Can i flush my dogs ears

After all, not many of us have a groomer on call! Luckily, the process is easy: In many cases you can clean your dog's ears with a few simple supplies and quick steps. The hardest part might just be getting your pup to sit still—but that's what dog treats are for, right? How do you know if your dog's ears need to be cleaned in the first place? The easiest way to tell is by checking them regularly for changes. Clean, healthy dog ears are pink, odorless, debris-free, and not inflamed, according to the American Kennel Club.

If you get a whiff of a mild odor, spot some discharge, or notice that your pup is shaking his or her head more than usual, a cleaning is likely in order. Knowing how to clean dog ears is particularly important if you love basset hounds as much as Ree Drummond does: Four of the six Drummond dogs are bassets, and while those long, floppy ears are adorable, they're also more susceptible to mites and ear infections!

Whichever dog breed has your heart, keep reading to find out how to keep your pup's ears clean and healthy. How often you should clean your dog's ears will depend on a bunch of factors, including breed, activities, and health conditions like allergies.

Long-eared dogs like Ree's basset hound Walter are more susceptible to ear infections than other breeds, so they typically require more frequent cleanings. The same is true of avid swimmers—and active ranch dogs that have trouble staying out of the mud! On the other hand, some dogs hardly ever need their ears cleaned. In fact, over-cleaning can cause irritation and even infection, so if you aren't sure if your dog's ears need to be cleaned, check with your vet.

Explore our dog insurance policies today. Reward your dog with extra treats if he or she sits still or co-operates. Gently does it A range of ear cleaning products are available for dogs, but warm water will do the job in most cases. Dip the cotton wool into the liquid and work your way from the outside of the ear inwards.

Change the cotton wool ball and replace the fluid as soon as it starts to get too dirty. Be sure to clean out the creases in the ears as this is where most dirt can build up. Shake it off When you have done both ears, reward your dog with another treat and then let them shake their ears dry.

Always see your veterinarian if an infection or discomfort is suspected, as any issue left undiagnosed can lead to progression of symptoms and potential long-term problems. Usually, ear problems in dogs are present due to an underlying cause such as ear conformation, allergies, and parasites etc.

This is true, even if your pet has had an ear treatment from the vet previously and you have some of that ear medication sitting in the medicine cabinet in your house. As a rule of thumb, a routine ear clean should not be needed any more than once every 1 to 2 months for a dog with healthy, normal ears. If more frequent cleaning is required, this should indicate cause for concern.

Besides timed routine ear cleanings, it is a good idea to pursue ear cleaning for your pet after each bath or after water activities like swimming, playing by the beach or lake. This helps clean out the ears in case if there has been an introduction of excessive moisture into the ear canals during the bath or playtime. As we all know, they can push debris and wax further down the ear canal and cause potential damage.

Use an ear rinse that is safe to use for a dog when in doubt, ask your vet that has no antibiotics, steroids, alcohol, or toxic materials. You can usually purchase a rinse from your vet clinic or local pet store. Good hygiene is vital!