Hygiene
Regular ear care for dogs is essential due to their L-shaped ear canal, which promotes wax buildup and increases the risk of ear infections. Using suitable products and maintaining a cleaning frequency tailored to their morphology and the season helps prevent infections.
Just like the conformation of ear canal of a dog is completely different from a man’s, it’s essential Cleaning Ears on a regular basis. But first, you need to know how to do it properly to avoid irritation or even infections. Discover all the best tips in this article for Cleaning Achieved.
Why Should You Take Your Pet’s Ear Care Seriously?
Shaped like an "L," this pet's ear canal drops vertically before forming a right angle. It then extends toward the center of the skull and ends at the eardrum. Impurities can’t easily travel back up the canal to be expelled. A wax buildup may form at the base of the ear, restricting airflow and promoting moisture buildup. In dogs with floppy ears, the outer ear flap acts as a seal, creating the same conditions. This can lead to ear infections (infection and/or inflammation of the ear). This ENT-related condition is treated by veterinarians during dermatology consultations. It’s essential to use ear care products specifically designed for pets.
A Few Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind
To make ear care easier for your dog, it’s important to get them used to it from a young age. It’s also recommended to use a suitable product that can dissolve excess earwax without irritating the ear. A spray designed for human ears is not suitable for dogs.
Floppy ears can be cleaned once a week on average in summer and every two weeks in winter.
For ears that stand upright, they can be cleaned once a month in winter and every two weeks in summer.
Cleaning frequency should be adjusted according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Important:
- Opt for a tissue or gauze pad instead of a cotton swab. Indeed, pieces may break off and get lodged in the ear canal.
- Cotton swabs should be avoided, as they only push earwax (cerumen) and debris past the bend, leading to a blockage.
How to Properly Clean Your Pet’s Ears?
- Insert the bottle tip of the cleanser into the ear canal and apply enough product.
- Gently massage the base of the ear between your thumb and index finger for 5 to 10 seconds to distribute the product.
- You can let your dog shake its head.
- Next, wrap a tissue or gauze pad around your finger and carefully insert it into the ear canal to remove wax and debris and clean the ear flap.
If needed, don’t hesitate to repeat this step and follow the same process for the other ear, until no more dirt comes out.
