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The Top Five Ways of Preventing Dog Ear Problems

Have you been searching for information on how to prevent dog ear problems?  What is the correct way to clean dog ears?  Dog ears come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes but regardless of the difference in the appearance of dog ears, they all share one; all dog ears have a great sense of hearing.

Due to the delicacy of structure in the dog ears, the outer and inner ear is essential in preventing dog ear problems before they take place.  The following are five helpful tips to prevent dog ear problems and how to clean them properly.

1.  Softly place some cotton into the outside ear opening of your dog before bathing him.  This step will help water drops from entering into the dog ears.

2.  Dog ears must be cleaned on a monthly basis.  The steps in cleaning dog ears can be done using a cotton swab dipped in either alcohol, diluted peroxide, mineral oil, or even a cleansing product that is recommended by your vetenarian. With gentle strokes, cautiously wipe around the folds of both the inner dog ear opening and the outer dog ear opening, removing wax build up in an upward motion.

Remember not to bury the wax deeper into your dog’s ear.  To make sure that you do not cause damage to the delicate structure of the inner dog ear, only clean the parts of the dog ears that are visible.  Make sure that wax protects the dog ear canal.  So, in finishing the process, don’t forget to leave a little wax behind.  This process will delay cleaning the dog ears if there has been wax build up from the previous cleans.

3.  If yours likes running in brushes and high grass, check under the dog ear flaps.  Vegetative substance can bond to the fur around the dog ears.  If this isn’t removed properly, it can get stuck inside the ear and cause irritation to his membranes which may lead to an ear infection.

4.  Breeds such as English Spaniels and Poodles can have hair in the ears that can prevent air circulation and cause an ear infection.  To stop this dog ear problem, comb and trim dog hair around his ears on a regular basis. 

5.  Injuries such as cuts right under the inner ear flaps of a dog can become infected.  Always check your dog’s ears for any damaged tissue, particularly if he has been in a brawl with another animal.

 Article by Ashley Gerard of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on upscale dog beds online

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