Keeping your dog’s ears clean is an important part of maintaining their health and hygiene. Some dogs are prone to buildups of brown waxy debris and yeast in their ears that needs regular removal. Knowing when to clean your dog’s ears and how to do it properly can prevent infections and other problems.
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
Reasons to Clean
Here are some reasons why you should periodically clean our your dog’s ears:
- Remove dirt, debris, and wax – Dogs’ ears can trap dirt, pollen, bacteria, yeast, and other debris. Regular cleaning helps remove these substances before they can cause irritation or infection.
- Reduce ear odor – Clean ears will have less unpleasant odor than ears with a buildup of wax and debris.
- Decrease risk of infection – Cleaning helps remove microbes, allergens, and other substances that could lead to painful ear infections.
- Improve hearing – Excess wax and debris can partially block sound from entering the ear canal and reduce hearing ability. Keeping ears clean improves hearing.
- Reduce head shaking and scratching – Dogs with itchy, irritated ears will paw at them and shake their heads. Cleaning provides relief from discomfort.
- Allow examination – Veterinarians need to be able to examine the ear canal to check for potential issues. Ears must be clean for proper exams.
Signs It’s Time to Clean
Look for these signs that indicate it’s time to clean your dog’s ears:
- Excess debris or wax – You notice brownish discharge or wax when looking into your dog’s ears.
- Odor – There is a foul, yeasty smell emanating from your dog’s ears.
- Redness or swelling – The visible ear skin appears irritated, inflamed, or puffy.
- Scratching or head shaking – Your dog seems bothered by their ears and excessively scratches or shakes head.
- Discomfort – Your dog cries out or cowers when their ears are touched.
- Changes in behavior – Unexplained changes in behavior can sometimes indicate ear discomfort.
- Visible infection – You see crusty scabs or discharge in or around the ears indicating potential infection.
Pay attention to signs of irritation or discomfort and inspect inside ears regularly even if no symptoms are present yet.
When to See the Veterinarian
While routine cleaning can be done at home, see the veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- Severe swelling, redness, or pain
- Discharge that is yellow, green, or bloody
- Dark brown debris that cannot be removed
- Foreign objects stuck in the ear canal
- Abnormal growths or masses in the ear
- Persistent head tilting or balance issues
- Hearing loss or changes in behavior
These could indicate a serious ear infection or other problem needing veterinary attention. The vet can examine, clean, and medicate the ears as needed.
How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Follow these steps to safely clean your dog’s ears at home:
Gather supplies
You’ll need:
- Cotton balls or gauze squares
- Tweezers or ear cleaning forceps (optional)
- Ear cleaning solution – This can be purchased or made with equal parts vinegar and water
- Towel
- Treats
Never use cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into the ear canal.
Prepare your dog
Get your dog in a comfortable, calm position. Gently hold your dog steady and talk soothingly. Have treats ready to reward cooperation.
Inspect the ears
Look inside ears for wax, debris, redness, and odor. This will help you monitor changes over time.
Apply cleaning solution
Squirt a liberal amount of the solution into your dog’s ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to work the liquid in and soften debris.
Remove debris
Use cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe out dirt, wax, and buildup from the visible ear canal. You can also very carefully use tweezers or ear forceps to grasp debris. Take care not to insert objects into the vertical ear canal.
Dry thoroughly
Gently dry ears with cotton balls or a towel. Residual moisture can allow bacterial or fungal growth.
Check again
Look in the ears one more time to make sure they look clean and healthy. Provide treats and praise for your dog’s patience!
Tips for safe, effective ear cleaning
- Be very gentle – Never forcefully scrub the ears.
- Stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.
- Clean ears weekly for dogs prone to buildup.
- See your veterinarian if problems persist despite cleaning.
- Always follow product instructions carefully.
- Keep cleaning supplies separate from other items.
- Discard used cotton balls immediately to avoid recontamination.
- Store unused solution properly and replace when expired.
With the proper technique and care, regular ear cleaning can become an important bonding experience for you and your dog while promoting their health.
Common Questions
What causes the brown buildup in my dog’s ears?
The brown waxy secretion in dogs’ ears is produced by special glands to protect the ear canal. In some dogs, overproduction and inadequate shedding of this substance can allow it to accumulate. Yeast and bacteria growing in the debris create the characteristic brown coloration.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
For healthy dogs without much wax buildup, cleaning every 1-2 months is sufficient. Dogs prone to heavy wax production or recurrent ear infections may need cleaning as often as once a week. Observe your own dog’s ears to determine optimal frequency.
Can I use peroxide or alcohol to clean my dog’s ears?
No, the ASPCA advises against using peroxide or alcohol drops as these can be painful and irritating for dogs’ sensitive ears. Use a gentler dog ear wash product or mild homemade solution instead. Consult your veterinarian if unsure what to use.
My dog hates having his ears cleaned. What can I do?
Make the experience more positive by giving treats, praise, and pets during ear cleaning. Work slowly and gently, stopping if your dog seems distressed. Over time, regular cleaning will become less unpleasant as your dog learns to tolerate the routine.
Are ear infections common in dogs?
Ear infections affect an estimated 20% of dogs at some point in their lives. Dogs with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels are more prone to infections. Keeping ears clean is imperative for avoiding infection in susceptible dogs.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning wax, dirt and other debris from your dog’s ears is an important piece of maintaining their health and comfort. Learn your dog’s normal ear appearance and cleaning schedule to minimize buildup. Seek veterinary help if you suspect an infection. With proper care and cleaning, your dog’s ears can stay clean and healthy.