A very important procedure that allows you to monitor your dog's health is to examine his ears every week. Owners usually don't bother spontaneously but, in reality, it is a particularly important hygiene routine, especially for dogs with floppy ears or allergies. Many times, during the checkup, you will find that the ears need to be cleaned. Cleaning your dog's ears is a fairly simple procedure, as long as there is no infection or injury. Provide proper care for your faithful friend's ears by checking and cleaning them regularly, whether they are limp or straight.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Check the Ears
Step 1. Check the general condition of your furry friend's ears
Have him sit next to you so that you can easily see the inside. If everything you see is dirty or covered in normal ear wax, then you need to clean them.
- Watch for any leaks of fluids (whether they have a light or gray / brown appearance), thick material, or if your ears have scratches, cuts or scabs. In this case, absolutely avoid cleaning them and contact your vet for advice.
- You will likely not be able to see too deep into the ear canal, as it has a sharp curvature at the base, where the ear meets the head. Therefore, you shouldn't do too deep cleaning without getting proper instructions from your vet. In any case, absolutely never use a cotton swab, because you risk compacting the material even more in the area where the ear canal suddenly curves or you could even rupture the eardrum.
Step 2. Check for parasites or other foreign bodies
Dogs can hide an innumerable amount of unwanted elements in their ears. They are animals that often run in grassy or wooded areas and many foreign residues can easily enter the ears, such as parts of ears, blades of grass or even seeds. If you experience any of these problems, you can first try to very gently remove the "offending" object or try to clean your ears to remove it. If this method doesn't work, however, you need to take your dog to a qualified veterinarian.
Mites, ticks and fleas prefer relatively hidden places around the ear and within it. The mites cause intense itching and can stimulate the production of thick brown secretions. A veterinarian's diagnosis is needed to ascertain the actual presence of ear mites. Ticks and fleas can be killed (and prevent an infestation) using specific prevention products, for topical use, which you can easily buy at the pharmacy
Step 3. Examine your ears for signs of yeast infections
In this case, the ears smell bad, itchy and produce a brown substance. It is a fungal infection that requires special medications to be eradicated; cleaning alone is not enough, on the contrary, it could aggravate the situation. Take your pet to the vet if you experience these symptoms.
Step 4. Look for signs of a bacterial infection in the outer ear area
A bacterial infection can be a moderate problem, easily treatable with medication, but also a more serious ailment that can cause the dog to suffer a lot. In this case, you must contact your veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment, to avoid the risk of serious complications.
Step 5. Be especially alert to any abnormalities that might look like a tumor, even if they are quite rare
Occasionally you may notice strange growths or growths in and around the ears. Most of the time these are simply skin cysts or reactions to some trauma or insect bite.
Monitor these anomalies closely. If you find that they do not disappear within a week, increase in size or otherwise cause discomfort to the animal, you should contact your vet
Part 2 of 2: Clean the Ears
Step 1. Purchase a specific cleaning solution for dogs' ears
You can find it easily in pharmacies, pet shops, but you can also make your own with the common products in the house. In any case, remember to use it only in the outer area of the ear cups. The procedure to follow is the same, whether you decide to use a commercial product or one prepared at home.
- In a clean bowl, mix a few tablespoons of vinegar with an equal amount of alcohol. Make sure the mixture is at room temperature before using it, as no one, including dogs, likes to hear cold liquid in their ears. This solution is safe if used in the visible internal areas of your four-legged friend's ears. Do not use it if you are concerned that the animal has an ear infection and in any case do not pour it directly into the ear canal.
- On the market, you can find many great all-purpose ear cleaners. Ask your vet for some advice on the best products you can buy in your area. If necessary, you can also ask for information directly to the staff of the pet supply store.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball into the solution
Squeeze it out to remove excess liquid, so that the cotton is wet, but not too soggy. If your dog is very small, you can use a smaller piece of cotton.
Alternatively, you can wrap a piece of gauze that's not too tight around your fingertips and soak them in the cleaning solution. Make sure the gauze isn't too wet with liquid. If you accidentally put too much detergent on the gauze, squeeze it a little and proceed. This is a gentle alternative to a cotton swab that, on the other hand, could create discomfort for your furry friend. It is enough to grasp the gauze with the thumb and forefinger
Step 3. Gently pat the inside of the pet's auricle
Remove any dirt and debris you can see. If your ears are really very dirty, you may need to use several cotton balls as well. As long as you move gently and stay in the front area of the ear canal, your dog should tolerate the procedure very well.
- Make sure you are gentle, as the skin can break easily. Be aware that vinegar and alcohol can cause a burning sensation on the lesions.
- Clean the various crevices very carefully, as dirt and earwax tend to accumulate especially in these areas.
- Clean the inside of both ears.
Step 4. Do a full ear irrigation, only if advised by your vet
If your ears are particularly dirty with debris and ear wax, your doctor may prescribe this type of procedure; you will need to purchase an ear cleanser (or a specific kit to irrigate the ears). This should be able to remove much of the thick, sticky material found in the ear canal.
- To perform an irrigation, insert the tip of the cleanser bottle into the opening of the ear canal. Squeeze the bottle so that the tube is completely filled with liquid. Rub the base of the ear very carefully (hold one thumb on one side and the other fingers on the other) and massage it (very gently!) For 60 seconds.
- Use gauze or cotton to catch any material coming out of the ear. You will most likely need a lot of it if your ears are particularly dirty.
Step 5. Let the dog shake and shake his head at the end of the procedure
This is a natural instinct and you shouldn't stop it. Let him do this, but move your face away so that the liquid or any residue does not get into your eyes. In this way, the dog completely frees his ears from all traces of cleaning solution.
Once your dog has gotten rid of the excess fluid, once again wipe the ears with gauze or a cotton ball. Doing so will facilitate the elimination of any residue that the dog carried out when he shook his head
Step 6. Clean your four-legged friend's ears regularly
A weekly check-up and cleaning (if necessary) should be scheduled to prevent any potential problems. Dirt and dust build up quite quickly and can cause an infection, especially in dogs with floppy ears.
Advice
- A good time to clean your dog's ears is after a swim. The cleaning solution removes water from the ears, which is very important, as humidity increases the risk of infection.
- If you give your furry friend a treat after a cleanup, you help him relax and understand that if he cooperates again, he'll get another treat next time.
- Your vet can show you how to properly clean your pet's ears. This is especially important if the dog has already had such problems.
Warnings
- Never insert a cotton ball deep into his ear! You could cause permanent hearing damage.
- Never use water to clean your dog's ears, as it may penetrate even deeper into the ear canal and cause an infection.
