Many pet owners do not realize that dogs can grow hair in the ear canal, even large amounts in some breeds. For this reason, many owners never check their dog’s ears unless the dog is shaking or scratching. By the time that behaviour is displayed, there is usually an ear health problem requiring veterinary attention.

Ear infections may arise from water trapped in the canal. The damp environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which often leads to painful sensitivity, redness, swelling and odorous infection. Dogs with ear flaps are the most affected since the flaps extinguish air circulation and trap moisture.

Ear mites are also commonly found in ear wax. Dogs with this problem often shake their heads and scratch their ears frequently. Removing some ear wax gently and spreading it on a piece of white paper under light will reveal white specks in the wax if a mite infestation is present.

Mites are very contagious and will require immediate veterinary attention. Insecticides kill the adult mites only, so repeat applications are necessary. Based on the life cycle of mites, treatment usually consists of applying insecticide for a 7 day period, then waiting 10 days for baby mites to mature before repeating.

Accumulations of wax combined with the lack of air circulation can lead to ear canker. Canker infections often cause a dark-colored discharge to leak from the infected ear accompanied by a foul odor. The pet will require veterinary inspection of the condition.

Common symptoms of an ear problem include:

- Head shaking and ear scratching.
- Ears sensitive to touch.
- Discharges and powerful odors.
- Hematomas (blood blisters) on the ear flap.
- Swelling and skin redness.
- Melanomas (tumors).

If you discover serious ear problems, you may choose to gently clean the exterior of the ear, wiping away dirt, wax and other matter. It is always a good idea to contact your veterinary for further direction if a problem is visible.

The following tools and supplies are useful for cleaning your dog’s ears. Remember to carefully read and follow instructions supplied with all products before using them.

Hemostat (sterilized before and after each cleaning).
Commercial medicated ear powder (deodorizer optional).
Commercial ear cleaning solution.
Cotton (sterile medical grade preferred).

***NOTE: Do not use Q-Tips or alcohol.

Steps to achieving clean ears:

1. Lift the dog’s ear flap and expose the inside flap of the ear, with the ear directly facing you. Using your thumb and index finger, quickly remove loose hair around the external ear opening. Always pull in the direction of hair growth and only small amounts of hair at a time should be taken. A light amount of medicated ear powder can be used in cases with excess wax and hair. The powder will dry the wax, and make the hair easier to pull.

2. (optional) Using hemostats, grasp small amounts of hair and pull outward toward you slowly, being careful to never reach more than a half inch into the ear canal. Anything further should be explored by a professional vet only. Be sure to thoroughly clean and sterilize the tools after hair removal.

3. Although you should avoid cleaning any further than a half-inch into the canal, try and take a look inside for any noticeable problems. If you suspect a problem, report it to your vet for further consultation.

4. Moisten a cotton ball very lightly, with absolutely no dripping, with a small amount of commercial ear cleaning solution. Then, swab and clean the ear canal area, moving outward to the ear flap. Repeat as required. This procedure may soothe irritated skin from the hair removal process depending upon the ear cleaning solution you use. Ensure any and all ear powder is cleaned from the ear’s skin surface.

Note: If you notice the dog’s skin becoming red and/or irritated by the pulling of the hair removal, remove a reasonable amount of hair only and soothe the ear with the lightly moistened cotton swab.

As you clean ears, you may discover infections or other conditions like Hematomas, the swelling of the ear flap due to blood-enlarged tissue or serum under the skin, or foreign matter or swelling, etc. IF you notice anything suspicious at all, discontinue the cleaning procedure and immediately contact your veterinarian.

Water and excess cleaning solution should be kept out of pet’s ears and you should never use water in the cleaning process. Note that ear syringes are only to be used by licensed veterinarians.

Also, when bathing your dog, it is a good idea to place cotton in their ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal. This is especially true for breeds with ear flaps. Dry ears thoroughly after bathing so as not to provide a damp environment favored by bacteria and fungus.