How To Know When Your Dog’s Ears Need Attention (And How to Help)

All dogs are different.  Some dogs are more prone to ear issues than others.  While some dogs may never need to have their ears cleaned, other dogs need frequent ear cleanings.  Due to the structure of dogs’ ear canals, oftentimes debris and other natural body build up has trouble leaving the horizontal ear canal.  Clean ears are essential to a dogs health and grooming needs.  We all want to take the best care of our best friends so here are some behaviors to be on the watch for along with simple remedies.

 

There are various symptoms for irritated ear canals which include itchiness, bad odor, redness, and pain. 

 

Check the ingredients:

Ear cleaners with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in the formula can cause dryness and irritation to your dog’s ear canal and worsen irritation. Check the label for antibacterial, anti fungal and wax build up removing properties.  Dr. Sniff Always Be Wax Free Ear Cleaner is formulated with natural ingredients including Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Coconut Oil that work to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and remove excess build up.  Dr. Sniff’s solution is also Pet pH balanced, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. 

What you need:

Cleaning out your dog’s ears does not require special tools.  You simply need a good, safe, ear cleaning solution and some cotton balls or gauze.  Never use Q-tips to clean your dog’s ears.  This can be very harmful as you risk perforating the ear drum or causing harm to the ear canal.  The Q-tip can also push debris further into the ear, rather than removing it. 

 

How to Clean:

Dr. Sniff recommends you hold the ear flap up, exposing the ear canal.  Squeeze enough ear cleaner to completely fill the ear canal without letting the tip of the bottle touch the ear.  Don’t worry if some of the solution spills out.  Gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening of about 30 seconds.  Wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap and the upper ear canal using a cotton ball or gauze.  Allow your dog to shake his head and then remove any remaining debris and solution with a cotton ball or gauze.  Only go into the ear canal as far your finger will reach.  Do the same to the other ear.

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