Do your pup’s ears look like they could grow potatoes? Dirt and debris can collect inside your dog’s ears and lead to unpleasant situations for your pooch. Therefore, part of being a responsible pet parent is keeping your dog’s ears clean.
Proper ear care is necessary to avoid infections, discomfort, and even hearing loss. Luckily, cleaning your dog’s ears isn’t a complicated process, as long as you know how to do it.
This guide breaks down how to keep your pup’s ears clean and healthy and what supplies to add to your grooming kit. You’ll also learn what to look for when it comes to potential ear problems and when it’s time to see the vet.
Why Are My Dog’s Ears So Dirty?
Dogs get dirty ears for all sorts of reasons, from wax buildup to dirt and grass ending up in their ears during their latest dig fest. Pups with floppy ears or lots of hair in their ears (i.e., Cocker Spaniels, Bloodhounds, Poodles) tend to be more susceptible to certain issues.
These characteristics limit airflow, making the inside of the ear warm and moist, creating an ideal environment for dirt buildup and bacterial growth. If you have a breed with hairy or floppy ears, or a pup that swims a lot, etc., then you can expect to clean your pet’s ears more often.
Infections, ear mites, and allergies are other potential factors that lead to dirty ears. Bacterial or yeast infections usually cause an odor, itchiness, and a dark discharge. Ear mites are tiny parasites that like to hang out in the ear canal, leading to crumbly bits resembling coffee grounds.
If your dog has allergies, the inflammation could cause more wax production, leading to increased dirt. No matter why your pup’s ears are dirty, it’s essential to understand how to clean them properly. Approaching the process incorrectly could actually make things worse, leading to irritation and other problems.
Why Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
Most likely, you take care of your ears. You know you have to clean them regularly to avoid waxy buildup. If you get dirt in your ears, let’s say from a few hours of gardening, you clean them. Well, your dog’s ear canal has an L-shape that makes it even more prone to holding onto wax, dirt, and moisture.
Therefore, proper ear cleaning is a necessary part of your pup’s overall care plan. When you make ear care a priority, it helps prevent infections, reduce wax, and eliminate odors. Plus, when your dog’s ears are clean, you’re more likely to spot things like injuries or mites. Your dog will also be a lot more comfortable when their ears are clean and healthy.
When to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
It’s important to point out that, as critical as it is to keep your dog’s ears clean, don’t overdo it. Overcleaning is one of the most common ear-cleaning mistakes pet parents make. As previously mentioned, some pups require more frequent ear cleaning than others.
How often you need to clean your dog’s ears depends on several factors. Floppy-eared dogs may require cleaning every one to two weeks. If your dog swims a lot, plan to clean their ears weekly or after every swim session. Allergies could mean a weekly ear cleaning, but healthy dogs with upright ears may only need their ears cleaned once a month, maybe less.
If you’re not sure when to clean your pup’s ears, talk with your vet and keep a lookout for these signs.
- You see visible dirt, wax, or gunk in the ear canal.
- There’s a foul odor coming from your pup’s ears.
- Your pup is shaking their head often or holding it at a tilt.
- Fluid or discharge is coming from the ears.
- Your dog keeps scratching and pawing at their ears.
- The ear flaps are swollen or red, or there’s redness inside the ear.
- Your dog whines or pulls away when you touch their ears.
Foul smells, head-shaking, whining, discharge, redness, visible injuries, sores, hearing problems, or balance issues are all reasons to schedule a vet visit. In addition to cleaning, you may need to give your dog medication to alleviate the problem.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Add the following items to your pet-care kit so you’re prepared for any ear-cleaning challenges that come your way.
- Dog-friendly, vet-approved ear wash. Don’t use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which irritate the skin. It’s also best to avoid natural remedies, unless otherwise instructed by your vet.
- Cotton balls or gauze to wipe the ears.
- A towel to clean up messes or wrap a wiggling dog and help keep them calm.
It’s also a good idea to keep treats on hand when you clean your dog’s ears to offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. Distract your pup and keep them calm by spreading their favorite snack on a treat licking mat or giving them an interactive toy. They can focus on enjoying their yummy nibbles instead of what you’re doing to their ears.
If you have a large breed dog or a very excitable pup, you might want to arrange a second set of hands. Consider how your fur baby responds to ear cleanings to determine if you need a partner. Ask another family member or a good friend to hold your dog steady and assist.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Safely
Follow these steps to clean your dog’s ears properly and safely.
Step 1: Find a Calm Environment
Choose a quiet place where your dog feels safe. Start with short sessions until your dog is used to the concept. If you can find an ideal place outside, even better. Things could get a little messy.
Step 2: Inspect the Ears
Lift the ear flap gently and peek inside. A healthy ear is light pink, odor-free, and has little or no wax. If you see redness, swelling, or any of the other signs mentioned above, call your vet.
Step 3: Wash the Ears
Hold the ear flap upright and fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. Don’t touch the tip of the bottle to the ear (it could cause contamination). Massage the base of your dog’s ear gently for about 20-30 seconds. Repeat steps one through three on the other ear.
Step 4: Let Your Dog Shake It Out
Your dog will likely want to give their head a good shake at this point, so let them. The motion helps dislodge dirt, debris, and excess solution. (This is where that towel comes in handy.)
Step 5: Wipe the Ears
Use a cotton ball or gauze pad to gently wipe out the ear canal. Never insert anything deep into the ear (like a Q-tip). This can push debris further into the ear or damage the eardrum. Only clean the visible parts of your pup’s ears.
A Dog With Clean Ears Is a Happy Dog
Nobody wants to walk around with dirty, itchy, uncomfortable ears, and that goes for dogs, too. Taking care of your pup means keeping their ears clean and healthy. Check their ears regularly, keep them clean and dry, and address ear problems promptly with your pup’s vet.
When your dog has clean ears, they’ll be happier and more comfortable, which is what every pet parent wants, right? For more helpful pet-care tips, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.