Dog ear cleaning products allow you to clean your dog’s ears easily at home. Unlike brushing or shampooing, some people may be concerned about whether they can do it well, but in fact, there are many convenient products on the market. However, many first-time buyers may be at a loss as to which product to choose.
In this issue, we will introduce how to choose the best ear cleaning products for dogs. Various types are ranked in the list, ranging from easy-to-use wiping sheets, lotions, and cleaning solutions to be put inside the ears. Please find the perfect item to clean your precious dog’s ears.
Do Dogs Need Ear Cleaning?
First, let’s check out some basic information about ear care that you should keep in mind, such as whether your dog needs ear cleaning.
Regularly check the ears for dirt and inflammation
Basically, ear cleaning is not necessary if no worrisome dirt or inflammation is found. Dogs’ ears are very delicate, and if you forcefully clean their ears, you may interfere with their self-cleaning mechanism. Depending on how it is done, it may cause problems such as otitis externa.
Nevertheless, it is important to regularly check your dog’s ears for dirt, inflammation, and itching behavior. In particular, check for drooping ears, dogs with hair in the ear canals, short-headed dogs with narrow ear canals, and dogs with seborrhea. Especially during humid seasons, such as the rainy season and summer, you should frequently check the ears.
If you are concerned, consult a veterinary clinic or salon
If you are concerned about the condition of ear dirt or earwax, or if you notice inflammation, first consult your veterinary clinic. It is recommended that you observe closely how long the symptoms have been present and whether your dog seems to be itching, and consult with them about how to care for them.
Also, if there is too much fur for you to see inside the ears, consult a trimmer. If you are told that it is OK to take care of your pet at home, it would be ideal to ask for specific instructions on how to keep your pet in place and how far to go with it. If you usually have your pet trimmed at a salon, you may want to ask them to clean his ears as well.
Decide on the Type That Best Suits Your Purpose
There are various types of ear cleaning products for dogs. Choose the most suitable one for your dog based on the features of each type.
Sheet type for quick cleaning
Sheet-type ear cleaning products are convenient for easy cleaning. You can take them out and wipe them off quickly whenever you feel uneasy. Wet wipes and cotton-like products are the most common, but there are also finger-sack and cotton swab type products that are easy to wipe off. The advantage of the sheet type is that it does not take long to prepare and can be wiped off smoothly before it senses the atmosphere and runs away. If you can clean up dirt naturally when you notice it, such as during relaxing time or after a walk, your dog will accept it without getting defensive.
Cleaning solution type to be dripped into the ear
If you want to treat stubborn earwax in the ear canal, choose a cleaning solution. This item is a cleaning solution that is dripped into the ear to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. The most common type is to shake the dog’s head after the drop and wipe off the earwax that comes out of the ear, but the method varies from product to product, so check before you buy. Basically, all you have to do is add liquid, so this is recommended for dogs that have difficulty cleaning their ears and keeping them in place. There are also many products that can be soaked in cotton, etc., and wiped off, so please use a style suitable for your dog’s condition to care for it.
Gently wiping lotion type
If frequent cleaning is necessary, we recommend the lotion type (ear cleaner). Apply the solution to cotton or gauze and wipe off the dirt. It is easy to care for your dog’s ears according to their condition. It is ideal for dogs that are used to cleaning their ears to a certain degree and do not mind. There are thick or gel types that contain oil or other substances that gently wipe clean the delicate ears of dogs. Avoid rubbing too hard to avoid damaging the ears.
Choose a Low-Impact Product That Is Appropriate for Your Dog’s Personality
It is important to choose products that are suitable not only for your dog’s breed, but also for its personality and constitution. Please refer to the following points to help you choose the right product for your dog.
For dogs with sensitive skin, we recommend a hypoallergenic cleaning solution
If your dog has oily skin or sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic cleaning solution is recommended. Dogs with high sebum production are more prone to ear problems than other breeds, so it is recommended to clean their ears thoroughly with a hypoallergenic cleaning solution. Use a product that will not cause skin irritation even if it is used frequently. Typical breeds with oily skin include Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Labrador Retriever. Basset Hound, Dachshund, Beagle, and West Highland White Terrier also require careful ear cleaning.
Dogs with sensitive skin should also be carefully and gently cleaned with alcohol-free products. Repeated use of cleaning solutions containing alcohol may cause skin irritation. Many quasi-drugs contain alcohol to disinfect thoroughly, so look for products that are labeled alcohol-free or that do not list ethyl alcohol or other ingredients as ingredients. The inside of the ear is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of the skin, so be especially careful with dogs with sensitive skin.
If your dog is sensitive to smell, choose an odorless type
Use odorless products for dogs that do not like to clean their ears or are sensitive to smells. Once dogs learn the smell of ear cleaning products, they may be sensitive to it. We recommend using odorless and fragrance-free products so that dogs can prepare for ear cleaning without noticing. If you use a type that is labeled odorless and fragrance-free, you will not frighten your dog before cleaning his ears. Please note that there are many commercial ear-cleaning products that are flavored with herbs, citrus, or other odors. Also, dogs are keen observers, and some dogs, especially those that do not like ear cleaning, may hide just by being prepared. You can’t help what you don’t like in any way, so make it quick and easy. To make the process as smooth as possible, please be creative about where you place them.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the frequency of ear cleaning. Under the guidance of your veterinarian, it is recommended that you clean your dog’s ears at a frequency that is appropriate for his condition. Frequent ear cleaning for the sake of cleanliness will cause stress to your dog and may also cause skin irritation.