Pet Head Health Ear Wipes

This would depend on your dog’s breed, activity level and overall health. Generally, cleaning your dog’s ears once per month is good practice if they have healthy ears. However, you should increase the frequency to every 1-2 weeks if your dog has long, floppy ears or swims frequently. It is important to clean your dog’s ears after a bath or swimming, ensuring all the excess moisture is removed and the ears feel dry. You can also ask your veterinarian who will be able to advise on the frequency according to your pet characteristics.

For dogs with healthy ears, the best way to keep your dog’s ears clean is by using gentle hypoallergenic wipes to help remove excess wax and dirt. Wipe the external areas of the ear applying gentle strokes toward the outside of your dog’s ear. Use a fresh wipe for each ear. Avoid using human products as these have not been formulated for the dog’s requirements and never use any object or Q tips to clean inside the ear canal as it can cause damage and create a variety of problems.

Ear cleaning should be part of your pet’s normal grooming routine. It is recommended you start examining your dog’s ears regularly when they are a puppy so they are used to having their ears handled as they get older.

It is important to create a routine from an early age. Choose a quiet place, use treats or a toy and calm them with soothing words and petting. Gently clean your dog’s ears, praise them while cleaning and treat them regularly throughout the process. Silicone mats with food paste smeared on them can also help distract the dog and provide positive reinforcement while you are cleaning their ears. Repeat this process if needed, being patient and taking breaks. Make it part of your training routine until your dog is fully comfortable with this process.

There are a variety of health conditions that can make a dog more likely to develop an ear infection, such as skin allergies, endocrine disorders, masses and foreign bodies in the ear canal. There are also certain activities, such as regular swimming, that can predispose your dog to ear infections. It is recommended to inspect your dog’s ears regularly and at least twice per week. If you notice any changes or your dog keeps shaking his head, scratching their ears, yelping or crying when the ears are examined or stroked, signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul odor, your dog may have an ear infection and you should speak to a veterinarian immediately.

If you notice any sign of infection, such as that your dog’s ears look or smell different to usual, or if they are shaking their head, scratching their ears or yelping when the ears are examined or touched, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian who can examine the ears thoroughly and provide appropriate advice and treatment. We do not recommend trying to treat the infection without veterinary intervention.

Dogs with long or floppy ears tend to have less air circulation in their ear canal, making the ear environment more humid and prone to the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast. Certain activities such as swimming can also necessitate more frequent cleaning. If your dog is predisposed to developing ear infections, you should discuss a cleaning regime with your veterinarian.

You can remove visible dirt with an ear wipe, gently wiping away the discharge taking care not to insert the ear wipe into the ear canal. If the situation persists, or the amount of discharge is unusual, you should visit your veterinary clinic as your dog may have an infection.