Caring for Your Dog’s Ears

Our canine companions have remarkable hearing. Fido can hear much higher and lower frequencies than we can. Plus, he can pick out the sound of a food wrapper opening from the other end of the house! Caring for your pup’s adorable ears isn’t hard, but it is very important. A Lakeville, MN veterinarian discusses doggy ear care below.

Types Of Ears

Our canine pals have a few different types of ears. Some are droopy, others prick up, and some prick up but fold over at the top. Fido’s ears may also fold backwards. (Bulldogs are a good example of this.) Your pup’s exact ear care needs will depend very much on the type of ears he has. Some dogs don’t need ear cleanings at all, while others may need them every week or so. Ask your vet for specific advice. Just be careful not to over-clean your pet’s ears. This can dry them out, and lead to infections.

Cleaning

Cleaning Fido’s ears is actually pretty easy. However, you do need to be careful. Never insert anything hard, like a Q-tip, into a dog’s ear canals. We recommend getting a good pet ear-cleaning product. Things like peroxide may work, but they can also irritate your pet’s ears. Choose a time when your pooch is feeling fairly relaxed, and position yourself so that you’re at a good angle to reach his ears. Squeeze a bit of the solution into Fido’s ears. Then, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to very gently wipe away dirt and debris. Ask your vet to demonstrate. Don’t forget to give your furry friend a yummy treat after!

Ear Infections

Some pups are prone to ear infections. Pooches with floppy ears and/or those that swim a lot are particularly at risk. This is in part because dogs’ ears are naturally moist, and have lots lots of crevasses. That’s a very hospitable environment for bacteria! Keep an eye out for signs of trouble. If Fido has an ear infection, he may tilt or shake his head, paw at his ears, or rub his head against you. You may also notice foul odors, black spots, dark or discolored wax or discharge, or redness. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these red flags.

Please contact us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!