How Often Should I Clean My Pets Ears?

As a pet owner, it’s very important that you make sure to clean your pet’s ears to help prevent infections. However, sometimes if you clean their ears too much, it could cause irritation. So, how do you know how often you need to clean their ears out without giving them ear problems. This article will explain more behind the importance of cleaning your pet’s ears, how often to clean dog ears, and some cleaning methods you can keep in mind.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Pet’s Ears

It’s very important to make sure to regularly clean out your pet’s ears for many reasons.Cleaning your pet’s ears will not only help to keep them free of dirt and other particles that could cause irritations but bacteria that causes infections as well. By doing so, it will not only help to prevent the buildup of bacteria, but ensure your pets don’t suffer from extreme irritation or pain.

Pets That Have the Worst Ear Problems

While every pet is susceptible to ear problems, there are a few breeds that tend to get them quite a bit. While cats can get ear infections, dogs usually get them more often, especially if they have droopy ears or thick fur around the opening of their ears.

Cocker Spaniels

Cocker spaniels have very long and hairy ears which are a combination that usually results in ear infections. This is why you’ll find many cocker spaniel ear cleaner products that have been made specifically for this breed as they have a bit more intense needs than some other breeds.

Labrador Retrievers

While labs don’t have heavy amounts of fur around their ears, their ears still fold over which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This breed also usually enjoys playing in the water which can lead to moisture in the ear that could cause infections.

Poodles

Poodles have a lot of hair around their ears which invites bacteria to grow there. While this hair can actually help to protect their ears from such infections, if not cleaned or groomed often, could cause ear problems.

Shar-Peis

Shar-Peis have heavy skin folds around their ears which means that it’s hard for such areas to air out. This can lead to moisture which can cause a buildup of yeast and bacteria. They also have very narrow ear canals which can make it difficult for things inside to properly move out.

Basset Hounds

Basset hounds are known for their long ears which can easily collect dirt and bacteria. This can cause their ears to get to be very red and raw which can be painful for them.

Signs of an Ear Infection

There are a few ways you can tell if your pet has an ear infection.

Below are some common signs of one:

• They tend to scratch around their ears often
• Redness
• Swelling
• Hearing loss
• They have a hard time balancing
• They often shake their head or tilt it
• There is hair loss around the ear
• The outer and inner ear has scabs
• There is a bloody or strange colored discharge coming from their ears
• There is a strange odor coming from their ears

If you notice symptoms such as these, it’s probably a sign that your pet is suffering from an ear infection.

What Causes Ear Infections?

A handful of things can cause ear infections. Below are some of the most common causes.

Ear Mite Infestations

Ear mites are small creatures that can live in your pet’s ears if they aren’t cleaned out. This can cause them to be very inflamed and eventually lead to infections.

Allergies

Allergies can cause ear infections as well as they irritate the skin in and around your pet’s ears.

Swimming

Water can get into your pet’s ears if they enjoy swimming. If it all doesn’t get out (such as when your pet shakes their head) it could get trapped in their ear canal. This moisture can then invite bacteria to grow.

Wax Build-Up

Too much wax in your pet’s ears can actually cause infections. This is because it is blocking the ear canal which can prevent particles from passing through. It can also absorb bacteria which can eventually spread and cause infections and soreness.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Pet’s Ears

There are many benefits that come with cleaning your pet’s ears.

It Will Provide Them with Relief

Dirty, painful, and itchy ears can be very irritating to pets and can result in them being in pain and scratching themselves often. By cleaning your pet’s ears, it can help to provide them with relief as you will remove itchy particles and painful bacteria from their ears.

It Keeps Them Healthy

If your dog has a build-up of bacteria or yeast in their ears, it can make them very sick. It can also make their immune system overwork to try to heal the areas that are affected by an infection.

It Makes Them Look Nice

By regularly keeping your pet’s ears clean, it can help their fur to grow in well around their ears and prevent scabs and residue from coming out of them as well. Because of this, it can make their fur and skin looks nice and keep it healthy as well.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Cleaning Your Pet’s Ears

Before you clean your pet’s ears, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Below are some important things to consider.

Designate a Special Area

It’s often best to dedicate a certain space to cleaning your pet’s ears. This way, all your supplies can be in one place and won’t make a mess. It can also help to prevent any cleaner from getting over your flooring and walls. Some areas to consider include in a bathroom or outside.

Wrap a Towel Around Them

You should also consider wrapping a towel around your pet’s neck or under the cleaning area to prevent messes. It can also prevent the ear cleaner from getting on their fur. You can then remove the towel after the cleaning sessions and wash it so it can be used for the next cleaning treatment.

Inspect Their Ears Before Cleaning Them

Before you start cleaning their ears, make sure to do a quick inspection of them first. This will give you a better idea of where problematic areas might be. If you find dirt or excess hair, you can gently remove them from their ears with a clean cloth or tweezers.

Talk with Your Vet

If you’re concerned about whether certain ear cleaning products are safe for your pet or find something suspicious in your pet’s ears, make sure to talk with your vet before you clean your pet’s ears. They will do a quick inspection to make sure it isn’t something serious and give you some tips as to how to best clean their ears.

Use A lot of Solution

Some pet owners might just put a little drop of ear cleaning solution into their pet’s ears. While this can be helpful, it will not always reach every area in their ears which means some parts might go uncleaned. Because of this, use a lot of solution in the ear to ensure that they are fully cleaned. However, this doesn’t mean to pour an entire bottle of cleaning solution into them. You should be generous with the amount of solution you use but no so much as it will end up getting stuck in their ear canal.

Have Plenty of Treats Around

When it comes to cleaning your pet’s ears, you need to make sure to have some treats on hand. This will help to distract them from the cleaning process and can also work to keep them still. After you clean their ears, you can then reward them for good behavior by giving it to them.

How Often Do I Need to Clean My Pet’s Ears?

How often to clean ears really depends on your pet’s breed, age, and medical history. Most pets should have their ears cleaned at least once a month. However, if your pet tends to be in the water a lot or is a breed that has long or hairy ears, you might need to clean them a few times per month.

Should I Clean My Cats Ears?

While some might think only dogs need to have their ears cleaned, cats do as well. While they don’t need it as often as dogs, if you find excessive wax, discharge, or other debris from their ear, you should have their ears cleaned. Some cats might also be irritated by ear mites which need to be immediately removed.

Keep in mind that cats have sensitive ears. This means that excessive or tough cleanings could damage their ear canal. Because of this, you shouldn’t clean their ears often, and if you do, make sure to clean them very gently.

How to Correctly Clean the Ears of Your Pet

Below is a step-by-step process you can use to help properly clean out your pet’s ears.

Secure Your Pet

The first step to cleaning your pet’s ears is to secure them. This will make it easier for you to get into their ears without fears of them running off or moving around.

Hold the Ear Up

If your pet’s ears aren’t already up, make sure to do so. This will help you to better access them when you go to clean them.

Put Cleaning Solution in Their Ears

Once you’ve held your pet’s ear up, clean it with your ear cleaning solution or wipes. Then, release their ear, and massage them gently to help the solution get into all areas. You can also put a towel over their head to help prevent the solution from flying around if they happen to shake their head.

Wipe Their Ears Out with a Cotton Ball

After massaging their ears with the cleaning solution, take a clean cotton ball and wipe their ears out. Make sure to only wipe the visible areas of their ear rather than trying to get into their ear canal. Otherwise, it could push bacteria and solution into it which could lead to infections.

How to Clean My Cats Ears

You can use the steps above to clean your cat’s ears, but you’ll also want to keep a few other things in mind. This includes making sure to have someone else hold your pet secure when you clean their ears as they might be a little more temperamental and fidgety when it comes to having their ears cleaned. You also want to make sure to not use cotton swabs as it could cause irritations to their ears.

PurOtic Ear Cleaning Products

If you’re looking for some natural and gentle ear cleaning products to use on your pet, you’ll definitely want to consider PurOtic ear cleaning products.

PurOtic Strong Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats

This ear cleaning product for both dogs and cats uses botanical extracts to help stop infections and prevent ear problems from developing. These ingredients include green tea extract, yellow dock extract, Oregon grape extract and lemongrass oil. All of these not only smell great, but will help to stop inflammation in your pet’s ears In addition to these botanical extract, this ear cleaner also contains docusate sodium which helps to break down earwax without causing irritation.

This cleaner doesn’t contain alcohol or sulfates which have been shown to cause major irritations and even progress infections rather than heal them. Because of this, it can be used in even the most sensitive of ears. This ear cleaner comes in 4 oz., 8 oz., and 16 oz. bottle options.

PurOtic Natural Ear Dryer for Dogs

 

 

 

 

The PurOtic Natural Ear Dryer is designed specifically for dogs which help to dry the moisture in their ears which can help to stop itchiness and pain in them. This natural ear dryer contains aloe vera, diatomaceous earth, chamomile, tea tree oil, clove oil, and echinacea. These ingredients work together to stop inflammation, absorb moisture, and even boost your pet’s immune system to help prevent further infections. 

This product features a silicone tip at the top which helps to make it easier for you to apply to your pet’s ears while also being gentle. Once applied, the ear dryer will get to work instantly and start providing your dog with relief within seconds.

Why We Created PurOtic Ear Cleaning Products

We’ve seen how many dogs suffer from extreme ear pain caused by dirty ears or infections. We’ve also seen how many pet owners have had trouble trying to find ear cleaning products that don’t irritate their pet’s ears and are easy to apply. Because of this, we were inspired to create PurOtic ear cleaning items.

Our products work to not only remove bacteria from your pet’s ears, but do so in a very gentle way that will make your pet come to enjoy ear cleaning time.

Why You Should Consider Using PurOtic Ear Cleaning Products

If you’re still skeptical as to whether PurOtic ear cleaning products for dogs will work well for your pet, consider the following benefits it provides.

They’re All-Natural

Unlike similar products on the market today, PurOtic ear cleaners are 99-100% natural. They contain no alcohol or sulfates, but rather use botanical extracts and other natural ingredients to help soothe and heal your pet’s ears. You’ll find many helpful ingredients mixed into them, such as lavender and tea tree oils, (which are anti-inflammatory), eucalyptus, and lemongrass.

They’re Gentle

Our ear cleaners don’t contain harsh chemicals in them which means they are very gentle in your pet’s ears. You won’t have to worry about them causing pain or other irritations once you apply them.

They’re Easy to Use

It can be a tough job to try to clean your pet’s ears, especially if they don’t sit still during it. This not only makes it unpleasant to do, but could end up causing a mess. Our ear cleaners help to prevent this because they contain special tips that will make sure the ear cleaning solution is applied directly into the ear within seconds.

They Have a Nice Smell

Some ear cleaners can be very strong with their scent which can make it unpleasant to use. However, our PurOtic ear cleaners contain soft scents, such as lavender and tea tree, which can make your dog smell nice when you apply it to their ears.

They Work Quickly

Our ear cleaning product gets to work as soon as you apply them. This means you’ll be able to see results within seconds rather than having to wait a few days.

Cleaning your pet’s ears is an extremely important task to do. It will not only remove dirt and other particles that could cause irritations, but stop painful infections as well. Be sure to keep the information mentioned above in mind when it comes to cleaning your pet’s ears, as well as the cleaning products which have been proven to gently clean their ears to help provide them with relief.

Sources:

Instructions for Ear Cleaning in Dogs
Examining and Medicating the Ears of a Dog
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
Here's How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
Learn How to Clean a Dog's Ears