When does your dog need ear cleaning? Introducing ear cleaning methods you can do at home

• Should I even clean my dog's ears?
• When does a dog need ear cleaning?
• What should I be careful of when cleaning its ears?

We can solve these problems.

Sometimes a dog's ears need to be cleaned include when there is enough earwax to be seen by looking into the dog's ears.
Ear cleaning is also necessary when the dog has an ear disease, such as otitis externa.

Make sure your dog's ears are cleaned and treat them appropriately.
If your dog resists ear cleaning, never force it.
A dog that doesn't want its ears touched is likely suffering from ear pain.
This may be a sign of some kind of illness, so if your dog refuses to have their ears touched, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

This article explains when ear cleaning is necessary and the correct ear cleaning method you can do at home.

Should I even use ear picks?

Wild animals don't actually need ear picks.

It's often said that humans don't actually need ear picks either.
The ears of animals, including humans and dogs, have a self-cleaning mechanism that expels earwax.
Incorrect ear cleaning can lead to otitis externa, so it's best not to use ear picks.

However, non-wild dogs often live in hot and humid environments, which can easily cause moisture to build up in their ears. If left untreated, this can lead to ear diseases like otitis externa.
Check your dog's ears and, if earwax builds up, clean them properly.

If your dog has earwax buildup, it may be due to its living environment.
The rainy season, when humidity levels are high, is a time when ear infections, such as otitis externa, are more likely to occur.

If any of the following apply to you, you should reassess your dog's current living environment to see if it's too humid for it.

• Using a humidifier
• Having the heater on all the time
• Moisture builds up, making it prone to mold growth

The ideal humidity level for dogs is said to be between 40 and 60 degrees.
Place a hygrometer in your dog's living space and adjust the humidity. If your home is prone to humidity, we recommend using a desiccant.

What kind of dogs need ear picks?

Dogs who need ear cleaning are those with earwax buildup.

For dogs prone to earwax buildup, please refer to the following:

• When otitis externa occurs
• Dogs with excessive secretions due to seborrhea, etc.
• Dogs with earwax gland hyperplasia, such as American Cocker Spaniels
• Dogs with narrow ear canals, such as brachycephalic breeds

Dogs whose ears are usually hidden tend to trap moisture, which can lead to earwax buildup.

Make sure your dog is comfortable and check for earwax buildup.
You don't need to check deep into the ear.
If there's visible earwax, you'll need to use an ear pick.

Also, if there's a lot of black earwax, it may be due to ear mites, tiny mites invisible to the naked eye. Take your dog to the vet immediately for a veterinary examination.

If you're not sure whether your dog needs ear cleaning, visit the vet to have them check the condition of the ears and earwax and discuss ear cleaning options.

Ear Cleaning Tips at Home

For dogs who need ear cleaning, here's how to properly clean them at home.

It's common to use ear lotion or wipe your dog's ears with ear cleaning wipes.
Because the inside of a dog's ears is easily damaged, avoid using cotton swabs or deep cleaning like you would with a human ear pick.

Using Ear Lotion

This method involves injecting a cleaning solution called ear cleaner or ear lotion into your dog's ears.
This method is considered the best way to clean your dog's ears because it doesn't damage the delicate inside of the ears. It's also gentle on the dog, making it recommended for dogs that don't like ear cleaning and get rowdy.

It's easy to use. Simply place a few drops in your dog's ear, pinch the base of the ear with your fingers, and rub it several times to clean it.
When you let go and your dog shakes its head, excess fluid will drain out.

Ear cleaners and ear lotions can be purchased at pet shops and veterinary clinics.
There are a variety of products on the market, including 100% natural products for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies, so choose the right product for your dog.

Using Ear Cleaning Wipes

If your dog's ears have earwax or other debris on them, wipe them away with an ear cleaning wipe.
Like ear cleaners, ear cleaning wipes can be purchased at pet stores or veterinary clinics.

To use, simply wrap a tissue or wipe around your fingertip and gently wipe away any visible earwax.
For breeds with drooping ears, turn the ear inside out and wipe only the inside-out surface.
There's no need to scrub hard when doing this. Wipe gently to avoid damaging your dog's ears.

If you don't have ear cleaning wipes, try soaking a cotton ball in ear lotion or water.
You may be tempted to use rubbing alcohol or baby wipes instead, but alcohol and ethanol can be toxic. They are toxic to dogs, so never use them.

Summary

Ear cleaning products are sold at pet shops, so some people may think that ear cleaning is necessary and clean their dogs' ears regularly. However, dogs with normal ears do not need ear picks.

Incorrect ear care can cause inflammation, so if you're unsure, ask your veterinarian at the vet whether ear cleaning is necessary and how to do it.

You can use ear lotion or ear cleaning wipes to clean your dog's ears.
Choose the product based on your dog's personality and how easy it is to handle.

Also, using alcohol or ethanol as a substitute can cause poisoning.
Be careful, as some vegetable oils can also cause poisoning.
If you don't have ear cleaning products, use cotton soaked in water.

It's important to know what's normal so you can recognize earwax.
Check your dog's ears regularly, for example, by looking into their ears when they're relaxed.
If your dog doesn't like being touched around the face, you'll need to gradually get them used to you over time.
Start by touching their body when they're relaxed.