How to clean your dog’s ears
How to clean your dog’s ears is something every dog owner should know. Why? Because ear problems are a common reason for dog owners to visit the veterinarian. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by a number of things.
Causes
While any dog can get an ear infection, some dogs are prone to them. Dogs with heavy floppy ears and breeds with lots of hair in and around the ear canal are more susceptible. Also dogs that like to play in the water are apt to get moisture in their ears. This can lead to yeast and bacteria growth causing infections. Some breeds have very narrow ear canals. As a result, tiny bits of debris can clog the canal resulting in discomfort and infection. Finally, allergies and foreign bodies in the ear canal are always a concern. So what indicates an ear problem?
Indications of ear infections
There are certain symptoms you can look for if you think your dog may have an ear infection.
- Scratching their ears or shaking their head
- Rubbing their ears on the floor or other surfaces
- Thinning or patchy hair around the ear
- Dry and crusty skin around the ear
- Discharge and/or odor from the ear
- Whining
Untreated ear infections can spread from the outer part of the ear into the middle and/or inner part of the dog’s ear. As a result, the dog could experience loss of balance, incoordination, hearing loss, and even deafness. Regular cleaning of the ears can help keep your dog healthy and happy.
Supplies
To clean your dog’s ears, you will need the following supplies.
- Cotton balls or a soft absorbent wipe
- Towel
- Plastic gloves (optional)
- Curicyn Ear Cleansing Solution
Procedure
While some dogs will sit happily while you clean their ears, most dogs do not like it. It is always helpful to have two people, one to hold and comfort the dog and one to clean the ears. Some people restrain their dog on top of a table. Others prefer to sit beside their dog on the floor. If you place your dog in a corner, with a person on each side, it helps keep them from backing up and trying to get away.
Dogs have a long narrow ear canal that makes an almost 90-degree bend. To clean the ear properly, you will need to gently lift the ear up and out, away from the head to open up the area at the bend. Squeeze the Curicyn Ear Cleansing Solution into the ear canal. Fill it until you see the fluid at the top of the canal. Gently massage the area at the base of the ear in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. This will help loosen any dirt or debris that may be in the ear. You will most likely hear a squishing sound as you do this. Holding the towel over the dog’s head, let them shake their head. Use a cotton ball or soft, absorbent cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Repeat on the other ear.
How Curicyn Ear Cleansing Solution helps dogs…
Curicyn Ear Cleansing Solution cleanses and soothes the ear and helps prevent ear infections if used as directed. It also helps promote rapid healing and addresses yeast and bacteria at its source. In addition, it helps reduce odor, irritation and inflammation associated with ear infections. It does not stain, burn, itch or create any sensitivity to your dog when applied.
**Leave Q-tip type objects for professionals as they can damage the ear canal.
Find a store near you that sells Curicyn
References
AnimalCareTv. (September 5, 2016). Cleaning a dog’s ears – veterinary training. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/5C39A9UU720
FBRN. (n.d.). Frenchies and ear health. Retrieved from https://www.frenchbulldogrescue.org/adoption-info/health-safety-your-frenchie/ear-health/
PetMD. (n.d.) Dog breeds prone to ear infections. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/dog-breeds-prone-ear-infections
Racine, E. (September 2, 2019). Dog ear infections: symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention. AKC. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/
Washington State University (n.d.). Examining and medicating the ears of a dog. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/35FRJr2