Your pet’s ears serve a much greater purpose than being adorable—although they are, we agree. The ears alert your pet to danger, promote balance, and provide another essential form of communication. Cleaning your pet’s ears is integral to their grooming routine, because cleaning not only helps prevent infections and discomfort, but the ear cleaning sessions also foster a closer bond. Animal Medical Center of Marquette explains the best stress-free and effective techniques for cleaning your pet’s ears.
Pet ear anatomy
The ear is an intricate organ that comprises the outer, middle, and inner ear.
- Outer ear — Your pet’s outer ear (i.e., pinna) consists of cartilage, skin, and hair, along with the entrance to the ear canal.
- Middle ear — The middle ear includes the eardrum, a small, air-filled chamber that contains three minuscule bones (i.e., the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) and two muscles (i.e., the oval window and the eustachian tube).
- Inner ear — The inner ear is a complex structure that includes the cochlea (i.e., the hearing organ) and the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
The importance of ear cleaning
Before diving into how to clean your pet’s ears, you must understand why cleaning is necessary. Pets, especially those with floppy ears or excessive hair growth in the ear canal, are prone to ear infections caused by wax, dirt, and moisture buildup. Dogs, in particular, spend more time outdoors and expose their ears to pollen, dust, and debris. Regular cleaning can help prevent ear problems and ensure your pet’s ears stay healthy and comfortable and itch-free.
Pet ear cleaning: Preparation
When cleaning your pet’s ears, you must use the right products. Specially formulated, veterinary-approved ear cleaners that gently but effectively break down wax and debris are available. Never use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage your pet’s delicate skin and ear canal. Once you have chosen the solution, you’ll also need to gather cotton balls or pads, a bucket of warm water, clean towels, and some treats to reward your pet for good behavior.
Clean your pet’s ears in a quiet home area, preferably with a tiled or bare floor, because ear cleaning can be messy. The area you choose also should be quiet and away from other pets, with minimal foot traffic, to minimize distractions.
Step-by-step instructions for pet ear cleaning
To clean your pet’s ears, follow these steps:
- Gentle restraint — Start by restraining your pet to prevent them from moving around too much during cleaning. Hold your pet’s head steady, but be gentle to avoid causing any discomfort.
- Inspect the ears — Lift the ear flap to expose the eardrum and inspect your pet’s ears for redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any abnormalities, consult your Animal Medical Center of Marquette veterinarian before proceeding.
- Clean the ears — Moisten a cotton ball or pad with the ear cleaner and warm water and wipe the outer part of your pet’s ear, including the ear flap and the area around the ear canal. Squeeze the cotton ball so the fluid penetrates the ear canal, but do not insert the cotton ball into the ear canal, which will push the debris further inside and potentially cause damage. Also, never use Q-tips, which can also cause injury or discomfort.
- Repeat, if necessary — If your pet has excessive wax or debris buildup inside the ear canal, repeat the process until the ear is clean. Massage the base of the ear for several seconds to help loosen the wax and debris.
- Shake, shake — Let your pet shake their head, which will help dislodge any loosened debris and excess cleaning solution. Use a clean towel or cotton balls to gently wipe away any remaining fluid.
- Clean the other ear — Repeat these steps on the other ear.
- Praise and reward — After their ears are clean, reward your pet with treats and praise for cooperating during the cleaning process. Rewarding your pet reinforces that the experience is positive.
Most pets need their ears cleaned monthly, but pets prone to ear infections or wax buildup may need weekly cleanings.
Regular ear cleaning is an essential pet grooming task. By following our tips, you can ensure your pet’s ears stay clean, infection-free, and comfortable. However, should you have any concerns about your pet’s ear health, don’t hesitate to consult with our Animal Medical Center of Marquette team. We will be all ears about your furry pal’s ear health.
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