Cleaning Your Dog's Ears: Why, How and What to Look Out For
Updated: Apr 11, 2022
It's important to keep all parts of your dog well-groomed - not just because they can get smelly, but also because it's essential for their overall health. In this article, we'll discuss why your dog's ears need cleaning, how to do it safely and effectively, and what to look out for when cleaning them. So read on to learn everything you need to know about keeping your pooch's fluff flaps spotless!
Contents of this article
Anatomy of a Dog Ear
Ear Flap
The ear flap, also known as the pinna or outer ear, is the visible part of the ear. It is made up of cartilage and skin and has a number of important functions, such as collecting sound and regulating temperature.
Ear Canal
The ear canal is the part of the ear that goes inside your dog's head.
Why it is important to keep the ears clean
The dog's ear canal is prone to a variety of problems when not kept clean, including ear infections, inflammation and odour. By cleaning the ear flap and canal on a regular basis, you can help prevent these issues and ensure that your pup stays healthy and happy.
Here are just a few of the reasons why it is an important part of your grooming routine:
Ear Infection
When dirt, wax and other debris accumulate in them, it can create the perfect environment for bacteria and other harmful organisms to thrive.
This can lead to ear infections, which can be both painful and dangerous if left untreated.
Some breeds are more prone to ear infections, and you should talk to your vet if they are a regular occurrence.
Odour
A dirty ear often produces an unpleasant smell, which can be quite objectionable (and embarrassing for you as the owner). Luckily, keeping them groomed means that they're much less likely to have a smelly ear canal.
A foul odour can also sometimes be a sign of a yeast infection or ear mites, which you should always get checked out by a vet.
Inflammation
A buildup of wax and dirt inside the ear flap can cause inflammation of both the outer ear and inner ear, which is known as otitis. Dogs with inflamed ears often experience a reduced sense of hearing, and may also have trouble balancing.
How to Safely and Effectively Clean Your Dog's Ears
The best way to clean the ears is by using a gentle, non-irritating ear cleaner specifically designed for dogs. Always avoid using human ear drops or Q-tips on your dog, as these can cause damage and irritation.
Here are a few tips on how to safely and effectively groom a dog's ears:
1. Inspect the ear canal
Before you start cleaning the ears, you should always inspect the ear canal to look for signs of inflammation or damage. Part any fur in the ear and look at their skin in order to make sure there are no signs of cuts, scratches or redness that will only be made worse by the presence of water or cleaning solution.
2. Make sure that you have the right supplies
To clean the ears properly, you will need a bowl of warm water, some gentle ear cleaner, a soft cloth and a cotton ball.
3. Gently wet the cotton ball in the warm water
Squeeze out any excess water.
Place some of the ear cleaner onto the cotton ball.
Apply this, and gently massage it into any dirt, wax or other debris that may be present.
4. Gently clean the outer part of your dog's ear
Use soft upwards motions to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from the ear flap.
Do not use anything sharp, as this can cause damage or injury.
5. Wipe the inside of the ears with a damp cotton ball or cloth
Remember to be gentle when cleaning the ears, as you don't want to cause your dog any discomfort.
6. Dry the ear with a clean cotton wool ball
Be sure to remove all traces of moisture from your dog's ears after you have cleaned them. Leaving moisture inside the ears can lead to infection, so make sure you dry them properly.
7. Offer your dog a treat after cleaning their ears
This can help show them that being cleaned is a positive experience, and the next time you try to clean their ears they will be more likely to cooperate.
Safety precautions for when you are cleaning the ears
When cleaning the ears, it is important to be aware of the following things:
Do not use anything sharp when cleaning the ears, as this can cause damage
Do not insert anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can cause further damage
Do not clean the ears if they are already injured or inflamed
Clean your dog's ear canals on a regular basis to prevent infection, odour and other problems
What products can I use to clean my dog's ears?
The best way to clean their ears is by using a gentle ear cleaning solution specifically designed for dogs. There is a wide range of cleaning solutions available, and you should choose one that has been approved for use by vets.
Ear Cleaning Solution
One of the most popular ear cleaning solutions is called Ear Stuff from the Stinky Stuff company. It has an overwhelming amount of good reviews and somewhat of a cult following. It is a very popular recommendation amongst social media users.