For all the cuddles, fetch, and boundless enthusiasm they bring, dogs are pretty low maintenance. Most days, all they need is some tasty grub and a little love.
But even the most lowkey pups aren’t immune to ear problems. That’s because dogs have a unique L-shaped ear canal that invites moisture and dirt to build up—even more so if your pup has (totally adorable) floppy ears. When this gunk gets trapped, it can lead to infection and ear irritation.
So how do you, as an attentive paw parent, prevent ear issues from arising? The answer is regular cleaning.
Rinsing out your pup’s ears isn’t tough. But if you’re new to the process, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. In this article, we’ll cover the top mistakes paw parents make when it comes to dog ear cleaning and how to avoid them.
How to Tell When Ears Need Cleaning
Excessive cleaning can actually lead to infection and inflammation. Since that’s the opposite of what you want, let’s first talk about how to tell when your pup’s ears need attention.
Healthy ears should be1:
- Pink inside
- Scentless
- Free of dirt, wax, and debris
If your dog’s ears fit this description, there’s no need to go to town scrubbing them more than once a month.2
On the other hand, it’s time to get to work if you notice:
- Stinky ears
- Dirt and debris beneath the ear flap
- Obvious earwax buildup
- Redness
- Crusty patches
When it’s time for a spruce up, watch out for these missteps.
#1 Using the Wrong Cleanser
The ear canal is a sensitive area that requires gentle cleaning products, and using inappropriate cleansers can trigger all sorts of issues for your pup. Never use human cleansers on dogs—they could damage their skin.
Instead, turn to high-quality dog ear cleaners—such as Vetericyn’s Antimicrobial Ear Rinse—that clean the ear canal. These effects can:
- Promote natural drying
- Break up earwax
- Thwart bacteria buildup
#2 Adding Too Little Cleanser
We’ve talked about how sensitive the ear canal is, so you might be feeling like less is more when it comes to cleansers.
Actually, because dogs have long and right-angled ear canals, it’s best to use plenty of cleaning solution to ensure all foreign material gets flushed out.
When using ear cleaner, make sure to:
- Pull the ear flap upward so the canal is straight.
- Pour enough solution into the ear canal that it starts to overflow.
- Massage the area where the ear meets the head (to dislodge debris).
After about 30 seconds,1 allow your pup to shake to their heart’s content. This will send any remaining gunk and leftover liquid flying (look out).
#3 Cleaning With Q-Tips or Cotton Swabs
While Q-tips might be sufficient to keep human ears spotless, dogs’ ear canals are too deep for them to be of use. In fact, Q-Tips and cotton swabs can actually shove ear gunk deeper down.
When it’s time to dry off ear flaps after cleaning, the best tool is either a tissue or cotton ball. Gently swab the crevices and around the ear canal opening to uproot any lingering debris.
Never insert anything directly into your dog’s ear canal. Doing this could injure your pup’s ear drum or scratch sensitive skin.
#4 Making Cleaning Stressful
It’s a fact of life: dogs don’t enjoy getting their ears cleaned. This doesn’t mean the process has to be an ordeal, however. An extra gentle approach is your best bet. Keeping things as tranquil as possible will ensure a thorough cleanse with minimal fuss.
Set up in a calm, quiet location. Avoid disciplining your dog during the process. Instead, you should:
- Practice holding your dog’s ears beforehand. This helps your pup get used to the feeling.
- Feed them a steady stream of treats as you go, especially as a reward for staying calm.
- Find a partner to help you. One strategy is to have a friend pet your pup while you clean.
If your dog simply can’t handle the stress, don’t force it. Wait a bit and try again. It’s important to keep them from developing a negative association with ear cleaning.
#5 Waiting Too Long Between Cleanings
There’s a reason why regular ear cleanings produce better results than emergency sessions: the more gunk that builds up, the tougher the job is. Make life easy for yourself (and your pup) by sticking to a regular schedule. Most vets recommend cleaning once a month.3
Some breeds may require more frequent cleaning, especially those with floppy ears, such as4:
- Basset hounds
- Beagles
- Great danes
- Golden retrievers
- Cocker spaniels
Large, tent-like ears basically form lids over the ear canals which keep light out and moisture in. This is the perfect recipe for bacterial growth. Shortening the cleaning cycle to every few weeks helps ward off ear issues in these adorable, floppy-eared breeds.
#6 Cleaning Indoors
Any way you slice it, a canine ear cleaning is neither a neat nor a tidy process. Even if your pooch sits still and stays calm, shaking out the cleanser is a critical part of the process (and you probably couldn’t stop them even if it wasn’t).
Let’s face it: the last thing you want to do after a cleaning is spend an hour scrubbing ear wax stains off your housemate’s couch.
Find a comfy outdoor space to set up shop, or use a space with hard floors that you can easily wipe down, such as a basement or garage. Have plenty of towels on hand.
Tips for Preventing Ear Infections
While routine cleaning is the best defense against itchy, achy ears, there are a few other steps you should take to keep your dog’s ears problem-free5:
- Dry ears completely after swimming, bathing, or cleaning. Dog ear plugs can help as well.
- Watch out for parasites such as fleas and ear mites.
- Monitor ears for cuts, dirt, or unpleasant smells.
Ensuring robust underlying health also boosts natural immune response. To keep your pup in fighting shape, ensure they get lots of exercise and serve them healthy, balanced meals.
Turbocharging their diet with nutrient-packed supplements like Vetericyn ALL-IN (which comes loaded with precision amounts of pre- and probiotics, vitamins, and omegas) is another fantastic way to fortify your dog’s immune system.
Spotting Infections
Even pets with impeccably cared for ears can come down with an infection. If your pooch starts showing symptoms, there’s no need to worry.
Signs of dog ear infections include6:
- Pawing or scratching their ears
- Head shaking
- Swelling
- Red skin in the ear canal
- Smelly ears
- Pus or dark colored discharge
- Scabbing or crusty patches of skin
If you notice any of these symptoms, your next move should be to determine what kind of infection you’re dealing with. This will dictate the treatment plan. The three types are:
- Otitis externa – Most canines struggle with otitis externa dog infection at some point. It occurs when bacteria takes up residence in the outer ear, leading to irritation.
- Otitis media – If otitis externa goes unaddressed, it can spread and cause otitis media: an infection of the middle ear, especially the portion near the pup’s ear drum.
- Otitis interna – This one is pretty rare, but it’s a serious issue when it does occur. Otitis interna is an infection of the inner ear. It can cause hearing damage and balance issues when left untreated.
Treating Infections
If your pup’s struggling with a middle or inner ear infection, you should set up a vet appointment immediately as these issues can quickly snowball into a bigger ear problem if left untreated.
For mild cases of otitis externa, you can try at-home treatments and dog ear infection medicine before reaching out to the vet.
If you want to know how treat dog ear infection without vet, OTC hydrocortisone for dogs, such as Vetericyn’s Triple-Action Ear Treatment, is an excellent option. The Triple-Action Ear Treatment contains 1% hydrocortisone (the highest concentration available OTC) which serves as a potent itch and inflammation fighter.
It also features:
- Otizyme – An enzyme mixture formulated to flush build up and soften ear wax.
- Botaniplex – Natural extracts designed to restore microbiome balance.
This dynamic blend eases itching and bolsters the natural healing process. Each 1.5 oz bottle includes enough solution for a 7-day treatment course. If symptoms don’t improve within a week, set up an appointment with your vet.
Vetericyn: The Sweet Sound of Healthy Ears
When it comes to helping your pup flourish, it’s crucial to stay ahead of pesky problems like an ear infection.
At Vetericyn, we strive to make it simple for vigilant pet owners to keep their dog’s ears healthy. That’s why we’ve crafted vet approved products like Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse. It’s the simplest way to flush out ear gunk, and it’s the perfect product for regular maintenance.
But ears aren’t the only thing that needs attention. That’s why Vetericyn offers a full spectrum of first-class animal wellness products. Whether you’re a dog person, a cat lover, or a horse whisperer, we’ve got what you need to raise vigorous and upbeat pets.
Discover our catalog of animal wellness products today!
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- American Kennel Club. How to Clean a Dog’s Ears. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-clean-dogs-ears/
- American Kennel Club. How to Clean Dogs Ears & Eyes. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/eyes-and-ears-of-good-grooming
- CityVet. How to Care for Your Dog’s Ears. https://www.cityvet.com/how-to-care-for-your-dogs-ears/
- BetterPet. 15 dog breeds with floppy ears. https://betterpet.com/floppy-ear-dogs/
- American Kennel Club. How to Help Prevent Dog Ear Infections. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/tips-preventing-ear-infections/
- WebMD. Remedies for Dog Ear Infections. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/remedies-for-dog-ear-infections
- Natchez Trace Veterinary Services. Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy For Dog Ear Infection. https://franklintnvet.com/apple-cider-vinegar-home-remedy-for-dog-ear-infection/
