Dog Ear Care
How do we stop those annoying ear issues?
Ear issues can be as simple as dirty ears and as dangerous as reoccurring ear infections. There are also many in-between issues that go with ears and surrounding areas. Let’s investigate how to prevent and take care of dog ear infections!
Proper ear care on dogs is very important. Weekly cleaning for the average, non-swimming, dog is usually all that is needed. If you have a dog with longer hair, run a comb through the ears and behind them when doing your at home grooming. This helps prevent itchy dog ears. Heavy eared dogs, spaniels, labs, hounds etc., tend to have more issues such as, chronic ear infections. Why is that? The two main causes are internal (nutrition) and external (ear care and maintenance). Nutrition for all dogs should be corn and wheat free, low or no grains, and a moderate protein of 24 - 32%. This protein level enables the muscle and organs to function properly. The lack of grain, corn, or wheat, means less fillers or empty calories. Low or no grains make for less allergens, which can contribute to ear infections. It also prevents the growth of yeast in dogs’ ears and on the skin. This is especially important for those heavy eared dogs.
Easy maintenance!
To maintain the ear externally, it is recommended that you keep any long hair on the underside of the ear clipped to allow air flow which keeps the ear canal dry and cool. This can be done with scissors. Simply flip the ear back over the dog's head, cut any excess hair that is on the bottom of the ear canal opening to expose the opening completely. You can also clip away any excess hair that is on the underside of the ear leather to allow more air flow. This is not seen from the outside and therefore keeps the natural look to the ears and head. Make sure to comb out the ears, all the way to the end of the ear leather, to prevent matting and undercoat. This is not only painful but will also make them shake their head and prevent air flow due to the extra hair.
Secondly, to dry out excess water from the ear canal, it is recommended that you clean the ears after swimming or any water activities. To do so, use a cotton ball soaked with ear cleaner or Groomer's Secret Derma-Ease. Gently insert the cotton ball into the ear canal. While squeezing the ear cleaner into the ear move the cotton ball around to pick up any debris or ear wax, Holding the ear down, rub the ear for a few seconds before releasing. The dog will shake his head to remove the excess ear cleaner. Look for ear cleaners that contain drying agents and antibacterials such as low amounts Tea Tree oil. Never use straight Tea Tree oil or a homemade ear cleaner containing essential oils in a dog's ear. Oils not used properly can burn the skin, and cause dogs to become imbalanced. A homemade remedy for dog ear infections is usually dangerous. You can also ask your veterinarian for an ear wash that will balance the PH in the ear for those that are very prone to ear infections or yeast. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to medication or ear wash, they have prescribed.
So, there you have it!
Easy and essential to healthy ears! Taking a few minutes every week to do these ear maintenance tricks will help prevent ear infections, as well as making the ear over healthier. Diet changes are import for all, but especially for those that are prone to infection. Grain free, or only good grains such as rice, oat and barley are important to prevent ear infections and yeasty ears, feet and body. Corn and wheat are empty, cheap calories that fill your dog up with no nutritional value. They are like us eating lots of carbs, bread, etc. They will make you sluggish from lack of soluble protein and cause weight gain. Same for your dog. It is easy to make the better choice for your pet. As well as rewarding when you see the difference in their energy, skin, coat and ears health!
Annette Clark
Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer
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