Here is why it is important to clean your dog’s ears. Don’t fool yourself. You might prefer to believe that your dog ignores or disobeys you because he can’t hear your commands. Dogs have exceptional hearing, and they can distinguish between frequencies that are three times higher in frequency than what our poor human ears can hear. The fact that your dog has excellent hearing does not translate into physically strong ears. You need to take preventative action in the form of routine ear cleaning because dirt, insects, and bacteria can seriously harm those delicate ears. Let’s examine the significance of canine ear cleaning as well as the best and most secure approaches.
How Filthy Ears Can Cause Problems
You may have noticed that compared to human ears, your dog’s ears are significantly more permeable to the outside environment. Even a dog with floppy ears has fairly wide ear canals. The shape and angle of the ear canals make it simple for foreign objects to enter them and challenging for those objects to exit them. Debris, moisture, wax, microorganisms, ear mites, and viruses can thus establish a home inside your pet’s ears. Among the more typical outcomes are:
- Allergic responses
- Yeast or bacterial infections
- Hearing impairment
- Anger, itchiness, and discomfort in the ears (otitis)
Even a minor case of otitis will probably make your dog miserable. Otitis is a sort of ear infection that can cause irreversible hearing loss, making it one of the deadliest types of diseases. Otitis in dogs normally starts in the outer ear, but if it is not treated right away, it can spread to the inner ear and result in a ruptured eardrum.
Dogs of different breeds may be more prone to ear issues for various reasons. Breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Setters, and Cocker Spaniels, for example, frequently experience ear problems related to allergies. In breeds with floppy ears, like Beagles and Basset Hounds, ear problems are a result of the outer ear structure. Other breeds, including the Pekingese, Maltese, and Poodle, experience issues because of the dense hair on their ears.
Developing a Routine for Cleaning your Dog’s Ears
Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for your dog to experience an uncomfortable, potentially harmful ear issue. Regular ear cleaning can lessen the likelihood of infection and infestation by keeping the ears dry and clean. Dogs typically dislike having their ears played with, even when it’s for their own good, so beware of that. By providing your dog with plenty of treats as a reward for his perseverance and tolerance, you can help him accept having his ears cleaned. Typically, dogs only need to get their ears cleaned once each month. (If your dog enjoys swimming, more frequent cleanings can be beneficial.)
The Difference Is Made by the Right Products
It’s not difficult to clean a (compliant) dog’s ears, but it must be done properly. Stick to cotton balls or other soft, secure applicators since cotton swabs and other elongated objects can seriously harm skin. Unless specifically told to do so by your veterinarian, avoid using strong cleaners like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide or medications like antibiotics or steroids. Use a delicate ear wash. Tea tree oil, echinacea, aloe vera, and witch hazel are all natural ingredients that can safely remove wax, debris, and infectious agents from ears without causing any harm. It is a simple approach to help your dog maintain their comfort and of course their incredible hearing! At Charolette Kennels we care about the health and well-being of your dog.