Ear Care

Ear care is a basic grooming necessity. Most dogs have ear hair which can build up ear wax, dirt and can lead to infected ears. I clean ears on every dog I groom. Most ear infections in adults are caused by bacteria and yeast. 

Ear care can be painful when its in a condition like this. The hair is sticky, stinky and matted. The hair is lightly rooted and can usually be pulled with the fingers. When its matted it has to be pulled with hemostats. I try to be as gentle as I can to get the hair out.

But chronic ear infections are not limited to dogs with hairy ears. My Great Pyrenees has been plagued with chronic ear infections most of her life. Dogs with chronic ear problems are at risk for other health issues. One of which is a hematoma. This happens when a dog shakes his head constantly and vigorously. This causes the ear flap to fill with blood, like a balloon. Even with care, she has suffered two hematoma's, the second one resulting in a scarred ear.

I use peroxide to clean the ears. If I suspect infection I recommend Apple Cider Vinegar drops twice a day. Many dogs are prone to chronic ear infections. Regular cleaning will aid in the prevention of ear inflammation and infection. My dog gives me this look when I go to clean her ears ( she recognizes the supplies), but will lean into me as I massage her ears.

You can care for your dogs ears at home. Put a few drops of ear cleaning solution into your dogs ears and rub the ear together at the base. This will massage loose any debris and in most cases, with relive the itching for a moment. You will probably see your dogs back leg twitch as if he was scratching.