June 2nd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Our dog’s ears are amazing, hearing more than double the frequencies our human ears can and they rely on them heavily which is why it is important to take good care of them not only will it keep them comfortable it will prevent infections, wax build-up and prevent infestation of ear mites. In the blog, we will discuss the importance of keeping your dogs’ ears clean and some tips on how to best clean them.

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Dogs Ears

As we have already mentioned above it is incredibly important to take care of your dog’s ears for their overall health, just like us without proper care they are vulnerable to all kinds of problems such as waxy build-up that can affect their hearing, infections which can cause discomfort and expensive trips to the vets, here are some of the most important reasons why we you need to clean your pup’s ears:

Earwax Removal

Just like us our dogs naturally produce earwax, and while this ear wax is important in preventing dirt and debris from entering the ear canal, over time it can accumulate which can lead to discomfort, blockages and restricted hearing, that is why it is important to remove excess wax before this becomes a problem.

Prevent Infection

Without proper care dogs’ ears are prone to infection especially long-eared or those with hairy ear canals, this is because moisture, debris, trapped dirt and the warm environment within the ear provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that can lead to infections, regular cleaning will help to keep ears clean and prevent bacteria from building- up.

Check for Health Problems

While cleaning your dog’s ears it will also present the opportunity to closely inspect them for any issues such as swelling, redness, discharge or pests such as ticks and dust mites. Detecting these issues early will present the opportunity to deal with them more quickly in order to deal with any issues sooner rather than later.

Allergy Management

If your dog suffers from allergies and this can lead to itchy and irritated ears. By cleaning them regularly you can remove any allergens trapped in the ears that will help to relieve symptoms. It is especially important for those dogs who suffer from allergies to have their eats regularly checked and cleaned.  

How Often Should You Clean Their Ears

Hopefully, now we have a better understanding of why it is so important to take time clean our dog’s ears, you may be wondering how often this needs to be done. Well as a general rule of thumb, you should clean your dog’s ears a minimum of once a month. However, this is subject to change depending on dog breeds and habits. For example, long-eared breeds may require their ears to be cleaned twice monthly or even every week. The same goes for dogs that often walk in areas of long grass or those who frequently go swimming. However, if you still feel unsure your dog will likely give you signs to show when they are feeling uncomfortable and their ears may be the issue.

Signs That There May Be A Problem with Your Dogs Ears

If you notice these signs then it may be an indication that there is some source of irritation in your dog’s ears and it is now time to give them a clean. Some of these signs include excessive head shaking. You may notice your pup is also itching their ears more often, this may be with their paws or they may place their ears to the ground before running around and dragging their ears along the floor.  If your pup displays these signs it’s time to give their ears a clean and check for signs of infection.

Tips on How to Clean Their Ears

If you are not familiar with cleaning your dog’s ears, then here are some tips to get started. First of all gather all the necessary supplies you will need which should consist of long a torch, soft cotton balls or soft cloth some treats to keep them calm or reward good behaviour and finally an ear cleaning product, specially designed for cleaning dogs’ ears as these will be formulated to break down the dirt and wax in their ears while still being gentle to their sensitive skin, if your pup suffers from allergies or very sensitive skin it is important to carefully check the ingredients to make sure they are suitable for your pups needs. Once you have all the supplies needed it’s time to begin.

·        Find a place that is comfortable with good lighting, your pup may prefer to lay in your lap or on their bed while you do this – it is best to make sure they are comfortable in order to reassure them – this is where lots of pets and treats can come in hand, especially for those dogs who are not yet used to having their ears cleaned.

·        Start by gently lifting the flap of your dog’s ears if you are having trouble seeing use the torch and gently inspect your dog’s ears if you notice any swelling, inflammation or scabbing then it is advisable to contact your vet for advice before proceeding – if everything looks normal you can go ahead.

·        Follow the steps on your cleaning product, some products such as the Pretty Pooch Ear Cleaning solution will require you to place a few drops inside the ear, before hen massaging the ear to loosen dirt and wax while others may require you to apply directly to a cloth or cotton ball so be sure to follow these instructions closely.

·        Using the cotton ball or soft cloth begin gently wiping around the ear to remove dirt and wax, change the cotton ball and reposition the cloth when they become soiled. Be sure not to press too far into the ear canal.

·        Once finished step back and allow your dog to shake their head, this removes any remaining solution or debris. Also, be sure to treat and praise your pup for a job well done!

Pretty Pooch Ear Cleaner 250ml

Price: £9.46

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Cleaning your dog's ears is a simple task that will keep them healthy and happy. As you can hopefully see it is also an important part for grooming, so be sure to take the time to clean their ears regularly. We hope this blog was able to provide you with some tips on how to approach cleaning your pup’s ears and remember if you ever feel uncomfortable or uncertain contact your vet or a groomer to assist you!