Have you ever noticed dirt and water in dog’s ears when bathing them? Do you suppose cleaning your dogs’ ears is essential? Do you think dogs would clean their ears themselves regularly if they could?
You would find it easy to clean dirt and water in a dog’s ears if you are provided with the right equipment. The process is quite simple and wouldn’t cause your dog any stress if done correctly.
Read on to find out how.
Why is it important to clean your dog’s ears?
Dogs possess very long ear canals that are usually 5 to 10 cm long. These ears also often retain foreign material due to the right-angled bend in the ears, making it difficult for these materials to come out on their own.
A simple case of “garbage in, garbage not out.”
When dirt or water gets into dogs ears when you’re bathing them or when they have fun swimming, it may maximize the risk of infections.
This is why it’s essential to have your dog’s ears cleaned and maintained, like you would a child’s, or even your own.
Dogs with skin allergies may also be exposed to frequent ear infections. It would help them if you have their ears cleaned regularly.
Your veterinarian may be able to recommend just how frequently cleaning your dog’s ears is required, but ideally, cleaning weekly or at least once a month is a general rule for cleaning dirt and water in dog’s ears.
Things you need to clean your dog’s ears effectively
- Treats, for when they allow you to clean their ears
- Ear cleaner
- Cotton wool
Types of ear cleaners to use
There are several types of ear cleaners you could use to clean dirt and water in dog’s ears, but it is imperative to make use of quality cleaners that would not pose any health risk to your pet.
Try as much as possible not to poke around the ears with cotton buds, as this may push ear wax further inside and cause potential damage to the eardrums.
Also, it is very important that you DON’T apply vinegar, olive oil, shampoo, or any chemical substances that may irritate your pet’s ears. Doing this may cause a severe ear infection that may put your dog’s health at risk.
Easy steps in cleaning your dog’s ears
You have to consider consulting with your veterinarian if you notice your dog has very red, inflamed and painful ears that your dog won’t stop trying to scratch.
It is possible your dog already has an infection if this is the case. This means, cleaning out dirt and water dog’s ears may even do more harm than good, and may also affect the eardrum if not handled carefully.
Unlike cleaning your ears or a baby’s ears, cleaning dirt and water in a dog’s ears can be really messy and tasking.
So if best to do it where your dog won’t get excited enough to break or damage something.
Perhaps outside the house might be the best option.
You wouldn’t want your dog breaking your plasma TV or that expensive vase just because you are trying to get some wax out do you?
- You can offer your pet some treats for staying still while introducing the ear cleaning.
- Hold the flap of the dog’s ear upward gently and then fill the inside of the ear with the ear cleaner. Vertically direct the tube downwards.
- Don’t forget to remain calm and be careful not to startle your pet.
- Maintain your hold on the ear and gently move your hand down the ear where it meets your dog’s head.
- Carefully massage the base of the ear so that the cleaner quickly gets around the ear canal. A squelchy sound would be heard, indicating you are doing the right thing.
- Let go of the ear after massaging for about 20 to 30 seconds. Your dog may shake its head and even body.
- Wipe out the folds of the ears with some cotton wool. Clean until the ear canal looks clean and free of dirt.
- A treat should be given to your dog for being a good girl or boy, whichever the case.
The goal with ear cleaning is to make use of plenty of ear cleaners. Since the ear canal runs deep inside, the aim isn’t to get all ear discharge out all at once. Just get enough out and clean around the ear.
When you massage your dog’s ears, you indirectly break up discharge linings formed inside the ear canals.
After you are done massaging, your dog’s shaking should get most of the liquid out of its ears by itself.
Remember, don’t forget to visit a veterinarian if you notice redness in the ears or if you can perceive a foul smell.
It’s almost likely that your dog has an infection, which means cleaning should be the last option.
How do you clean dirt and water in dog’s ears? Do you require any assistance to carry out the exercise?
Do you have to visit a vet before cleaning your pet’s ears? Let us know in the comments.