Ear Care

EAR CARE FOR DOGS

Dogs’ ears are delicate and more vulnerable than a human’s. Regularly inspect inside under good light conditions; vets don’t like to look in the ears with an otiscope because the membrane is too easily damaged. Also, ears should be kept dry inside; it’s never a good idea to get water in the ears while bathing. Be careful washing or cleaning ears so that nothing trickles down into the canal. If something gets lodged in the ear the dog will shake its head repeatedly; a few drops of mineral oil can be used to help float a foreign body out of the ear canal.

Commercial ear cleaning solutions can be purchased, and some people use a mixture of alcohol and vinegar or a mild form (50%) of alcohol. A Qtip and a tissue can be used with alcohol, but be extremely careful that the cotton isn’t dripping. It takes some practice to become familiar with all of the tiny crevices inside the outer ear, but once you get to know them it takes less time to do a thorough job. Your dog will be more comfortable afterwards and will probably enjoy the process as well!

If problems develop in spite of regular cleaning, report to your vet—certain breeds are prone to problems that require special attention.