You shouldn’t regularly need to clean your dog’s ears unless advised by a vet – unnecessary cleaning can cause inflammation. However, if your vet has advised that you need to clean your dog’s ears, you may not know where to start!
So here is our handy guide to how to get those doggy ears gleaming!
Dogs’ ear canals begin vertically and then switch to being horizontal, which can make them quite tricky to clean as not much of the canal is visible.
1. Lift up the ear pinna (flap) to open the ear canal.
2. Squeeze the veterinary approved or prescribed ear cleaner bottle to fill the ear canal, inside the ear, but as if you are aiming towards the eye.
3. Massage gently at the base of the ear. If you are in the right place you will hear a squishing sound, this will encourage debris from the horizontal canal deep in the ear to come to the surface.
4. Use a cotton ball or a cotton pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog’s ear canal and outer ear. Stop immediately if there is any yelping or discomfort.
5. Cotton buds can only be used to clean the external flaps that may have build up in them, they must not be placed into the ear canal.
6. Repeat this process until no more debris comes to the surface.
Your pet will probably shake their head about during this process, so it is best to have them on a surface that you do not mind getting a little messy and wearing clothes that you don’t mind staining.
Remember to treat your dog at the prescribed intervals and go slowly so they don’t start the hate the process!
If you are concerned about your dog’s ears (funny smell, excess wax, head shaking etc.) please do give the surgery a call on 01435 864422.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care With A Friendly Face
