Why You Should Clean Your Dog’s Ears & How To Do It
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“Your dog has an ear infection.”
I've uttered those words nearly every day in my practice. If you’re reading this, chances are you've heard something similar from your vet, or perhaps you want to learn how to avoid it. Either way, I aim to help pet owners understand why animals get ear infections and share tips for treatment and prevention.
Causes of Ear Infections: Yeast and bacteria thrive in dogs' moist, dark ear canals, worsened by large ear flaps and outdoor activities introducing dirt and debris.
The Importance of Ear Cleaning: Regular rinsing removes debris, improving ear health, especially for active dogs. Use safe, non-irritating products like Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse.
Cleaning Process: Lift ear flap, fill canal with rinse, massage to loosen debris, wipe excess, and allow dogs to shake out remaining liquid for better cleaning.
Frequency of Care: Weekly cleaning for healthy ears; daily for problem ears to enhance treatment effectiveness and maintain ear health.
Product Caution: Avoid alcohol-based cleaners or peroxide, which can irritate or delay healing; choose non-toxic, non-stinging rinses for safe ear care.
Causes of Ear Infections
Yeast and bacteria are the most common causes of ear infections. We know these microorganisms thrive in dark, moist environments, and our pets’ ears are the ideal location. While our ear canals go straight inward, a dog’s ear canal travels down and then inward. The downward portion of the ear canal, known as the vertical canal, makes it difficult for the ear to drain and dry.
Another factor for many breeds is their large ear flaps. These flaps often cover the ear canal, further preventing airflow. Add to this the fact that our pets love to play outside. Running through the trails, rolling in dirt, and swimming in the lake or pool are great fun, but they also expose our pets’ ears to dirt and debris. All of this combined can lead to ear problems.
Keeping the Ears Clean
Daily rinsing or flushing to help remove debris and irritants can go a long way in improving the health of your pet’s ears–especially for active, outdoor pets.
- To rinse your pet’s ears, open the ear flap and gently pull upward; this will help open the lower portion of the ear canal and allow for better flushing.
- Slowly add a rinsing/cleaning agent, like Vetericyn Plus® Antimicrobial Ear Rinse, until you fill most of the ear canal.
- Lower the ear flap and gently massage the ear to help the solution loosen debris.
- Next, wipe away excess fluid and debris from the ear with a soft cloth. Do not put anything into the ear canal other than the ear cleaning solution.
Please note that some dogs have excess amount of hair in the ear canal. This may need to be removed by a professional groomer or veterinarian prior to rinsing the ear. Please do not attempt to cut or pluck hair in your animal’s ear, as you may cause injury or introduce infection.
Let Them Shake it Out
When rinsing your dog's ear, be aware that they will most likely shake their head vigorously. While this may be annoying to you — and your furniture —it is actually a good thing, as it will help remove more liquid and debris. It may be a good idea to wipe the ear again after your dog shakes its head.
Photo by Nikolay Tchaouchev on Unsplash
Ear Cleaning Frequency
Pets with few issues may only need their ears cleaned once a week, while those with ear problems will require daily care. Even if your pet has an ear problem that requires veterinary treatment, cleaning the ear may help the treatment work more effectively.
Ear Care Products
Many ear cleaners are available, but there are several factors to consider when selecting a product. Different ear problems need different ear cleaners. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s needs.
Some ear cleaners contain alcohol. While that may help dry the ear, it can also be very irritating and uncomfortable, especially for pets with ear problems. It will also irritate the eyes, mouth, and nose if some splashes into those areas.
Do not use peroxide to flush your pets’ ears. Peroxide has been shown to damage healthy tissue and delay healing.
Consider usingVetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse to keep your pet’s ears clean and bacteria-free. It’s safe, non-toxic if it splashes into the eyes, mouth, or nose, and won’t damage healthy tissue. Plus, it doesn’t sting or stain!
After cleaning,Vetericyn Triple-Action Ear Treatment quickly soothes and relieves red, irritated ears if an outer ear infection is suspected.
Dr. Melinda Mayfield-Davis, DVM
Dr. "Mindy" Mayfield-Davis received her DVM from Oklahoma State University and now resides in Southeast Kansas with her husband, two children, four dogs, and six horses.
