Best Practices for Dog Ear Maintenance in Breeds with Floppy Ears

Sweet eyes, waggy tails, warm kisses—pups pack a whole host of adorable traits capable of melting the hearts of dog parents everywhere. But the cutest quirk of all? Depending on the type of dog you have, it might just be a pair of floppy ears. Adorable as they are, floppy ear dogs do require a little extra love. That’s because their unique ear shape makes them prone to ear infections and even ear lice in dogs. Fortunately, the experts at Vetericyn are here to help with the lowdown on caring for dogs with floppy ears like the German Shepherd or Cocker Spaniel.

The Floppy Ear Conundrum: Why Droopy Means Goopy

Picture a rainforest: wet, steamy, and teeming with life. In fact, it’s the abundance of water and warmth of the rainforest that sets the stage for life to blossom there. But what does this have to do with dog ears? The canine ear canal features an unusual shape: It looks like an “L,” ending in a hard right angle. When moisture enters the ear, the ledge of this L shape keeps it from draining. On top of that, floppy ears act like a lid, trapping heat and moisture within the ear canal. Recognize the recipe? Over time, this fertile environment breeds bacteria. Throw in some wax buildup (or allergies), and soon, you’ll have a mini rainforest on your hands. This translates to ear infections for your poor pup. So, how do you prevent this troublesome scenario?

#1 Watch for Ear Infections

Bacteria colonies trigger a common set of symptoms. To that end, the first step to keeping dogs with floppy ears healthy is to watch for red flags, which include¹:

• Head tossing
• Scratching or pawing at the ear
• Foul discharge
• Unpleasant odor
• Redness
• Swelling
• Crusty skin near the ears

The ears also share many muscles with the jaw. If your pup suddenly refuses to eat, or consistently whimpers at mealtime, this could signal an irritated ear. Even if their behavior appears normal, you should occasionally lift your pup’s ear flap and scan for problems.

Types of Ear Infection

Not all dog ear infections are identical. Instead, they come in three degrees, named for their location in the ear canal²:

• Otitis externa – As the name suggests, otitis externa impacts the outer ear.
• Otitis media – Otitis media refers to a middle ear ailment.
• Otitis interna – The most serious variety, otitis interna attacks the inner ear.

Middle and inner ear infections require immediate medical attention. If left untreated, they can lead to chronic discomfort and hearing loss. Otitis externa, on the other hand, is something you can manage at home with the proper tools and approach. The good news is most minor infections, once treated, will clear up in 1-2 weeks.¹ If problems persist, you should check in with your vet.

#2 Clean the Ears Often

Besides remaining vigilant, regular cleaning helps fend off ear infections. Many vets recommend performing a full cleaning once a month.³ However, when it comes to your floppy-eared dog, every two weeks is a safer schedule. Cleaning floppy ear dogs isn’t difficult, but it pays to do your homework ahead of time. Before beginning, you’ll want to gather⁴:

• Cotton balls
• Dog ear cleaning solution (such asVetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse)
• Dry towels
• Treats (for keeping your pup calm)

It’s also best to set up shop outdoors or in a space with concrete floors, like a garage, in case things get a little messy.

How Clean a Dog’s Ears

To start, ensure your dog is relaxed. Spend a few minutes petting and soothing them. Playing some calming music may also help take the edge off. Once they’re sufficiently chilled out, take the following steps⁴:

1. Lift your pup’s ear and gently add the ear-cleaning solution. Completely fill the ear canal.
2. Massage the base of the ear for around 30 seconds (this helps break up wax and debris).
3. Permit your pup to shake. Be sure to duck!
4. Use your towel to wipe away any remaining solution on your dog’s fur.
5. Wipe down the surrounding area.

Throughout the process, serve them treats as a reward. If your pup appears frightened or is too charged up to cooperate, it’s best to stop and try again later. You don’t want to force it and have them associate ear cleaning with stress. Another note: If your dog shows signs of pain during the cleaning, stop and check with your vet before any further attempts. A deeper issue may be to blame. While regular cleanings keep infections away, excessive cleaning can trigger irritation of its own. So, resist the urge to overclean.

#3 Keep the Ears Dry

As we’ve mentioned, moisture buildup is a common culprit when it comes to dog ear infections. The best defense, then, is to keep moisture where it belongs: outside. To fortify your dog’s ear canals against wayward H2O, take the following steps:

• Use dog ear plugs, or insert cotton balls into their ears before swimming.
• Dry their ears thoroughly after bathing or water exposure.
• Keep their ear hair groomed (overgrown ear hair traps moisture).

It’s also a healthy habit to occasionally insert a dry cotton ball in the outer ear canal, squeeze it, and let it expand. This helps soak up any chronic dampness.

#4 Beware of Hitchhikers

While the usual suspects (moisture and bacteria) are most often to blame, ear ailments sometimes have other causes. A big one in particular? That would be parasites, such as:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Ear mites

These pesky pests love nothing more than getting cozy beneath your dog’s fur. Floppy ears are especially inviting places to hide. Unfortunately, the presence of parasites leads to major itch issues, as well as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Infection

Needless to say, healthy ears are hitchhiker-free—but each critter requires its own preventative measures.

Fighting Fleas and Ticks

Flea and tick saliva can kickstart allergic reactions that lead to infected dog’s ears.⁷ Put out the “No Vacancy” sign by⁶:

• Bathing and brushing your pup often – This will help scrape away flea eggs and wandering ticks.
• Limiting outdoor time – Frolicking outside is great for your pup’s health, but spending all day outdoors can increase the chances of a flea invasion.
• Avoiding long grass – While dogs love nothing more than a chance to roll around in high grass, this is tick territory.

If you discover a tick, be sure to remove it promptly using a set of tweezers or a hook removal tool. Then, carefully wash the site with soap and water.

Eradicating Ear Mites

These pesky arachnids feed off your dog’s ear wax and skin oils. Because they make it easy to hide, floppy ears or droopy ears are especially inviting territory. As mites go about their business, they stir up major itchiness. For this reason, excessive scratching is a common side effect of ear mites that can lead to irritation and infection. Fortunately, ear mites can’t remain undercover for long. Warning signs include⁷:

• Itching
• Dry, crumbly discharge
• Sores
• Scabbing
• Inflammation
• Incessant scratching

If your dog has ear mites, your first order of business is to conduct a thorough ear cleaning, following the procedure above. By removing debris and buildup, you clear the way for medication to work its magic. Consult your vet for recommendations—they’ll typically recommend a topical ointment. It’s also important to note here that ear mites spread from close contact between animals. So, if have multiple pets and one of them comes down with ear mites, you’ll want to treat them all. Once you’ve eliminated the mites, your pet may still struggle with residual otitis externa. Vetericyn Triple-Action Ear Treatment, which features 1% hydrocortisone for dog ears alongside powerful botanical extracts, offers potent relief from itching and inflammation. It’s the perfect way to put ear mites in the rearview.

#5 Cultivate Top-Notch Health

Ultimately, the best defense against infection is a resilient immune system. Cultivating vibrant overall health is the best method to bolster your dog’s innate defenses. To help your floppy-eared pal thrive, follow these guidelines⁸:

• Watch their weight – Obesity leads to a host of health issues, like diabetes, that weaken immune response. Exercise portion control and reserve treats for special occasions.
• Keep them active – Regular exercise works your dog’s heart and muscles. It also promotes joint health and releases pent-up energy.
• Provide a nutritious diet – Food is fuel. Ensure your pup receives a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.
• Schedule regular checkups – Taking your pup for annual wellness checks allows your vet to screen for developing illnesses—early detection is key to preventing bigger issues.
• Enhance with supplements – Ensure total nourishment. Boost with supplements like Vetericyn ALL-IN-1, which comes loaded with vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes.

Regular social time also elevates your pup’s mental health and maintains their zest for life.¹⁰ Set up playdates with other dogs, or take them to the dog park. This gives them a chance to make new friends and release their zoomies together.

Floppy Ears Love the Sound of Vetericyn

Floppy ears or droopy ears don’t have to equal ear infections. With a watchful eye, proper maintenance, and healthy habits, dedicated pup parents can keep floppers spotless. Floppy-eared or not, Vetericyn is here with everything you need to help your floppy-eared dog thrive. From our luxurious Foamcare Pet Shampoo to our ultra-soothing Hot Spot Antimicrobial Hydrogel, we’re dedicated to developing high-quality, ultra-safe pet care products for you and all of your furry friends. Discover Vetericyn 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:

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   3. CityVet. How to Care for Your Dog’s Ears. https://www.cityvet.com/how-to-care-for-your-dogs-ears/
   4. American Kennel Club. How to Clean a Dog’s Ears. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-clean-dogs-ears/
   5. Southside Veterinary Hospital. Itchy Skin and Ear Infection. https://www.ssvhvero.com/itchy-skin-and-ear-infection
   6. CDC. Preventing Fleas. https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/prevention/index.html
   7. American Kennel Club. Ear Mites In Dogs: What Owners Need To Know. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/ear-mites-in-dogs/
   8. Central Valley Animal Hospital. 6 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy. https://www.centralvalleyanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2022/02/04/6-tips-for-keeping-your-dog-healthy
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