Are you cleaning your dog's ears properly? How to clean your dog's ears and what to be careful of!

Are you good at cleaning your dog's ears?
Dogs hate it, and nail clipping is probably one of the few chores many people don't like to do.

"How often should I clean my dog's ears?"
"They hate it, so I can't do it myself..."
"Are cotton swabs a no-no?! How to clean your dog's ears"

This time, I'll be writing about cleaning your dog's ears! I hope it's helpful.

Ear cleaning should be done once or twice a month. Some breeds may need to be cleaned two to three times a week.

Cleaning your dog's ears depends on the breed, but generally, cleaning them once a month is sufficient.

Ear cleaning has a self-cleaning effect to some extent, so it's fine to do it less frequently.

Doing it too often can be stressful for your dog, so this frequency is best!

Depending on your dog's breed, health status, etc.

The frequency of ear cleaning will vary.

• Dog with upturned ears
• No sticky earwax
• No history of ear problems

For the above dogs, once a month is sufficient.

Depending on the degree of dirtiness, increase the frequency to twice a month!

• Has had an ear disease such as otitis externa at least once
• Dogs with hairy ears and droopy ears

The above dogs should be checked once every two weeks.

If your dog has had an ear disease at least once, be careful.

Because dog breeds like poodles and Labradors have floppy ears and lots of ear hair,

Compared to dogs with upright ears, they are in an environment where bacteria are more likely to grow.

If you're not sure which type your dog is...

It seems safe to assume that upright ears are given once a month and floppy ears are given twice a month.

If instructed by a hospital, etc.

The frequency will increase significantly, such as three times a week.

The above frequency is generally fine, but if your pet develops otitis externa or other conditions, be sure to follow the hospital's instructions and thoroughly clean it!!

If you're worried, go to a veterinarian or groomer.

"My dog ​​hates ear cleaning and gets all fussy, so I'm a little worried about doing it myself."

"I'm afraid it might hurt, so I don't want to do it!"

For those of you who feel this way, veterinary clinics and groomers will clean your dog's ears for you.

Veterinary costs

500 to 3,000 yen

It seems like you should be okay if you budget around that amount.

In most cases, the cost, including consultation fees and follow-up visits, will be around the above amount.

Ear cleaning is a part of regular care, just like nail clipping.

There are ways that work better for different breeds, so

It might be a good idea to ask your dog's teacher for tips and tricks.

Even if you do it the way you were taught,

If your dog really hates it, it's probably best not to force yourself to clean its ears.

If your dog absolutely refuses to have the procedure done, it's better to have it done at a vet, as this is less stressful for both you and the dog. Although it may cost a little more, take your dog to the vet as frequently as listed above.

Frequent visits to the vet can sometimes lead to the discovery of illnesses due to minor health issues or consultations, so taking your dog to the vet isn't all bad. Some hospitals include nail clipping and other services in their consultation fees, so be sure to call and check.

Should I use cotton swabs? How to Clean Your Ears

This is often said in humans, too.

Have you ever heard that when trying to remove earwax with a cotton swab, you end up pushing it back in?

The same thing happens with dogs. If earwax that can't be removed with a cotton swab gets stuck in their ears, it can become so stuck that it can only be removed by a doctor.

Dogs' ears are different from human ears in that they're shaped like an inverted L, making it difficult to remove and see.

On the other hand, it seems unlikely to directly rupture the eardrum, which is reassuring.

Cotton swabs inevitably apply direct force. You may unknowingly injure your dog's ears.

For this reason, unless you're a veterinarian, it's probably best to avoid using cotton swabs.

So how do you clean your dog's ears?

Have you heard of the "Eyebon" ear cleaner?

The recommended method is to put liquid in your dog's ear, and then your dog will reflexively shake its head, and then wipe away the liquid that comes out.

Things to Prepare

• Ear Cleaning Solution
• Cotton

How to Do It

1. Soak a cotton ball in ear cleaning solution.

2. Securely hold your dog, squeeze the cotton ball, and pour the solution into the ear.

3. Gently massage the base of the ear.

4. When your dog shakes its head, wipe away any liquid that comes out.

If step 3 is difficult to massage, you can proceed to step 4.

This method is perfect for cleaning ears! No need to use cotton swabs.

Your dog may be quite reluctant at first, but if you make it a routine to give it a treat and praise it after cleaning its ears, it will get used to it and no longer dislike it.

Ear cleaning is something you'll have to do from now on, so it's important to do it in a way that's stress-free for both you and your dog.

Summary

Ear cleaning times vary depending on the breed and medical history of your dog, but they should be approximately once or twice a month. If instructed by your vet, this may increase to three times a week.

In that case, follow your vet's instructions and clean your dog thoroughly.

If your dog dislikes ear cleaning and finds it difficult, vets and groomers can do it for you!

It's recommended that you take your dog to the vet first and have them teach you how to clean their ears. You can also get cleaning solutions, so try doing it at the above frequency! If your dog really dislikes it, it's best to ask your vet or groomer for help.

Please take care of your dog to the best of your ability, within reasonable limits! !

Do not use cotton swabs to clean their ears! They can cause injury or illness. Use ear cleaning liquid and cotton for safe ear cleaning without cotton swabs!

For the sake of your beloved dog, please give it a try.