Many people love dogs because of their adorable faces, and cute ears are a part of that equation. However, dog ears are also incredibly sensitive, and keeping them healthy is essential. Here’s how you can best care for your dog’s ears.
Check for Inflammation
When your dog has an ear infection, the skin inside its ears may become reddish from inflammation or scratching. If you’re playing with your dog and notice an unusual redness in its ears, it may be time to take them to a vet. Noticing color changes is much easier when you regularly inspect your dog’s ears and are familiar with their color when healthy.
Trim Hair
Dogs with very hairy ears may occasionally get clogs of ear wax and matted hair. This can make it harder for your dog to hear things. To prevent this problem, give your dog’s ear hairs a slight trim when they get too long. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet about how your dog’s breed impacts its ear health.
Helping Your Pup Tolerate Ear Care
If you don’t like the idea of people sticking their fingers in your ears, it’s not hard to imagine that your dog probably doesn’t like it, either. However, you can help get your dog used to the procedure by slowly introducing things like touching their ears, including the area inside the ear flap. Speak calmly and reward them with a treat afterward to encourage the idea that ear care is not scary.
Remove Wax Clogs
With a vet’s direction, you can also remove wax clogs from your dog’s ears at home. Fill up its ears with a special wash designed for dogs and massage the ear base, so the liquid gets deep inside. Wipe away the debris when you’re done, and let your dog shake the rest out.
Watch Out for Infections
Infections are much more common for dogs that swim or have allergies. If your pet meets either of these criteria, check their ears regularly for any liquid discharge or if their ears seem to hurt when you touch them. That means it’s time to see a vet.
Caring for Your Dog’s Ears
One of the best ways to care for your dog’s ears is to regularly take them to a professional groomer. This is especially important if you’re not comfortable with trimming ear hair and removing wax build-up on your own.