Ear Care 101 for Dogs

Dog ears are so interesting. They can be long, short, droopy, perky, big or little. They really add to a dog’s look as well as their personality. Knowing how to care for their ears will help them to not only look and smell great but keep them healthy as well. Their ear canals are long with both horizontal and vertical parts usually forming an L or J shape. These unique shapes can cause wax build-up as well as a tendency for ear infections.

Veterinarian Checkups

Most importantly, if your dog has any of these symptoms we recommend a visit to the vet to rule out an infection or other issues; head shaking, swelling and redness of the ear canal, pain, bad odor or any other symptoms that seem to make them uncomfortable or cause concern. Do not attempt to clean their ears until a veterinarian examines them. Never give your pet any medicine that is not made for their species.

Now that you know the ears are dirty but healthy, it’s time to learn how to clean them.

How Often Do You Need To Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

Different breeds have different needs when it comes to ear cleaning. At first, you will want to check the ears daily but only clean when they are dirty. After a week, you should have a better idea if it weekly checks are more appropriate.

Cleaning Their Ears With a Liquid Ear Cleaner

If your dog’s inner ears appear dirty, we suggest using the Vet Worthy Ear Flush. The cleaning process can be messy so we suggest either using it outside or during bath time. Follow the directions on the label and apply generously in the ear. Ideally, the dog’s ear flap should be closed and the liquid be massaged in the ear canal. That’s easier said than done in most cases. Most likely, the dog will immediately shake their head when they feel the liquid is administered in the ear canal. That’s a good thing because the debris and wax comes out along with the liquid at the same time. ⁠The salicylic acid in the cleaner acts a drying agent, so air dry when you are finished.

Setup for Success

The calmer your dog is the more time you may have to clean their ears. Talk to your pet in a quiet, soft tone and have them lie down. You may also try giving them a calming supplement about 20-30 minutes before you clean their ears. Another tip is to reward them with treats. Have them ready so that they are more likely to cooperate.

Best Practices

After using the ear flush, you can use the Ear Cleaning pads to clean the inside of the flaps. Do not use cotton swabs or tips at any time. If this is the first time that you have cleaned their ears, they may need to be cleaned up to 3 times per day for the first few days, then once daily until the ear is clean. Use as needed to maintain the clean ears.

What about cats?

Vet Worthy also offers Ear Flush for Cats. Follow the tips above for cleaning and maintaining their ears.

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If you are concerned about your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian to rule out a serious medical problem.