Regular ear check-ups and cleaning contributes to healthy ears, free of painful infections. Between grooming appointments pet owners should practice ear health maintenance and check their dog's ears at least once a week. With any grooming service Waggers includes a complete ear inspection and cleaning. 

Many pet owners do not realize that dogs can grow hair in the ear canal, even large amounts common to some Poodles and Terriers, as well as other breeds. For this reason, many owners never check their dog ears unless the dog is shaking or scratching its ear(s). By that time there is usually an ear health problem requiring veterinary medical inspection. Ear infections may arise from water trapped in the ear canal. The damp environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, often leading to painful sensitivity, redness, swelling and infection. Dogs with ear flaps are the most affected since the flaps cut air circulation and trap moisture.

Ear mites may also be present in ear wax. Dogs with this problem often shake their heads and scratch ears. They are very contagious and will require the owner to treat their pet for ear mites for over 3 weeks.

Accumulations of wax and a lack of air circulation can lead to ear canker. Canker infection often causes a dark-colored discharge and foul odor. The pet requires veterinary inspection of the condition. Some dogs scratch their ears as a result of allergies; they should be inspected and treated by veterinarians. At Waggers we understand the serious nature of ear problems and always ensure that pet owners are advised of any suspect conditions and recommend veterinary inspection.

Common ear problem signs are:
- Head shaking and ear scratching.
- Ears sensitive to touch.
- Discharges and powerful odors.
- Hematomas (blood blisters) on the ear flap.
- Swelling and skin redness.

Ear Cleaning & Deodorizing Steps Below you will find basic ear cleaning and deodorizing steps for dogs. We do not provide these steps as complete, professional ear cleaning. We encourage pet owners to use the services of a professional groomer and veterinarian for ear cleaning. Pet owners should practice preventative ear health maintenance and check their dog's ears at least once a week.

1. Although you should never clean ears more than one-half inch into the ear canal, observe the condition of the pet's ear beyond the cleaning limit and make note of any potential problems. You may see foreign matter, a discharge, heavy wax buildup. 

2. To clean the ear, moisten a cotton ball very lightly (absolutely no dripping) with a small amount of commercial ear cleaning solution, and swab and clean the ear canal area outward to the ear flap. Repeat as needed. This procedure may soothe irritated skin from the hair removal process depending upon the ear cleaning solution you use. 

Some pet owners may over clean sensitive ears causing irritation. The result may be redness, or the dog may start scratching ears where it wasn't before. Ears should be cleaned of matter as noted above, and reasonably freed of pet hair too. However, if you see the dog's skin becoming red and/or irritated by the pulling, remove a reasonable amount of hair only and soothe pet's ear with the lightly moistened cotton swab mentioned above. As you clean ears you may uncover conditions that were previously not observed during the ear inspection procedure. The swelling of the ear flap due to blood going into the tissue or serum under the skin, or foreign matter or swelling, etc. Discontinue further cleaning when you uncover any serious ear problem, and contact your veterinary office. Water and excess ear cleaning solution must never get in pet ears. Do not use water in the cleaning process. Do not syringe pet ears; it is a veterinary procedure only. If you are uncertain how to proceed, don't. Seek professional veterinary care. When you bathe your dog you can also place cotton in their ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal, and the ear area (especially on those dogs with ear flaps) must be completely dry so as not to provide a damp environment favored by bacteria and fungus.

For further questions and comments contact us at 828-712-9339 or email us at info@waggersdogdepot.com