Why Dog Ear Cleaning Is Important
When you think about keeping your dog healthy and well-groomed, baths, brushing and nail trims probably come to mind first. But there’s another important part of your dog’s grooming routine that can sometimes be overlooked: ear cleaning.
At In The Dog House in Northfield, MN, we believe grooming is about more than helping your dog look great. Regular grooming can also help you stay aware of changes in your dog’s skin, coat, nails and ears.
Why Do Dogs Need Their Ears Cleaned?
A dog’s ear canal is shaped differently than a human’s, making it more difficult for trapped material to naturally work its way out. For some dogs, wax, dirt, debris and moisture can accumulate inside the ears.
Ear cleaning, when appropriate for your dog, can help remove this buildup and keep the ears clean and comfortable.
Not every dog needs their ears cleaned at the same frequency. Some dogs naturally have very clean ears, while others may need more regular attention. Your veterinarian can help determine the right ear-care routine for your individual dog.
Some Dogs May Need More Frequent Ear Care
Certain dogs can be more prone to ear problems. Dogs with floppy ears, dogs with allergies and dogs that spend a lot of time swimming or around water may require additional attention to their ears. Moisture trapped in the ear can contribute to an environment where yeast and bacteria can grow.
That's one reason checking your dog's ears should be part of their overall grooming and wellness routine.
Regular Ear Checks Can Help You Spot Changes
One of the benefits of regularly checking your dog's ears is becoming familiar with what is normal for them.
Healthy ears should generally be comfortable, without significant redness, inflammation or unpleasant odor. Changes such as excessive scratching, frequent head shaking, redness, swelling, unusual discharge, odor or sensitivity can indicate that something isn't right.
These aren't simply signs that your dog's ears need a good cleaning. They can be symptoms of an ear infection or another medical issue that requires veterinary attention.
Ear Cleaning Can Be Part of Regular Grooming
Professional grooming gives you an opportunity to incorporate ear care into your dog's regular routine.
At In The Dog House in Northfield, MN, ear cleaning is included with our full-service dog grooming. Our grooming services are designed to help your dog look and feel their best while providing the patient, individualized attention they deserve.
Regular grooming also gives our team an opportunity to notice visible changes that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.
Can You Clean Your Dog's Ears at Home?
Yes, but it's important to use products designed specifically for dogs and follow recommendations from your veterinarian.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your dog's ear canal. These can push debris farther into the ear or potentially cause injury. Veterinary sources also caution against over-cleaning because excessive cleaning can irritate the ear canal.
If your dog's ears are painful, red, inflamed, have significant discharge or have a strong odor, contact your veterinarian before attempting to clean them yourself.
Add Ear Care to Your Dog's Grooming Routine
From their coat to their paws to their ears, regular grooming is an important part of caring for your dog.
If your dog is due for a bath, haircut or full grooming appointment, In The Dog House in Northfield, MN is here to help. Our full-service grooming includes ear cleaning along with professional bathing, grooming and nail care.
Give your dog the head-to-tail attention they deserve and schedule their next grooming appointment with In The Dog House.