Have you noticed that your dog shakes his head excessively, scratches or scratches his ear, and tilts his head a lot? Taken together, these are signs that your dog's ears need cleaning. The good news: With these tips from a professional veterinarian for cleaning dog ears at home, you won't have to go to the vet to do it. Keep scrolling to find out more!
Why is it important to clean your dog's ears?
Regular ear cleaning is an important part of dog care and hygiene. Failing to clean a dog's ears regularly can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Ear Infections: Dogs are prone to ear infections, especially those with floppy ears or hairy ear canals. Earwax, debris, and moisture can create an environment for bacteria or yeast to grow and lead to infections, says veterinarian Sara Ochoa, DVM , founder of How To Pets .
- Discomfort and Pain: The buildup of dirt, wax, or debris can cause discomfort and pain to your dog, says Dr. Ochoa. "Excessive scratching may indicate that your dog is trying to relieve discomfort caused by earwax or debris."
- Odor: Dirty ears can give off an unpleasant odor. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of odor-causing substances. Additionally, "an unusually strong odor from your dog's ears may indicate an infection or a buildup of dirt and bacteria." »
- Hearing problems: Excess earwax or foreign objects can affect a dog's hearing. Ear cleaning ensures that the ear canals remain clean and thus enables optimal hearing.
- Inflammation and redness: Neglected ear hygiene can lead to inflammation and redness of the ear canal. This can be uncomfortable for the dog and may require veterinary attention. It's helpful to "check your dog's ears regularly for signs of swelling or sensitivity to touch," says Dr. Ochoa. "These symptoms could be the result of an underlying infection, allergies or dust mites."
If you notice a cat's ears sticking out of your pet, this is another sign that the ears are bothering you. "While some earwax is normal, excessive or abnormal discharge from the ear is not," says Dr. Ochoa. "If you notice an increase in the amount of earwax or yellow, brown, or black discharge from your dog's ears, it may be a sign of a problem."
Related: Veterinarians Reveal the Best Foods to Ease Your Dog's Upset Stomach So They'll Feel Better Quickly
How to clean your dog's ears at home
Ready to give your pup some much-needed relief? With these steps you can easily learn how to clean dog ears at home! What you can do according to Dr. Ochoa will need: dog ear cleaning solution ( buy it at PetSmart for $9.99 ), cotton balls or pads, and treats to give to your dog afterward.
How to clean a dog's ears at home: Step 1
Before you begin, look into your dog's ears to see exactly what you're dealing with. This way you will be better prepared for the actual cleaning. However, do this carefully so as not to further irritate infections.
How to clean a dog's ears at home: Step 2
Next, "read and follow the ear cleaning solution instructions carefully," warns Dr. Ochoa. » This is because some solutions may need to be diluted with water. Therefore, make sure you use the recommended amount and mix according to the instructions.
How to clean a dog's ears at home: Step 3
Next, "gently lift your dog's ear flap and place a few drops of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal," says Dr. Ochoa. "Massage the base of your ear for about 20 seconds to allow the solution to work its magic. You may hear a squeaking noise, which is completely normal.
How to clean a dog's ears at home: Step 4
Use the cotton ball or swab to remove any dirt, wax, or debris from the ear, says Dr. Ochoa. "Be careful not to push it further into the ear canal. Repeat this step until the cotton ball comes out clean.
After cleaning his ears, the last thing you should do is give your puppy a treat! "This helps create a positive association with the process and makes future cleanings easier," says Dr. Ochoa.
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
"In general, routine ear cleaning is recommended every one to two months," says Dr. Ochoa. This helps prevent the buildup of wax and dirt that could lead to infections.
"Some breeds, such as spaniels, are prone to ear infections due to their long floppy ears. "These dogs may need to be cleaned more frequently," he says. "In addition to breed, several other factors can affect how often you should clean your dog's ears. This includes your activity level, your general health and any existing ear problems.
When should I take my dog to the vet?
While you can and should clean your dog's ears at home, sometimes it's necessary to take him to the vet for a professional cleaning.
1. If otitis recurs
If your puppy's ears are inflamed more often than usual, it's a sign that he needs professional help. "If your dog has suffered from repeated ear infections in the past, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to review possible solutions and preventive measures," advises Dr. Ochoa. "Some dogs are prone to recurring ear infections due to factors such as anatomy, allergies, or moisture buildup."
2. Persistent itching or scratching
If you notice that your puppy continues to scratch at them despite cleaning his ears, it may be time to go to the vet, as this could be a sign of other ear problems.
3. Excessive redness, swelling, or discharge
"Visible inflammation, redness, swelling, or discharge from your dog's ears such as wax, pus, or blood may indicate an infection," says Dr. Ochoa. "Your vet can examine his ears and recommend appropriate medication to alleviate the problem."
4. Behavioral changes
If your furry friend still seems sick after you clean his ears, that could also mean it's time to go to the vet. "If you notice your four-legged friend showing signs of pain or discomfort, such as: B. increased irritability, aversion to touching the ears or decreased appetite, this can be a sign of an ear problem," says Dr. Ochoa. . "A veterinarian will be able to determine the cause and provide appropriate solutions."
For more information about your dog's health, click on the links below.
Ginger for Dogs: Vets Explain What You Need to Know Before Giving Your Pup Spice
Can dogs eat white chocolate? Veterinarians reveal what you need to know to keep puppies safe
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire