Generally, it is recommended to clean your dog’s ears once a month. However, the exact frequency of cleaning can depend on the breed and health of your dog’s ears. If your dog has an infection, your vet may recommend cleaning the ears more frequently. Additionally, breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim often may need to have their ears cleaned more often. When cleaning your dog’s ears, it is important to be gentle and use a cleaning solution that is appropriate for your dog’s breed.
How do you know if your dog’s ear needs to be cleaned?
You can check your dog’s ears for any signs of irritation, infection, dirt, sensitivity, or parasites such as ear mites. Additionally, if you notice a mild odor or see that your dog is shaking his head more than usual, it is probably time for a cleaning. You can also examine the ear and check for redness, discharge, or a bad smell. If there is a large amount of wax in the ear, or the ear is ‘quelching’ when rubbed, it may need to be cleaned.
Can you clean your dog’s ears too often?
Yes, it is possible to clean your dog’s ears too often. Over-cleaning your dog’s ears can cause excessive irritation in the ear canal, which can lead to infection. Additionally, over-cleaning can damage the ear canal or cause irritation that can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to clean your dog’s ears regularly, but not too often. It is recommended to clean your dog’s ears once a month or every two weeks, depending on the breed and your veterinarian’s recommendation.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
Brown discharge in your dog’s ears can be caused by a number of things, including excessive earwax, a fungal ear infection, an outer ear infection (otitis externa), allergies, bacterial overgrowth, or ear mites. If you notice a waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown discharge, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and to determine the best course of treatment.
Are you supposed to clean your dogs ears?
The short answer is yes, you should be cleaning your dog’s ears regularly. Regular cleaning helps to keep your dog’s ears healthy and free of wax and debris, which can lead to infection. Depending on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and environment, you may need to clean your dog’s ears once a month or more often. When cleaning your dog’s ears, make sure to use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser and follow the instructions carefully.