If your dog gets too much earwax in his ears, you should clean them. Regular care is essential, especially for dogs with a tendency to suffer from otitis. In this article, we show you how to clean your dog’s ears and when to do it.
First of all, you should know that earwax accumulation in dogs’ ears is very common. However, sometimes a larger than usual amount is generated, which causes inflammation in the area. Canines with otitis tend to scratch their ears a lot, causing swelling and redness. Because of this, they react by tilting their head or shaking it frequently.
When and how often should we clean our dog’s ears?
In case the dirt in the ears is external, we can easily remove it with a damp cloth. However, if the dirt is on the inside, we should clean them more thoroughly.
It is possible that your dog is suffering from an infestation of ear mites. These are very common in dogs and cause mange. This infestation causes the earwax to turn a dark brown or black shade. It also causes it to smell bad and irritate the skin of the ear, which can lead to inflammation.
Before testing the ear
If a veterinarian decides to take a closer look at your pet’s ears with an otoscope, he or she should clean them first.
The otoscope is a tool used by veterinarians that allows them to view the ear canal and eardrum. It is usually used in case of suspicion of otitis media or to find foreign bodies stuck in the ear.
Dogs prone to otitis media
Dogs with healthy ears do not need to clean them often, however, if the dog is prone to have them dirty and inflamed, it is recommended to clean them regularly.
A fact that may interest you is that one of the most common causes of otitis is bathing in ponds, lakes or streams.
What is the correct way to clean our dog’s ears?
Generally, there is no problem in cleaning your dog’s ears at home without the help of a veterinarian. You can do it in the following way:
Look at his ears
Observe his ears inside and out and look for possible wounds or irritations. If your dog does not let you touch his ears, it is very likely that they are sore, in this case go to the vet and have him clean them.
Use a rinsing solution
Applying a mild rinsing solution is a good option to remove dirt and wax from your dog’s ears. You should not use conventional soaps or solutions containing alcohol, as these cause damage to sensitive skin and can cause irritation. We recommend using special ear cleaners that are adapted to the dog’s ear skin.
Massage after applying the rinsing solution.
You should hold the base of the ear with your fingers and massage the area where the solution has been applied.
Remove the solution with cloths
We can remove the rinsing solution with a soft cloth or absorbent cotton. Do not use cotton swabs under any circumstances, as they damage the internal auditory structures.
What should you keep in mind?
It is important to be very careful when cleaning your dog’s ears to avoid injury or infection, as their ears are highly sensitive. You should only use mild solutions and blunt tools.
If during the cleaning process the dog complains or reacts with a lot of pain, stop the cleaning and make him calm down. If you don’t succeed and he keeps refusing the cleaning, go to a veterinarian for help.
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