My puppy hates having his ears cleaned... Here are some tips and tricks to help!

It's stressful for dogs to be restricted in their freedom and have their bodies handled for long periods of time. However, for the sake of their skin and health, we can't neglect cleaning their ears and clipping their nails.

When clipping their nails or cleaning their ears, do you unconsciously hold them down, be persistent, or scold them? Praising them and giving them treats when they do it well tends to help them learn to tolerate it to a certain extent.

Today, we'll explain in detail what to do if your puppy doesn't like having their ears cleaned and the recommended ear cleaning method. ♪

When is it OK to start cleaning your puppy's ears?

You can start anytime, but the best time is when your puppy no longer dislikes being touched! Dogs don't like having their extremities touched. It can be difficult to get them used to it once they're adults, so start getting them used to it from a young age!

One of the areas dogs like to be touched is the area from their mouth to their ears. When you praise your dog, stroke the area from their mouth to their ears a lot, and then touch their ears just a little. Simply extend the amount of time you touch their ears each time you praise them. Gradually get them used to it.

Once they no longer dislike having their ears touched, try cleaning them. First, start by wiping your dog's ears lightly with absorbent cotton. ^^♪

Things you should not do

• Scolding
• Pulling the dog's ears
• Restraining the dog with multiple people
• Persisting even if the dog refuses
• Forcibly capturing a fleeing dog

These actions can be stressful and even traumatic for your dog. If your dog starts to think that these actions are a sign of fear, cleaning its ears will be very difficult in the future.

To avoid your dog's annoyance, build a trusting relationship with him by offering treats and praising him generously when he can endure!

If your dog resists touching even when you're gentle, it may be in pain. For example, the inside of the ear may be inflamed, or the ear may be itchy and scratching frequently, causing an ear injury.

In this case, it's difficult to treat at home, so you should see a doctor and get a prescription for a topical medication. If left untreated, bacteria may enter the area, leading to even worse symptoms.

Frequency of Ear Cleaning

Depending on the breed, you should clean your dog's ears about once or twice a month. If your dog's ears are healthy, cleaning them at the same time as your monthly shampoo will help you remember to care for them.

Cleaning your dog's ears too often can actually cause inflammation, so if you notice any dirt, it's best to wipe them with cotton wool soaked in ear cleaner.

Long-haired breeds and breeds with allergies or skin conditions will need to clean their ears more frequently. A good time to clean their ears is when you shampoo them.

If it's difficult to do it yourself, you can also ask a vet for help. They will clean your dog's ears for around 1,500 to 2,000 yen.

Visiting your vet regularly also gives you an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, in addition to ear cleaning, which can lead to early detection of illness. If you find it difficult, don't push yourself and go to the vet!

Some grooming salons also offer nail clipping and ear cleaning services, so it seems like a good option. You can do this at the same time as shampooing, so it's a lot less work.

Ear Cleaning at Home

【What You Need】

• Gauze or cotton wool
• Dog ear cleaner

First, soak gauze or cotton wool in the cleaning solution.

After restraining your dog, gently wipe the outside of the ear with gauze or cotton soaked in the cleaning solution.

Then, gradually apply the cleaning solution to the ear and massage the area around the base of the ear.

Your dog will shake its head vigorously to remove any dirt, so you can remove that dirt.

Then, wipe away any loose dirt.

Dogs don't like being restrained. It's important to train them regularly, not just when cleaning their ears. Be sure to start training your dog from puppyhood. It's a good idea for both you and your dog.

It's not a good idea to only clean your dog's ears when it has ear problems. Since ear problems can be painful, your dog may assume that having its ears touched is painful. Clean your dog's ears regularly.

Summary

【When to Clean Your Puppy's Ears】

When your dog no longer dislikes having its ears touched!

【Things not to do to a disliked dog】

• Scolding
• Pulling its ears
• Restraining it with multiple people
• Persisting even if it dislikes
• Forcibly capturing a fleeing dog

【How often should you clean its ears】

If your dog is healthy and free of illness, clean its ears once or twice a month.

If your pet has an illness, follow your doctor's instructions.

If you have difficulty cleaning your pet's ears yourself, a veterinary clinic or grooming salon can do the job.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

What You'll Need

• Gauze or cotton wool
• Dog ear cleaner

First, soak gauze or cotton wool in the cleaning solution.

After restraining your dog, gently wipe the outside of the ear with the gauze or cotton wool soaked in the cleaning solution.

Then, pour the cleaning solution into the ear little by little and massage the area around the base of the ear.

Your dog will shake its head vigorously to remove the dirt, so you can clean it up.

Then, wipe away any dirt that has come to the surface.

Did you enjoy this? You may be wondering why your dog dislikes having its ears cleaned. Let's get your puppy used to having their ears touched while they're still puppies, making future grooming sessions easier!

If you make sure your dog doesn't mind being touched on its paws, it may be easier to trim its nails. If your dog doesn't normally mind being touched, but suddenly starts to, you can easily detect possible injury or illness. So, be sure to value physical contact as part of your communication with your dog.