Checking your dog's ears and cleaning them if necessary is an important part of the grooming routine. If wax builds up in your dog's ears, this can increase the risk of infection, so it is important to keep the ears nice and clean. If you have any concerns about your dog's ears, it is worth seeking veterinary advice.
What does my dog's ear look like on the inside?
The opening to your dog's ear canal is situated just inside their ear flap. If your dog's ears stick up, it will be more easy to see, whereas if your dog has droopy ears then the ear flap will cover the opening. The ear canal runs downwards and then turns round a corner to travel inwards towards the brain.
Animation on the anatomy of the dog's ear canal:
Sometimes, excess wax and debris builds up in this ear canal. This can cause problems, as the dog's ear canal is quite long, and its shape means that it is difficult for material in the bottom to work its way out. When debris builds up in the ear canal, this increases the risk of infection.
Which dogs are more likely to develop ear problems?
Dogs with droopy ears are more prone to ear infections, as there is less air flow to their ear canal which means it can become hot and sweaty. It is also less easy to notice problems with their ears as the top of the ear canal is hidden. This means that it is important to make sure that you check their ears regularly.
The shape of the ear canal varies by breed and this can affect the likelihood of developing ear problems. Breeds that are particularly predisposed include Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. Lifestyle can also affect the risk of ear problems - dogs who swim are more likely to develop yeast infections. If your dog is predisposed to ear problems for any reason, you will need to keep a close eye on their ears and you may need to clean them more frequently.
How should I check my dog's ears?
It is best to check your dog's ears on a routine basis, at least once a week. If your dog’s ears stick up, you can simply move their ear flap such that you can see into the ear, and have a look for wax or debris. If your dog has droopy ears, lift the ear flap all the way up and have a look at the ear canal.
It is worth getting your dog used to handling and checking their ears. This means that if they ever do develop an ear problem, they will not be so worried about you cleaning their ears or applying medication. If the ears look nice and clean when you check them, there is no need to clean them yourself.
What problems can dogs get with their ears?
If your dog simply has a mild build-up of normal ear wax, it is possible to deal with this at home with gentle cleaning. However, dogs can develop other problems with their ears that will require veterinary treatment to resolve.
It is worth seeking veterinary advice if there is a significant build-up of discharge (more than just a small amount of wax), if the discharge smells unpleasant, or if your dog's ears seem sore. If your dog is scratching at their ears or shaking their head, these are signs that the ears are irritated and veterinary treatment is likely to be needed.
In some cases, particularly if ear irritation develops very acutely, the signs may be due to a foreign object such as a grass seed becoming lodged down the ear. In this case, your vet may be able to remove the object as shown in the following animation. Since the vet's instrument may need to be advanced a fair way down the ear, a sedation or anaesthetic may be needed if your dog is very sore to stop them moving around and damaging their eardrum during the process.
Animation on foreign bodies (grass seeds):
Another reason for ear irritation is infection. If your dog has an ear infection, your vet is likely to prescribe ear cleaning alongside medicated drops. It is important to follow your vet's advice about which ear cleaner to use if your dog has ear problems.
How do I clean my dog's ears?
To clean your dog's ears, you will need a special dog ear cleaner and some cotton wool.
The best way to hold your dog for ear cleaning depends on their size and how relaxed they are. One strategy is to ask them to sit down and then cuddle their head towards you as in the video below. If your dog is nervous, it can help to have a second pair of hands so you can hold them safely and securely. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best way to hold your dog if you are having problems. If the situation is stressful, it is best to seek veterinary advice rather than persisting.
Once you are ready, the first step is to lift the ear flap straight up to open out the ear canal. Then squeeze a small amount of ear cleaning solution down your dog's ear. The next stage is to massage the ear canal just below the ear flap to help the cleaner dislodge the debris. It is important to be gentle during this stage, particularly if your dog's ears are sore. Finally, wipe the cleaner out with a piece of cotton wool.
Animation on ear cleaning in the dog:
Video on ear cleaning in the dog:
It is best to use a large piece of cotton wool for wiping away the ear discharge. Do not use a cotton bud or Q tip, as this can actually make the problem worse by pushing the discharge deeper into the ear canal and potentially even damaging the eardrum.
When you are getting your dog used to ear cleaning, it can help to give them a treat afterwards to give them positive associations with the process.
How do I apply ear drops?
If your dog has an ear infection, you vet may give you some medicated ear drops to use after ear cleaning. When applying these drops, make sure that you direct the nozzle down the ear canal so the drops go in the right place. Your vet will show you how to lift the ear flap up so that you straighten out the ear canal as in the animations below. Once you have applied the drops, gently massage the ear canal to help them travel towards the affected area.
Animation on how to apply ear drops:
Animation on the technique for dogs with long ears:
Sometimes, dogs require further treatment for ear problems. Your vet may give injections or tablets, and if the ears are very sore and infected, they may recommend flushing the ears out under a sedation or anaesthetic. Your vet will be able to advise on what is best for your pet.
If your dog has developed ear problems once, they may be at more risk of developing similar issues in future. It is worth discussing with your vet how you can reduce the chances of future problems. Your vet may advise routine cleaning, perhaps once a week. If your dog's ear canals are very hairy, plucking could help improve the airflow and reduce the chances of infection building up.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (925) 744-6421, or you can email us at [email protected].