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| Ear cleaning |
Ear cleaning is one of the most important parts of dog grooming. Regular ear examination is necessary for dogs as it helps in the identification of any kind of injury or infection in the early stages. The regular examination helps one access the cleanliness of a dog’s ear canal and the need for cleaning the ear. Some breeds are more prone to ear infection and thus require special attention for ear checking. While examination any kind of discharge or odour might suggest the presence of infection in the ear. If there is any kind of inflammation, redness, swelling or pain then consult a local veterinarian before initiating the cleaning process.
As you all know the ear canal ends with an eardrum and have a complex structure which makes it difficult to expel any stuck object without any assistance. Any foreign object in the dog’s ear can be an irritant and a source of future infection.
For ear cleaning one can use a good quality ear cleaner. If the ear is having any inflammation or injury then do not use a cleanser containing Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol as it may cause irritation in the ear canal. If a veterinarian finds any kind of ear infection then he can recommend a cleanser having anti-fungal or anti-bacterial properties.
Apart from a good quality cleanser, you may need cotton swabs, a gauge and some treats for cleaning the ear. Do not use Cotton bud or cotton tip for cleaning as it may cause damage to the earbud. It may further push the debris into the ear canal.
Step-by-Step Guide for Ear Cleaning
1. Make your dog sit in front of you with your rear leg placed between your legs. For large breeds make your dog stand sidewise near the wall and rear end in the corner of the room and stand on one of the sides.
2. Hold the ear flap vertically so that the ear canal can be observed. Use another hand to hold the ear cleaning solution.
3. Apply some ear cleaning solution to the dog's ear. Do not put the tip of the bottle in the ear. After applying the cleaning solution clean the tip using cotton swabs to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria or fungus.
4. Keeping the ear flap vertically, gently massage the base of the ear for 30-40 seconds. This will help spread of cleaning solution in the ear and break the debris.
5. Use a cotton ball and gauze to wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap. Allow the dog to shake his head which will allow the remaining ear solution and debris to move out of the canal to the outer opening of the ear. Use a cotton ball to remove the debris from the outer canal.
6. Provide a treat to the dog and wait for minutes before repeating the same process with another ear.
7. If any pain, swelling or injury is observed then stop the process and consult your veterinarian immediately.
