May 30, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, How to

Grooming a dog can be a challenge for some owners as many pups don't enjoy being bathed with pet shampoo, having their nails trimmed or their face washed. However, performing these tasks is crucial to keep a dog healthy. One of the more overlooked, but very important parts of grooming a dog is keeping its ears clean. All dogs need to have their ears taken care of, though certain factors can determine how often it should be done.

How often to clean

Certain breeds need to have their ears cleaned more often due to their naturally long and floppy ears. These breeds include retrievers, cocker spaniels and Bassett hounds. Long ears make it easy for bacteria and infections to fester, so it's crucial to clean them often. If your pup has already suffered from ear issues, or is prone to developing large amounts of wax or discharge, you'll need to clean the ears more often in order to keep these issues at bay in the future.

Issues that can arise in a dog's ears

There are a wide variety of problems a dog can get from having poorly or rarely cleaned ears. Ear infections, mites and more can plague a dog, causing it extreme pain. Ear infections can occur if your pup has been exposed to water while swimming in the ocean on a family trip or during a bath. If the ears aren't dried after they get wet, bacteria can begin to grow in the cold, damp area, leading to full blown infections. Mites can also be a problem, though your pooch should be safe from these critters if it's on flea and tick preventative pet drugs like Sentinel.

Best method for ear cleaning

Cleaning your dog's ears may be a challenge at first, but with a few simple steps, your dog will most likely get used to the procedure. For the cleaning, purchase pet products like Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser that works to prevent bacteria and yeast buildup. It also helps keep pH levels in the ears neutral and odors at bay. To use this solution, shake it and then apply it liberally to the dog's ear canal. Shut its ear and then gently rub the base of the ear to move the product around. Next, take a cotton ball and swab the inside of the ear flap with the solution for a complete clean. Always reward your pup with a snack like Greenies Dental Treats for Dogs for a job well done.

Related posts:

1. When your pet has mite-y itchy ears
2. Keeping your pooch’s ears healthy and clean
3. Kitty scratching her ears? Infection may be to blame
4. When ear infections don’t go away
5. Help your dog cope with ear infections