Does your dog have itchy, stinky ears?
If you’ve ever had an ear infection, you know how miserable and painful infected ears can be. Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly can have a significant impact on their health.
One pet insurance company received over 60,000 claims in 2011 for canine ear infections, with the average claim being $98! Ouch! Not only do ear problems cause your dog pain, but they can really hurt your budget, too.
Common Dog Ear Problems
You see, a dog’s ear is different from our own. Their ear canals are shaped like an “L” and take a 90 degree turn before reaching the inner ear. This is helpful in keeping out dust, dirt, and debris, but it can also trap those things deep inside the ear and serve as a warm cozy home for bacteria and yeast to thrive.
Plus, water-loving dogs and dogs with floppy ears are at an increased risk for infections and ear problems and need frequent checks and cleaning.
What Does an Infected Ear Look Like in a Dog?
If your dog’s ears are infected, you may notice him or her scratching at their head frequently. And while infected ears can be red, irritated, or even pussy with purulent drainage, the thing you’re likely to notice the most is the smell. Infected ears will have a foul odor. They may also smell musty or yeasty.
Hematomas are also common in dogs with ear problems. This often occurs when the dog shakes their head vigorously or scratched hard enough to injure the ear. It can look like a blood blister or an open sore if the blister is popped. Hematomas should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
If your dog seems to have developed a hearing problem, it could be due to dirt, debris and wax plugging the ear canal instead of actual hearing loss. Cleaning can help.
What to do If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
My dog has an ear infection, what do I do?
While it may be your first instinct to treat a ear infection with a home remedy, ear infections can quickly progress to a serious, and costly, problem for your dog. It’s always best to take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect he or she has an ear infection.
A home treatment for dog ear infection can actually make the problem worse, resulting in pain and sickness for your dog. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Regular home care as a preventative measure can help keep your dog’s ears healthy.
What Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to Ear Infections?
Unfortunately, some dog breeds are far more prone to ear problems. Is your dog’s breed on the list?
- Labrador Retriever
- Shih Tzu
- Standard Poodle
- Boxer
- Maltese
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Pit Bull
- Dachshund
- Basset Hound
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Mixed Breed
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Now, it’s easier than ever to keep your dog’s ears healthy at home with CLEAR ME by TruPet, a safe, natural, effective ear cleaning solution for pets- for far less than you’d pay for a visit to the veterinarian.
Cleaning your dog’s ears is a fairly simple process. Gather a few supplies, including some tasty treats. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to complete the process.
Supplies:
- cotton gauze, clean washcloth, or cotton balls
- Clear Me ear cleaner
- tasty treats to motivate your dog to cooperate (we like Treat Me salmon)
Start by making the process fun for your dog. Give them lots of praise and a dog treat party so you’ll have their full attention and cooperation. It’s best to perform grooming tasks after your dog has expended any pent up energy, so be sure to take them for a walk or have a game of fetch before attempting to get them to sit still (just like a toddler).
- Grab firmly on your dogs ear flap and fill the entire ear canal with cleanser.
- Have a cotton ball, washcloth, or gauze ready to removed excess liquids.
- Massage the ear canal at the base of your dogs ear, (this is the part they will LOVE and why they will let you do this day after day) for 5 minutes.
- Wipe away any excess debris and cleanser.
- Treat your dog well and praise them for a job well done.
If you notice any puss, redness, sores, or fluid filled irritations, take your dog to your veterinarian for an evaluation. You may need medicated ear treatments or oral medication for a few days to get your dog’s ears healthy again.
Regular cleaning can help prevent problems before they occur, so try to clean your dog’s ears every week or two, or as needed. You may need to clean them more often if your dog likes to roll in the yard, run through fields, or swim frequently.