Cleaning your dog’s ears is a vital part of their grooming routine. While all dogs require occasional ear cleaning, certain breeds, like the Bluetick Coonhound, may need more regular and thorough attention due to a higher susceptibility to ear infections. The good news is that you can easily clean your dog’s ears at home, as long as you follow the proper techniques to avoid any harm.

The Anatomy of a Dog’s Ear:

Getting to know your dog’s anatomy is beneficial for grooming tasks like ear cleaning. This knowledge can help you avoid causing any harm and give you a clearer idea of what you’re observing during the process. A dog’s ear consists of a fairly intricate structure.

• The visible outer part of the ear is known as the pinna, which can either flop down or stand upright, affecting airflow to the ear canal and potentially increasing the risk of infections in floppy-eared dogs.
• Just inside the visible ear is the external canal, which runs vertically down the head before turning horizontally. This canal is lined with skin and contains cartilage that forms ridges and creases.
• Glands in the external canal produce wax and oils (sebum) to protect the ear.
• The canal ends at the eardrum (tympanic membrane), a thin tissue that vibrates with sound waves and aids in hearing while also protecting the middle and inner ear.
• Behind the eardrum lies the middle ear, followed by the inner ear, which house delicate structures crucial for hearing and balance. Damage to these areas can severely affect a dog’s hearing and balance, with some injuries being permanent.

Preparing to Clean Your Dog’s Ears:

The ideal spots to clean your dog’s ears are in the tub or outside, especially before a bath. Be prepared for debris and cleaner to scatter when your dog shakes its head, so consider using towels to protect yourself and your surroundings.

Before cleaning, inspect the ears to assess dirtiness and check for excess hair. If there’s too much hair in the ear canal, it may need to be plucked, which can be done with your fingers, tweezers, or hemostats. Using dog-specific ear powder can help grip the hair. Consult your groomer or vet on the best techniques for plucking to ensure your dog’s comfort.

What You Need?

When selecting supplies for cleaning your dog’s ears, steer clear of cleansers that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the ear.

• Veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution, such as Epi-Otic by Virbac
• Cotton balls, cotton pads, or gauze squares
• Tweezers or hemostats for dogs with excessive hair in the ear canals
• One or two towels

Add Ear Cleaner:

Start by lifting the ear flap and applying a few drops of ear cleaner inside it, close to the ear opening. Then, carefully position the tip of the bottle in the ear and squeeze gently.

Massage the Ear:

Before your dog shakes its head, massage the base of the ear, where you can feel the cartilage near the jaw, until you hear a smacking sound. This helps the cleanser reach the canal’s ridges and loosen any debris. After massaging for a few seconds (longer for very dirty ears), you can let go and allow your dog to shake. It’s a good idea to turn away or hold up a towel during this step.

Wipe the Ear Canal:

After your dog shakes, lightly moisten a cotton ball or gauze with ear cleaner. Use it with your finger to gently wipe out the ear canal, inserting your finger as far as it comfortably goes without forcing.

If the ear still appears dirty, repeat the process. Stop immediately if you notice redness, bleeding, or if your dog shows signs of pain.

Then, proceed to the other ear and follow the same steps. Finally, wipe away any visible debris and dry your dog’s head. Don’t forget to reward your dog with a treat and plenty of praise.

Problems and Proofing Behavior:

Avoid using cotton-tipped applicators in your dog’s ears, as they can damage the eardrum. Similarly, the tip of your cleaning bottle should not go deeper than what you can see, and don’t apply excessive pressure when squeezing the cleaner.

Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections by removing wax and debris while also aiding in drying the ear. Dogs can accumulate wax and debris more quickly than humans; some may only need occasional wiping, while others may require thorough cleanings every week or two. Regularly inspect your dog’s ears and consult your vet about their specific needs. Over-cleaning can lead to irritation, whereas under-cleaning can result in excessive buildup.