The Importance of Regular Dog Ear Care

Grooming not only consists of bathing and brushing your dog.  Regular ear care is equally as important!  Dogs can be at risk of developing infections in the ear canal which can be painful and even create even bigger health concerns.  However, pet parents can ensure regular ear care which will allow the dogs to live happier and healthier lives.

There are hundreds of different dog breeds across the world, which means there are a variety of dog ears!  Essentially, there are two classes of dog ears; those which lay flat on the head and those which stick straight up from the base of the head.  Don’t assume that one ear type is safer than the other!  They are actually both at risk if not properly taken care of.  This is why it is super important to monitor the ears as they will trap dirt, debris, and harmful bacteria.  Also keep in mind that dogs which have large amounts of hair growing from the ear (usually long-haired dogs) are more prone to getting dirt trapped inside the canal.

How can you tell if your dog is having issues with their ear(s)?  The most common signs of ear distress is shaking of the head, repetitive scratching, redness or the inner ear and a foul smell which resembles yeast.  We suggest that you speak with your Veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.

The golden rule is to check and clean your dog’s ears once a week.  To clean, use a cleaning solution which has been approved by your Veterinarian.  You can use a cotton ball to massage the solution into the ear canal while removing excess grime, dirt or debris.  Please use extreme caution to ensure that you are not pushing debris further into the ear.