Pet Hygiene: How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

Do you clean your dog's ears? If not, you should check them out and see if they need some care today.

In general, your dog's ears will only need a little basic cleaning now and then to ensure they remain healthy. Although, you should "monitor" them throughout their lives as the skin is sensitive and the natural, curvy shape can trap debris.

Get your dog comfortable with touch. You may be able to skip this if your dog is already comfortable with his ears being touched and handled. If not, start by petting his ears, lifting them up, while having your dog remain still. Do this daily until your dog has no problem with it.

Make it a positive experience. Most dogs won't like their ears to be cleaned, so you'll have to work with them to get it done. With a dog, it can be a somewhat "enjoyable" time as they are won over with treats. Whenever they cooperate with you, give them a treat.

Tip: Use healthy treats, such as fruits or veggies, if your dog likes them. This way, they won't get those unnecessary calories and fat.

Use the right tools. The tools are critical as you don't want to damage their hearing. Don't use cotton swabs. Choose cotton balls or gauze wrapped around your finger. With ear rinse, make sure that the ear rinse you use is completely safe for your dog. The best kind will have no alcohol, antibiotics, steroids or other toxic materials. Cesar Milan recommends Vetericyn Ear Rinse because of that fact. Wash your hands or wear gloves. Your hygiene is important, too.

Be gentle and don't go too deep. Start on the outside of the ear, then work your way in. Use one cotton ball for the outside and one for the inside of the ear. Once you feel any resistance, stop! Always use caution and keep clear of the inner ear. You don't want to go too deep or you could cause some serious damage.

Ask your vet for help. Talk to your vet if you have questions, such as why your dog's ears are especially dirty or to have them show you how to clean the ears if you are unsure.

When you're done, give your dog lots of affection and treats. You want them to remember that it's worth getting their ears cleaned and it makes the next time that much easier.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Pet-Hygiene:-How-To-Clean-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=9348720

How to Clean Dog Ears - Veterinary Advice

Some advice from a veterinarian on how to clean your dog's ears.

How To Properly Clean Your Dog's Ears

Dog's ears are not something that you look at regularly. However, in addition to your dog needing regular baths, they will also need to have their ears cleaned out on a fairly regular basis. When you clean out their ears on a regular basis, it is going to be easy for you to reduce the chance of them having any type of infection in their ears.

Selection of the proper cleaner is going to be what you have to do first. When you select the cleaner, you will want to make sure it is fairly neutral and not harsh for the ears. However, you will want to make sure you are looking at your dog's needs and make sure the cleaner is going to take care of the issues that your dog is having.

The best source for a cleaner will be from your vet. They sell or can recommend a good safe cleaner.

After the proper cleaner has been selected, you will want to keep it at room temperature. You will then take and spray the cleaner into the dog's ears. This is going to allow you to clean the dog's ears, but it is important for you to keep a paper towel or other type of towel under the dog's ears to ensure that you are not dribbling the water on the floor.

When this is done, you will want to take a wash cloth or something else and try to dab the ears dry. By dabbing it dry you will prevent the dog from getting any type of recurring water in their ears. Cleaning your dog's ears is going to help your dog feel better, and also get the gunk out of their ears.

Most people know they have to give their dogs a bath, however they normally do not realize they have to wash their ears as well. The problem is this is not something people tend to learn about and is not even really talked about. However, by learning how to clean your dog's ears properly, it is going to be easy for you to maintain your dog's ears and know they will be healthy for a longer period of time.

How often should the ears be cleaned? That is a good question and is something you should ask your vet. Some dogs require ear cleaning more often than others.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Properly-Clean-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=9056779

Pet Hygiene: How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

Do you clean your dog's ears? If not, you should check them out and see if they need some care today.

In general, your dog's ears will only need a little basic cleaning now and then to ensure they remain healthy. Although, you should "monitor" them throughout their lives as the skin is sensitive and the natural, curvy shape can trap debris.

Get your dog comfortable with touch. You may be able to skip this if your dog is already comfortable with his ears being touched and handled. If not, start by petting his ears, lifting them up, while having your dog remain still. Do this daily until your dog has no problem with it.

Make it a positive experience. Most dogs won't like their ears to be cleaned, so you'll have to work with them to get it done. With a dog, it can be a somewhat "enjoyable" time as they are won over with treats. Whenever they cooperate with you, give them a treat.

Tip: Use healthy treats, such as fruits or veggies, if your dog likes them. This way, they won't get those unnecessary calories and fat.

Use the right tools. The tools are critical as you don't want to damage their hearing. Don't use cotton swabs. Choose cotton balls or gauze wrapped around your finger. With ear rinse, make sure that the ear rinse you use is completely safe for your dog. The best kind will have no alcohol, antibiotics, steroids or other toxic materials. Wash your hands or wear gloves. Your hygiene is important, too.

Be gentle and don't go too deep. Start on the outside of the ear, then work your way in. Use one cotton ball for the outside and one for the inside of the ear. Once you feel any resistance, stop! Always use caution and keep clear of the inner ear. You don't want to go too deep or you could cause some serious damage.

Ask your vet for help. Talk to your vet if you have questions, such as why your dog's ears are especially dirty or to have them show you how to clean the ears if you are unsure.

When you're done, give your dog lots of affection and treats. You want them to remember that it's worth getting their ears cleaned and it makes the next time that much easier.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Pet-Hygiene:-How-To-Clean-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=9348720