“EAR me out doggy”

Use of cotton buds is an easy fix for us to clean our ears. Some Filipinos even use hair pins, or a matchstick with a cotton head. During the cleaning process brings a feeling that is actually difficult to describe – comforting yet alarming, pleasant yet not so clean to think about.

While we are blessed to have hands with highly dexterous fingers that can hold the cotton buds and the like, our furry friends don’t have any. Thus they may not be able to clean their ears as efficiently as we do. 

How often do we actually clean the ears of dogs? It depends on the breed, level of activity, age, ear wax production, and the type or conformity of the ear. Dogs’ ears are sensitive, requiring regular maintenance to prevent infections. However, most dogs don’t want their ears to be cleaned, so they have to be trained early, if possible.

While owners may bathe their dogs once a week, the pets’ ears may be cleaned at least once a month. I highly recommend cleaning on areas where you can see clearly, with the use of cotton balls or soft cloth. Using appropriate cleansing solutions (with no antibiotics, steroids, or alcohol) will be better if the dog has no ear problems.

If you are uncertain on how to clean the ears, or if the ears are really dirty (especially when you smell something different), it would be better to bring the dog to a veterinarian to have its ears cleaned or checked. 

One of the readers sent a message asking me about her two dogs (one pitbull line and one dachshund) which she said were difficult to bring to the veterinarian. She also said that both appeared to have ear infection, and was really a problem for them to apply medication or to have the infection treated.

It appears that treatment is really necessary, especially that her dogs are difficult to handle. The longer the time that the infection is left unchecked or untreated, the higher the chances for the infection to go deeper or worsen. It will then be much more difficult to resolve.

A visit to a veterinarian is advised to assess the status of the ear infection. It may be caused by mites, fungus or some bacteria. When you touch the side of the ears and the dog appears to resist, it may be a sign of pain. It is actually difficult to give specific recommendations especially when we, veterinarians, are not able to see the animal patients.

Sometimes when dogs are difficult to handle, we sedate them so we can clean the area properly, and apply the necessary medications. Applying topical solutions is sometimes not enough, so we pair it with oral antibiotics.

The ears of dogs need regular monitoring and cleaning. Owners must be familiar with its proper care. Other than regular maintenance, owners are highly advised to contact their veterinarian if they suspect some problems.

Dr. Yba?ez is a Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science from the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences of Gifu University, Japan. He is a licensed veterinarian with a mixed practice in the academe, research, public health, small animals and laboratory animals. He has received several international and national awards, and has authored several international scientific publications. Dr. Yba?ez welcomes questions from readers; these may be e-mailed to [email protected] or to [email protected], or sent by text to 09157795554.