It is important to get your puppy used to having his or her ears cleaned at an early age. Ear infections, which can result from dirty ears, can cause hearing loss, so it is best to approach ear cleaning from a preventative standpoint. It is a lot easier to train a puppy to sit patiently during the ear cleaning process than it is to clean the ears of an older dog that is not used to routine.
It is a good idea to check your puppy’s ears at least twice a week. This does not necessarily mean that you will clean them that often. Routine checks can go along way in preventing a serious ear infection. The owners of puppies that have long, floppy ears will have to be more diligent because the long ears trap moisture and dirt.
When bathing the puppy, avoid getting water in the dog’s ears. Moisture that is trapped in the ear canal creates the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast fungus.
When it is time to do an ear check, try to make it enjoyable for the puppy. Be prepared with treats, toys and lots of praise.
If the puppy’s ears are in need of a cleaning, gather cotton balls and a good ear cleaning solution. Ear cleaning solutions are available at pet stores. Many veterinarians also sell solutions to their clients.
Use a cotton ball to wipe the inner ear flap clean. The object is to remove any dirt and wax residue that you see. It is best to wipe from the inner portion of the ear flap outward. Do not stuff the cotton ball into the small part of the ear canal. You may have to repeat the process a time or two to remove all dirt. However, once you have established a regular routine, the task should become easier.
Next, apply a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the puppy’s ear canal to remove an excess of wax build up. Take care to not put anything into the ear canal. Massage the puppy’s ear that the solution has been applied to. This will cause the puppy to shake his or her head. Allow the puppy to do so and then wait a minute or two for the solution to soften the wax.
The next step is to gently wipe the ears with cotton balls to remove the wax loosened by the ear cleaning solution. Be sure to wipe from the inner portion of the ear flap outward.
Some puppies will sit quietly throughout the ear grooming process. Others will want nothing to do with it. In this case, do a little cleaning and stop and offer a treat. Be sure to praise the puppy throughout the whole process. Offer the puppy’s favorite toy and take a minute to play at regular intervals throughout the cleaning process. The extra effort will pay off in the long run.
If you take your puppy to a professional groomer for baths and/or haircuts, it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking the dog’s ears as soon as you return home. Dry the ears gently, but thoroughly to prevent ear infections.
If you think your puppy has an excessive amount of earwax, consult a veterinarian. It is best to catch potential ear problems early.
Related posts:
- The Role of Urine Cleaning Products in Housebreaking
- Proper Cleaning of a Dog Leash
- Cleaning Up After Your Puppy
- Cleaning Time – How to Clean Plush Dog Toys
- Cleaning Time – How to Clean Rope Toys
