How to Clean your Puppy’s Ears

It is important to keep your puppies ears clean and dry. Dogs can have many different problems develop from dirty ears. Ear mites, yeast infections, irritations caused by debris can all cause your puppy to be uncomfortable and may require veterinary care.

Cleaning your puppies ears will take time and patience, puppies normally do not like their ears messed with but with regular practice they quickly begin to accept the cleaning.

To start be sure you have all your materials together and a secure place to hold your pup.

Things you may need include:

• Cotton Balls
• Baby Oil
• Cotton Swabs
• Commercial Ear Cleaner
• Ear Powder
• Gauze Pads

Method One for cleaning the ears is to use a gauze pad and gently wipe the debris from the inside ear flap and from inside the ear canal as far as your finger can comfortably reach. You may use baby oil to help loosen any dirt that is stuck to the ear, being careful not to dig or scrape at the skin.

Method Two is to use cotton balls dipped in baby oil to gently rub the dirt from the ear both the outer flap and the canal itself. Make sure you only use a minimal amount of oil, just enough to start loosening the dirt, not so much that is runs about the ear.

Method Three is to purchase a commercially available cleaning solution and use cotton swabs to apply the cleaner to the ears, then use an ear powder to coat the ear and promote drying. Carefully follow the directions given on the packaging and take care to use only the amount of product needed.

For dogs who have chronic ear problems such as itching, odor, shaking of the head or extreme desire to press the ear into you when petting, you should seek the direction of a qualified veterinarian. These issues could be symptoms of underlying medical problems such as ear mites, infection or debris lodged into the ear. Be especially aware with dogs who have long ears, floppy ears or ears with hair inside them, these breeds tend to have more ear problems because of the dark, un-aired and dirt hiding environment they provide.

So to ensure your pet healthy ears and long lasting hearing check the ears on a regular basis, clean them once a week and be aware of any changes in the color, odor or amount of wax in the ears. Anytime you notice a change in the ear that lasts for more than a few days or returns after cleaning, seek the advice of a professional right away.