Clean, Healthy Ears For Your Dog

Your dog's ears should always be clean, and a healthy ear will be slightly pink-gray in color and have no odor.

Some of the symptoms that suggest something is wrong with your dog's ears are as follows: 

• Red, irritated skin

• Wax build up

• Discharge

• Foul smell

• Frequent head shaking, or pawing at ears.

If you notice any of the above symptoms you should definitely visit your vet and let him have a look at your dog's ears.

Ear mites

These are fairly uncommon in dogs. However, when they do occur, they are easily treated with medication.  In some cases a reapplication of the medication may be needed.

Ear infections

These are more common and unfortunately a bit more difficult to treat. Ear drops are required every day for up to 2 weeks, and usually weekly drops for a longer period after that. "Drop-eared" dogs (dogs whose ears hang down) are usually more prone to these infections, as their ears do not obtain as much air circulation as those of "Prick-eared" dogs.

Reducing the chances of an ear infection

Keeping the ear clean is a key step to preventing infections.  To do this, take a cotton ball and dip it in hydrogen peroxide. Squeeze the excess out and wipe the dog's ear. The ear canal is quite deep, so the dog will not be injured if you are careful. Clean all around the little crevices as best you can. Use a different cotton ball for the other ear. Be sure to dry the ears out thoroughly when you are finished.

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