How to Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean and Healthy
by www.SixWise.com

Your dog’s ears need regular attention to keep them clean and prevent infection. In fact, unlike your ears, canine ear canals have an “L” shape, which makes it easy for debris to collect.

Over time, parasites, bacteria, yeast and wax can buildup in your dog’s ears, leading to inflammation and infection. Ear disease is actually quite common in dogs, and about 20 percent of dogs will suffer from inflammation of the outer ear canal (otitis externa) at some point in their lives.

Common Signs and Causes of Ear Problems in Dogs

Does your dog shake his head often or try to rub his ears on the carpet? Do you notice an odor from your dog’s ears, or does he try to scratch them often? These are all signs of ear disease that warrant a trip to your veterinarian. Other signs of ear problems in dogs include:

• Odor

• Discharge in the ears

• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal

• Shaking or tilting its head

• Scratching or rubbing its ears

• Changes in behavior (depression, irritability, etc.)

The causes of ear problems in dogs are varied, but one of the most common is allergies. An allergy to food or something in the environment can cause itching, pain, redness and swelling in your pet’s ears. In this case, you’ll need to not only address the ear problem, but also the underlying allergy.

Other common causes of ear problems in dogs include:

• Bacteria and yeast: A healthy dog will typically be able to ward off these agents, but if your dog has allergies, hormone abnormalities or moisture in his ears, bacteria and yeast can multiply, leading to an ear infection.

• Parasites: Ear mites are more common in cats than dogs, but mites can also invade your dog’s ears, leading to intense itching.

• Moisture: Your dog’s ear canal is dark and moist, making it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria even under the best circumstances. But if your dog swims often, lives in a humid environment or has excess moisture caught in their ears from grooming or bathing, it can lead to ear problems. Certain breeds with floppy, heavy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are especially prone to ear problems from excess moisture.

• Wax Buildup: An excess of earwax can lead to ear problems in dogs and cats, just as it can in humans. Different dogs will produce different amounts of wax, and breeds that are avid swimmers, such as Labradors, may produce more wax as well.

• Debris: Plant debris or other objects may enter your dog’s ear canal, causing irritation. Be sure to inspect your dog’s ears regularly, especially after playing outdoors.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Cleaning your dog’s ears should be a regular part of his grooming schedule, along with nail trims and teeth brushing.

If you’re new to cleaning your dog’s ears, ask your veterinarian for a quick lesson, and then use the tips below to ensure your dog’s ears stay clean and healthy.

• Dampen a cotton ball with a gentle, all-natural ear cleaning solution designed for dogs.

• Gently swab the outside of the ear until there is no residue on the cotton ball. You may need to repeat this process depending on how dirty your dog’s ears are.

• An alternative method is to apply the ear cleaner directly into your dog’s ear canal. Massage the base of your dog’s ear gently for about 30 seconds to help soften debris, then wipe out debris and the excess solution using a cotton ball. Allow your dog to shake his head to remove any fluid left behind, then gently dry your dogs ear flap with a towel.

If you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one program to keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy, SixWise.com highly recommends the HappyTails Ear Aid Set from GreenerWiener.com.

Ear Aid is a dual-action program consisting of:

1. Ear Wipes: The pre-moistened pads contain colloidal silver, an all-natural ingredient that suppresses bacteria, and witch hazel, which has been used for generations to safely cleanse and sanitize. The wipes gently remove dirt, wax and debris while reducing unpleasant odors.

2. Ear Clear: A few drops of this antibacterial/antimicrobial formula will break down wax buildup that can often be a breeding ground for infections. Ear Clear contains arnica and chaparral oils to decrease the pain and discomfort caused by swelling. It also contains organic comfrey and calendula, which soothes and protects, and a touch of essential oil of lavender to remove unpleasant odors.

• Please note that most veterinarians do not recommend using cotton swabs to clean inside your dog’s ear canal, as this can damage your pet’s eardrums and potentially pack debris further into the ear canal.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent inflammation and infection. You should check your dog’s ears weekly and assess whether a cleaning is necessary. While you want to avoid cleaning your dog’s ears more frequently than necessary, be advised that some dogs may need their ears cleaned one to three times a week, especially if they swim often, have long, floppy ears or have a history of recurrent ear infections.

Recommended Reading

Dental Care for Pets: Do You Need to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth, Too?

Pet Obesity is Now the Leading Cause of Preventable Death in Dogs and Cats

Sources

ASPCA.org Ear Care

PetEducation.com Ear Infections