then there's the outer ear canal, which is long and narrow and bends at an almostdegree angle before the eardrum tympanic membrane and middle ear. Middle ear: The eardrum separates the outer and middle parts of the ear. It is important to avoid the eardrum during cleaning as it can be easily damaged.
Inner ear: This is the innermost part of the ear where the cochlea, nerves, and balance mechanisms are found. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. By Anna Burke Jul 09, 3 Minutes.
Jul 09, 3 Minutes. Dog Ear-Cleaning Solutions The internet is full of homemade ear-cleaning solutions for dogs. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Let your dog shake his head. This is where the towel comes in — you can use it to protect yourself from spray and wipe down his face. Once your dog has finished shaking, take the cotton ball or gauze and gently wipe out the ear canal, going no deeper than the depth of one knuckle. If your dog appears to be in pain during the cleaning process, stop and consult your veterinarian.
How to Clean Dog Ears: A Summary Now that you know how to clean dog ears, here are the basics one more time: Know what a healthy, clean ear looks and smells like. Cleaning ears too often can cause excessive irritation Use a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution for dogs. Yes, I said sniff. Then take a look inside his ears. The skin should be nice and pink with a light coating of pale yellowish wax. If they look and smell good, leave them alone. In fact, cleaning a healthy ear can damage its self-cleaning abilities.
Clean the ears yourself see the step-by-step directions below if they have a mild odor and you see an occasional head shake. That may be enough to stop an infection before it takes hold. Long-eared dogs like Ree's basset hound Walter are more susceptible to ear infections than other breeds, so they typically require more frequent cleanings. The same is true of avid swimmers—and active ranch dogs that have trouble staying out of the mud!
On the other hand, some dogs hardly ever need their ears cleaned. In fact, over-cleaning can cause irritation and even infection, so if you aren't sure if your dog's ears need to be cleaned, check with your vet. Removing mild dirt and wax buildup is something that most dog owners can handle at home, but if you notice signs of an infection you'll want to go to the vet for proper treatment.
Look out for redness, inflammation, a yeasty smell, and signs of pain when you pet or massage your dog around the ears. You can clean your dog's ears at home with just a few simple supplies: a dog ear-cleaning solution recommended by your vet, cotton balls or rounds not swabs like Q-tips, which can damage the ear canal , and treats to make the process more appealing—and to reward your pup when it's over! You may be tempted to create a DIY ear-cleaning solution with products you already have on hand, but sticking to veterinarian-approved ear cleaners is always your best bet.
Your vet can help you determine the exact dog ear cleanser you should use based on your dog's needs: Some solutions are better for breaking down wax, while others combat the growth of bacteria or fungi.
Experts specifically advise against cleaning your dog's ears with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and vinegar, which can irritate the sensitive tissue inside your pup's ears.
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