The bond with your dog is unique, and it's not uncommon for you and your four-legged best friend to develop similar likes, dislikes, and expressions. Parts of your pup's body function similarly to a human's, but one part of dogs that differs from their owners is their ears. Unlike humans, pets have uniquely shaped ear canals that can make them prone to problems like painful ear infections or other more severe issues potentially affecting their brains.
Proper ear care is essential to your dog's overall health and wellness. For some dogs, regular ear cleaning may be a critical part of their routine. Understanding your dog's ear health, including when and how to care for their ears, will help prevent diseases detrimental to their overall well-being.
Understanding Dog Ear Health
A dog's ear canal has a unique "L" shape. The vertical canal at the top of "L" is easily observed. The horizontal or bottom part of the "L" connects to the eardrum and can only be observed with a specialized tool called an otoscope. This structure makes it easy for bacteria, debris, ear mites, and moisture to become trapped and thrive in a dark environment, leading to painful and itchy infections.
Some breeds have an increased risk for ear infections, including dog breeds with floppy or excessively hairy ears, such as retrievers, cocker spaniels, miniature poodles, basset hounds, and labradors. Water-loving dogs also have an increased risk for infections, similar to swimmer's ear in people. However, you should never use an over-the-counter human ear treatment for your pup unless your veterinarian advises.
Dogs with underlying allergies, including food allergies, also have an increased risk for recurrent ear infections. Providing your allergy-prone dog with veterinary-formulated skin-supporting supplements like Native Pet Omega Oil and Native Pet Skin and Coat Chews can help support their overall skin barrier and decrease inflammation. However, always check with your DVM before adding new supplements or food to your dog's daily routine.
Common Diseases and Problems Affecting Dog Ears
Some dogs are more prone to ear problems than others, but any age, sex, or breed can suffer from painful ear problems. Some issues, like small canals or excess hair, are genetically related, while other diseases or infections may result from environmental factors, like allergens.
Common ear diseases and problems include:
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast infections
- Ear mites
- Foreign materials (e.g., foxtails, grass)
- Polyps
- Cancer
- Inner ear infections
- Excess hair in the ears ( this allows bacteria and yeast to become trapped)
Signs of Ear Disease in Dogs
The occasional itchy ear or head shake may not be cause for concern, but dogs who constantly scratch their ears or shake their head are likely suffering from an ear infection or other issues. Bring your dog for a veterinary examination if they show any of the following dog ear disease signs including:
- Chronic head shaking
- Vocalizing or whining when scratching or rubbing the ears
- Red or inflamed ear canals
- Dark brown, black, yellow, green, or bloody discharge
- Foul odor
- Decreased hearing
- Behavior changes
- Decreased appetite
- Swelling in or around the ears
When to Clean Your Dog's Ears
Dog ear problems are not always avoidable. However, regularly monitoring and maintaining your dog's ear health by cleaning them at home can be a valuable tool to avoid severe ear problems. Some dogs may require more frequent ear cleaning due to genetic abnormalities, like small canals, underlying health issues, or frequent exposure to water. Not all dogs require ear cleanings because the ears are self-cleaning, and a small amount of yellow wax is normal for most dogs. However, dark debris, foul odor, or itching indicates that your dog needs an ear cleaning. Always check with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate schedule and frequency for cleaning your dog's ears.
Cleaning your dog's ears too often can strip the canal of its natural, healthy bacteria and lead to an overgrowth of infection-causing bacteria or yeast. Conversely, cleaning too infrequently can allow moisture and debris to build up within the canal, leading to itchy, painful, or infected ears. Depending on your dog's underlying ear problems, your veterinarian will help determine which ear-cleaning solution is the safest and most effective option for your pup.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
Once you and your family DVM determine the best schedule and type of ear cleaner to use, dog owners must prepare their pup for the cleaning process. Regular handling and looking in your dog's ears can help desensitize them to cleanings or ear drops when necessary. Always provide plenty of praise and treats when handling your dog's ears to ensure a positive experience.
Additionally, providing overly anxious or ear-shy pups with a veterinary-approved calming supplement, like Native Pet's Calm Chews, can help decrease their stress during an ear cleaning. Steps for cleaning your dog's ears include:
- Gather all your supplies, including a veterinary-approved ear cleanser, gloves, gauze or cotton balls, and a towel.
- Depending on your dog's size, sit on the floor or place them on a countertop facing away from you. Sometimes, having two people present for your dog's ear cleaning may be easier.
- Gently hold one outer ear flap straight up to expose the entrance to the ear canal.
- Take the ear cleaner in the other hand and gently and slowly squeeze the solution into the canal, ensuring not to touch the bottle tip to the ear. If the bottle tip touches the ear, clean it to avoid reintroducing bacteria into the ear canal.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for 15- 30 seconds; you should hear a squishing sound as the cleaner distributes throughout the horizontal ear canal.
- Allow your dog to shake their head; this helps loosen and remove ear debris.
- While holding the ear flap, gently wipe out any remaining debris with a soft gauze or cotton ball. NEVER place Q-tips or cotton swabs in your dog's ear canal because this can push debris further into the canal or damage the ear canal or eardrum.
- Repeat the process on the other ear.
Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning a Dog's Ears
Cleaning your dog's ears can help prevent painful infections and improve your dog's overall health. However, too much of a good thing can be problematic for your pup, so always check with your vet before establishing an ear-cleaning routine.
Follow these veterinary-approved Do's and Don'ts for optimal ear health for your pup:
- DO check your dog's ears daily for any abnormal smells, color, discharge, or discomfort.
- DON'T use homemade or non-veterinary-approved ear cleaners, including hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil, alcohol, or apple cider vinegar. These can make the problem worse and irritate the ear canal.
- DO bring your dog for regular veterinary checkups, which include a thorough ear exam.
- DON'T ignore the signs of a potential ear infection; the sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chance of a full recovery.
- DO place an Elizabethan collar (i.e., cone) over your dog's head at the first sign of a problem to prevent them from causing more trauma to the ear flap or canal.
- DON'T abruptly change your dog's diet, as this can lead to allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal problems, itchy skin, or ear infections in allergy-prone dogs.
- DO consult with your veterinarian about the safest and best way to care for your dog's ears.
Cleaning your dog's ears can be an easy and safe way to decrease the chances of painful ear infections or other more severe problems that may require surgery. Some dogs may require weekly cleanings, while others require the occasional ear cleaning at home or with their groomer. Understanding your dog's ear anatomy and infection risk is essential for determining the best routine for your pup. There are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter ear cleaners available, so it's necessary to discuss the best options for caring for your dog's ears with your family veterinarian.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
