Cleaning your dog's ears made easy: how to care for your dog's ears properly

The right ear care for happy dog ears

Why is ear care so important?

Your dog's ears are particularly sensitive. Dirt, moisture and foreign bodies can provide the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, which then lead to inflammation. A typical symptom of an ear infection (otitis) is frequent scratching or shaking of the head. Other signs may include an unpleasant odor, redness or even a secretion coming out of the ear.

You can prevent these problems with regular ear care. It's not just about removing superficial dirt, but also about regularly checking your dog's ears for abnormalities. If you recognize early on that something is wrong, you can avoid a lot of suffering and a potentially costly visit to the vet.

How often should ears be cleaned?

Not every dog has the same care needs when it comes to their ears. The frequency of ear cleaning depends on several factors:

• Breed: Dogs with droopy or long ears, such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are more prone to ear problems because their ears are less well ventilated. These breeds may require weekly cleaning. Dogs with erect ears, such as huskies, generally require less care.
• Living environment: Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or enjoy swimming accumulate more dirt and moisture in their ears and should be cleaned more frequently.
• Individual disposition: Some dogs simply produce more earwax than others, and this requires more frequent grooming.

A good guideline is to check your dog's ears once a week and clean them as needed. If you notice that they are clean, a longer interval may be sufficient. It is important that you inspect the ears regularly to notice any changes early on.

The right equipment for ear cleaning

Before you start cleaning, you should make sure that you have the right equipment to hand. Here's what you need for safe and effective ear care:

• Special ear cleaners for dogs: avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide at all costs, as these can irritate the sensitive skin in the ear. There are special solutions available from your vet or from specialist retailers. These cleaners are gentle and adapted to the pH value of dogs' ears.
• Cotton pads or gauze: Use soft materials to clean the ear. Cotton buds should be avoided as they can cause injury if your dog moves suddenly.
• Towel: It can always get a bit messy, so a towel is handy to catch any drips.
• Treats: For your dog's patience, it's always good to have a few of their favorite treats on hand.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning ears

1. prepare your dog

Put your dog in a relaxed position. If your dog gets nervous, you can first calm him down a little by stroking him or talking to him. Some dogs are better cleaned when they are on a raised table, while others prefer to stay on the floor.

2. ear inspection

Before you start cleaning, you should take a look inside your dog's ear. It should look pink and clean, with no redness or noticeable odor. A slight odor is normal, but a strong, unpleasant smell can be a sign of infection. If you see pus, blood or excessive dirt, it is better to see a vet before cleaning yourself.

3. apply the cleaner

Carefully hold your dog's ear up and pour a small amount of ear cleaner into the ear canal. Make sure that you do not insert the bottle too deeply into the ear. Then gently massage the outside of the ear. You will hear the cleaner 'smacking' inside the ear. Massaging helps to loosen dirt and wax.

4. remove excess liquid

After massaging the ear for a few seconds, let your dog shake his head. This is quite normal and helps to get the fluid out of the ear. You can then use a cotton pad or soft cloth to gently wipe away the visible fluid and loosened dirt. Be careful not to go too deep into the ear to avoid injury.

5. repeat the process on the other ear

Each ear should be cleaned individually. Therefore, start the whole process again on the other ear. Don't forget to give your dog praise or a treat in between so that he associates the procedure with something positive.

Common mistakes when grooming ears

Penetrating too deeply into the ear

Cotton buds or other tools that are inserted too deeply into the ear can damage your dog's eardrum. Therefore, only use soft pads and only clean the area that you can see.

Wrong cleaning products

Only use products that are suitable for dogs' ears. Alcohol and other aggressive products can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Cleaning too often

Cleaning too often can destroy the natural protective barrier of your dog's ears and make them more susceptible to infection. Pay attention to the right amount and only clean when necessary.

When should you go to the vet?

You cannot treat every change in your dog's ears yourself. If your dog scratches its ears a lot, shakes its head constantly or the ear is very red and swollen, you should see a vet. A bad smell, excessive discharge or a change in the position of the head can also be signs of a serious illness.

Conclusion: Ear care as part of the dog grooming routine

Cleaning and checking your dog's ears regularly is one of the basic building blocks of good dog grooming. With the right technique and a little practice, ear cleaning will become a stress-free and quick ritual for you and your dog. Make sure to be gentle, use the right cleaning products and check your dog's ears regularly. This will not only prevent infections, but also help your dog to feel completely comfortable.