Every so often we love to answer some of the top questions our San Diego mobile pet grooming clients ask most about pet grooming and what they can do to help keep their pets clean between their scheduled appointments. Some of our furry friends are better at staying clean than others we hear, and one of the main areas of concern are smelly, dirty, oily, and waxy ears. (Yes, Rex, your mom is talking about you.)

Fear not parents of grimy fur babies, we hear you! Here are some important tips for keeping your dog’s ears clean.

The anatomy of your Dog’s Ear

The shape of the ear canal has a lot to do with why their ears can get so dirty and smelly so quickly. The ear canal is fairly long, from 5-10 cm in length with a sharp right angle bend. Dirt and water drops in the canal and easily becomes trapped and is difficult to remove, even when your dog shakes his head vigorously. Since the environment is warm, dark, and moist, it is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Steps for Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

Regular ear care is an important part of your dog’s health. Here are some simple steps for keeping them clean.

• Talk to your veterinarian about the recommended ear cleaning solutions and methods.

• To clean the ear, hold the ear flap up and place the recommended amount of ear solution into the ear. Massage the ear for at least two minutes to distribute the solution.
  

• Let your dog shake the solution out of his ears.

• Take a cotton ball with additional solution applied to it and wipe down the flap of the ear.
  

• Thoroughly dry the ear with a clean, dry cotton ball or clean dry rag.
  

• If the cotton balls seem excessively dirty, repeat the cleaning steps.

• Reward your dog with treats throughout the process.

Routine Ear Care Tips

• Before bathing your dog, place a cotton ball in each ear to keep water from entering the ear canal. After the bath, be sure to dry the dog thoroughly.

• Never insert a cotton swab deeply in the ear canal as it will impact the wax.
  

• If your dog’s ears are prone to infections or seem to be moist between ear cleanings, talk to your veterinarian about ear drying solutions.
  

• Wipe down the inside flap of oily ears with a rag dampened with a 50/50 mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.

• Consider professional grooming to help with your dog’s regular grooming maintenance and to ensure your dog’s ears are cleaned regularly.

• If your dog grows hairs in his ears, talk to your mobile pet groomer about plucking the hairs to help keep the ears clean. Ear hair can become matted or trap additional dirt and oils that contribute to ear infections.
  

Cleaning your dog’s ears is a simple process but can be difficult to execute properly on a wiggly or resistant pup. If your dog is not as cooperative as you’d like or you would like some help, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!