Do I need to clean my dog’s ears? - Vetland Vet Emergency

If you’re lucky enough to be sharing your home with a canine companion, chances are there has been a point in time you’ve had to administer ear medication at some point. Ear infections are incredibly common, and can happen for a variety of reasons. Some reasons that your dog may suffer from an ear infection include;

• Water in ears (bathing, swimming) allow normal bacteria and fungus to overgrow
• Increased humidity (weather, grooming salons)
• Allergies (can be seasonal, or year-round)
• Anatomical misfortune (think cocker spaniel with those loooooong ears!)
• There’s hair in there (overly hairy ear canals which limit ventilation – think poodle ears!)
• Parasites – especially true in cats, mites can have an absolute party down there

With so many things that can go wrong with the ears, and ear infections being so common, no wonder we’re all eager to stave off infections. There is a huge variety of ear cleaners on the market, easily accessible as over the counter products. It can certainly be tempting to pick one of these up and start prophylactically cleaning your pet’s ears.

But what are you cleaning? Remember that wax has a protective function. It’s actually there for a reason, and is trying to prevent infection. Also, improper technique and frequency can actually cause damage to the ear canal, by over-moisturising and turning it to moosh.

Why Is Ear Cleaning Important?

Routine ear cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing dog ear infections. Left untreated, excess wax and debris can build up in your dog's ears, creating the perfect environment for infections to develop. This is particularly true for breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Basset Hounds. Cleaning your dog’s ears can also help identify early signs of trouble, such as unusual odors, redness, or discharge. If you're unsure about how to clean your dog’s ears, consult your veterinarian or look up guides on how to clean a dog's ears safely to avoid any potential damage.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Ears?

Your dog’s ear-cleaning routine will depend on their breed, lifestyle, and health. Dogs that swim often or have floppy ears may need more frequent cleaning. However, it's essential not to over-clean, as this can irritate the ear canal. If you notice your dog scratching their ears frequently or shaking their head, they may need a cleaning. Search for the best dog ear cleaning products to ensure you're using safe and effective solutions.

How to Properly Clean Your Dog’s Ears

• Use a Dog-Safe Ear Cleaning Solution: Avoid using anything designed for humans, and instead opt for a safe dog ear cleaning solution that’s recommended by your vet. Gently squirt the solution into the ear and massage the base to loosen debris.
• Inspect for Symptoms of Infection: Look for signs like redness, swelling, or a strong odor. If you notice these, your dog may already have an infection, and you should seek out dog ear infection treatment from your vet.
• Be Gentle and Thorough: After applying the ear cleaner, wipe away any debris or excess liquid with a cotton pad or soft cloth. Avoid pushing anything deep into your dog’s ear canal, as this can cause damage.

When to See the Vet

My mantra – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. With so much that can go wrong, unless your family veterinarian has specifically advised and named a product, and tutored you in how to clean ears – don’t do it.

There are some absolutely amazing products out there, and a huge variety. The reason for the variety is because in this scenario, one shoe size does not fit all. If your dog has ear problems, it depends on what is causing the ear problems and what type of infection is present as to which one we need to select.

Is there a problem clearing wax?
Is there a problem with fungal, or bacterial infections?
Are allergies at the base of it all?

If you think your dog may benefit from ear cleaning, or you have concerns about your current ear cleaning regime, I’d love to see you and your dog. It’s one of my most favourite topics.