How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs with Routine Cleaning

Ear infections in dogs are uncomfortable and itchy and can lead to serious ear problems if not taken care of. They are also a common condition in many canines, especially in those who are predisposed to ear infections, which often are a result of their ear type, with around 20% of dogs suffering from an ear disease or infection at any given time. By learning more about ear infections in dogs, how to prevent ear infections in dogs, and how to clean their ears, you can help your pet deal with this uncomfortable condition.

Ear infections are a condition in which an abnormal buildup of debris occurs in a dog’s ears, resulting in an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, which can be either chronic or acute. They can take place in the ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear, with the ear canal (otitis externa) being the most common type due to it having the most exposure.

While any dog is at risk of developing an ear infection, there are certain risk factors related to breed and ear type that increase the likelihood of developing ear infections. Dog breeds with longer, floppy ears are at the highest risk of ear infections, such as Basset Hounds, Blood Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and other similar breeds. This is because their ears block air to dry the ear.

A dog’s ear shape isn’t the only cause or risk factor for developing ear infections in dogs. There are numerous other causes, and while some are unavoidable, others can be prevented. Various risk factors and causes of ear infections in dogs are:

• Allergies
• Excessive wax buildup
• Excessive moisture (such as after bathing or swimming)
• Parasites (mites, ticks, etc.)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Ear trauma
• Foreign bodies (such as foxtails)
• Endocrine issues
• Ear polyps
• Certain cancers

Ear infections are also more common in the warmer months, with about 10-15% of cases in veterinary hospitals being ear infections during that time.

An ear infection can be easy to spot in dogs if their ears are checked regularly, as the symptoms are quite specific to the condition. Symptoms of ear infections in dogs include:

• Excessive head shaking
• Scratching at ears
• Visible discharge, usually black or yellow
• Red and inflamed ear canal
• Foul odor from the ear
• Scabs or crusting in the ear
• Whining or crying when ears are touched

If you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your dog, contact your veterinarian for an appointment to confirm an ear infection diagnosis before taking any more steps to treat it.

When working to prevent ear infections in dogs, it’s important to take the proper steps and preventative measures for the different causes.

• Clean your dog’s ears once a week or at least once a month, depending on if they are at higher risk of developing ear infections.
• Clean their ears after they’ve been wet and keep them dry.
• Regularly check the insides of their ears for things such as discharge, dirt, scratches, or parasites.
• Use vet-recommended ear rinses and cleaners.
• Avoid allergens.
• Take your dog to the vet at the first sign of a potential infection.

When it comes to preventing ear infections in dogs, keeping on top of cleaning is one of the top preventative measures. Cleaning the ears can remove debris, such as excessive wax, and rinses can eliminate foreign bodies. Regular cleaning can also allow you to monitor your dog’s ear health and quickly detect any issues that need to be addressed.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is quite a simple task that can easily be integrated into your dog’s health and grooming routine. And when we say simple, we mean the steps...how your dog reacts to the situation could make it a tad more difficult, but this is where positive reinforcement can come into play. When first start cleaning your dog’s ears, be sure to give them plenty of praise and treats throughout the process to create a positive association with ear cleaning. We’re going to review cleaning your dog’s ears but with different types of products to help prevent ear infections in dogs.

1. Let your dog sniff the HICC Pet® Ear Relief Finger Wipes or any other finger wipe of your choosing.

2. Put the wipe on your finger and lift your dog’s ear back to expose the ear canal.

3. Gently wipe the entirety of the ear outer ear canal or the area that needs cleaning. Be especially careful around areas with inflammation.

4. Wipe clockwise from the inside to the outside of the ear. If there is any foreign object, wait until the object gradually softens before removing it.

1. Lift your dog’s ear back to expose the ear canal.

2. Carefully apply 2-3 drops of HICC Pet® Ear Rinse with Hypochlorous Acid or any other ear rinse of your choosing into the ear canal.

3. Gently massage the inside base of the ear for 30 seconds. Allow your pet to shake their head to spread the solution and dislodge any debris.

4. Use the extra large cotton swabs provided by HICC Pet® or cotton ball to clean out loose debris and remove excess solution outside the ear gently. Do not use standard ear swabs, as they can push debris back into the canal.

5. Do not rinse. Allow the solution to air dry.

Note: always follow the instructions on the product you use, as they may differ from what was written above.

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent ear infections in dogs. Ear cleaning can remove debris, wax, moisture, and foreign bodies to reduce the risk of bacteria and yeast overgrowth, which then results in an ear infection. Be sure to clean your dog’s ears at least once a month or once a week for those more at risk. Always use vet-recommended products, such as those by HICC Pet®, and seek veterinary advice at the first sign of infection. With proper care and attention, you can help prevent ear infections in dogs, ensuring your dog stays happy, healthy, and comfortable.