Ear hygiene in dogs: why it's important and how to prevent ear infections

Why is ear hygiene important?

Dogs' ears need regular care to prevent excessive earwax buildup, infections, and discomfort for your companion.

Regular cleaning is a simple but very important procedure for maintaining ear health, especially for breeds predisposed to ear conditions.

How is ear cleaning performed?

A complete cleaning involves two important steps:

• removing hair from the ear canal when necessary;
• cleaning excessive earwax with a solution specifically designed for dog ears.

Hair removal can be done manually or with special forceps. When performed correctly, this procedure is not painful for the dog.

If you lack experience, it is recommended that this procedure be performed by a groomer or a veterinarian.

What happens if the ears are not cleaned?

Lack of proper hygiene can promote the appearance of otitis and other ear conditions.

Among the most common factors that favor their appearance are:

• abundant hair in the ear canal;
• excessive earwax buildup;
• increased humidity;
• improper hygiene;
• development of bacteria or other infectious agents.

Dogs with floppy ears require extra attention

Certain breeds are more prone to ear problems because the ventilation of the ear canal is reduced.

These include:

• Cocker Spaniel;
• Setter;
• Beagle;
• other breeds with long, floppy ears.

For these dogs, regular check-ups and hygiene are even more important.

How do you recognize otitis?

The first signs are easy to observe if you pay attention to your companion's behavior.

It is recommended to schedule a veterinary consultation if you notice:

• frequent scratching of the ears;
• repeated head shaking;
• unpleasant smell coming from the ear;
• large amount of earwax;
• dark earwax;
• discomfort when touching the ear;
• hearing loss.

The sooner treatment is started, the easier the recovery.

Ear cleaning is part of grooming services

At Labute Fericite, ear hygiene is included in all grooming packages.

In addition to trimming, bathing, and brushing, we also check the condition of the ears to identify any potential problems that require veterinary attention early on.

A periodic ear check takes only a few minutes but can prevent painful infections and costly treatments. Prevention remains the best form of care.