Only about one in four (27%) dog owners clean out their dog’s ears enough. If you’ve found yourself among the majority, then you’re not alone!
When you adopted your dog, you weren’t given instructions. There’s no manual on how to clean a dog’s ear. With that in mind, give yourself some grace. Now is the perfect time to learn how to clean a dog’s ears and apply that knowledge.
Read on to learn how to clean a dog’s ears and give your senior pup a good ear cleaning.
Prepare Your Area and Your Pet
Before you begin the process of cleaning your dog’s ears, you need to prepare an area and your supplies. Here’s what to collect:
- A cleaning solution (more on that below)
- Cotton balls
- A towel
- Dog treats
Keep in mind that your pet might start to get suspicious at this point if they aren’t a fan of cleaning their ears.
As you’re preparing your supplies, keep your pet in mind, too. If you know they often get nervous, consider calming them down beforehand. Loving pets always help!
You could also consider using Ellevet for dogs to help reduce anxiety.
Choosing the Right Dog Ear Cleaner
So, what type of ear cleaner should you pick? You can buy over-the-counter products, but avoid alcohol-based ones. Instead, ask your vet or look for “vet-approved” products.
Inspect Your Pet’s Ears
Next, sit your dog down and inspect their ears before you start to clean them. Look for any odd smells or signs of inflammation. Also, take note if your dog seems irritable or itchy when you inspect their ears.
You might also notice dried blood or little black dots. This could be a sign of ear mites or another infestation.
If you notice any red flags, then consider stopping and having a vet take a look.
How to Clean a Dog’s Ears at Home
If things seem okay, then hold the ear flap up and put a few ear cleaning drops inside. Massage your pup’s ears for about 20-30 seconds, then let go.
Your senior pup should shake out of instinct. If not, hold their head in a way that allows the ear to drain out. Use your cotton ball to wipe out your pup’s ear, and they’re good to go!
Tips for Cleaning a Dog’s Ears With Ease
Cleaning your pup’s ears is only one way to keep your senior dog healthy. To ensure their ears are healthy, you need to focus on whole-body health for your pet.
Consider using products like fish oil and high-quality dog food to keep your baby healthy.
How to Clean a Dog’s Ears the Right Way
Now that you know how to clean a dog’s ears, you’re likely wondering how often you should. Depending on your dog’s breed, it makes sense to do so about once a month.
Of course, senior pups might need a little extra TLC. You might want to consider making cleaning dogs ears a routine every two weeks.
Did you find this article helpful and informative? If so, then we have plenty more where that came from. Check out our blog now to learn more awesome tips to help you and your senior pet thrive.