There are many benefits that go along with owning a dog. Like most people, you probably enjoy the companionship they provide and perhaps even the security of having an extra set of ears around the home. Of course, that isn’t even to mention the unconditional love that is applied by a faithful dog. They will continue to provide us with those benefits through thick and thin, but it is also important for us to recognize that they may need a helping hand from time to time.
Most people are aware of the fact that they must provide some basic care for their dog that could include providing them with quality food and a warm place to sleep at night. Grooming may also be an important part of caring for your dog and this is something that can either be done at home or through a professional. There are some dogs, however, who may run into problems from time to time and need specialized help. That is the case with many breeds of dogs that have problems with their ears.
If your dog has a difficulty with his ears, there are some things you can do to help keep the problem at bay. Before we talk about how to clean the dog’s ears, however, it is important to take a look at some of the factors that will make doing so comfortable for your animal.
First of all, a dog’s ears tend to be rather sensitive so it is important to care for them on an ongoing basis, rather than waiting for problems to occur. Dogs also don’t tend to enjoy having their ears cleaned, so you will need to approach it properly. Do this job properly and your dog will benefit. Do it the wrong way and your dog may suffer.
Having the right tools on hand is one of the most important factors for cleaning your dog’s ears regularly. That is why you should not be too quick to simply grab the Q-tips and start cleaning. Q-tips can damage a dog’s ears, just as they can damage human ears. It is best to use cotton balls or perhaps some gauze wrapped around your finger for the cleaning process.
Another important tool to have is ear rinse. You can purchase it at most pet stores but not all of them are created equally. Use one that is safe and does not include any steroids, alcohol or antibiotics.
Work with your dog kindly and gently during the time that you are cleaning their ears. It can go a long way to helping them cooperate with the process. You should then begin working on the outside of the ear and begin working your way inside. Do not force the issue, if you meet with any resistance, stop immediately. Use the ear rinse to wet a cotton ball and then wipe down the outer flap of the ear. Continue to work with the inner ear using a clean cotton ball.
Do this process regularly and you will find that it goes much better for you. If any problems are experienced, seek the assistance of a veterinarian.
