I gotta tell ya, there’s nothing I hate more than getting my ears cleaned.  But unfortunately being a Boston Terrier, I am prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning has become a fact of life for me.  It sucks everytime, but having an ear infection is soo much worse.  For me, it’s the swimming.  Moisture gets into the ear canal and bam infection!  For others, it could be food allergies, dirt that gets into the canal, or a multitude of other things.
Regarding ear infections, If you notice any of the following behavioral signs with your pet, it might be time for a vet visit.
1. Â Shaking or tilting head. Â Obviously we all do that once in awhile, but believe me you will know the difference when you notice continual head tilting or shaking
2. Â Scratching face or ears. Â Same as above, everybody gets an itch they need to scratch, but constantly, time to check things out.
3. Â Wincing when ear is touched.
4.  Hearing Loss. Don’t confuse this with attitude. Sure sometimes I pretend I don’t hear my Dads, but if your dog doesn’t respond normally, might be time to check things out.
There are of course physical signs you can look for as well. Those might include:
1. Bad Pungent Smell coming from Ear
2. Discharge (Ewww!!)
3. Redness or Swelling
4. Â Crusty Flaky Skin
5. Hair Loss
6. Cuts, Blood in ear
7. Â Waxy Build up: Â Brown or Black ear wax is dry and looks like coffee grinds, this could actually be ear mites.
Again, if these things are noticed, dial up that vet!
But if you want to avoid that costly trip and also help out your pet before there is a problem, regular ear cleaning is a must.  Here’s how my Dads clean mine. YUK!
First, Â gather your supplies. Â You need a special cleanser that you can get from your vet. Â We use Chlorhexidine Solution. Â Never use alcohol! Â You will also need either some cotton balls or a soft gauze. Â Those little white makeup pads can work also. Do not use Qtips.
Second, you flip over your dog to be able to see in the ear. Or if you have two people one can hold the dog while you open the ear.
Third,  put solution on the cotton and wipe upper part of ear only.  Never go deep into the ear as you will most likely just be pushing whatever is in there deeper. And if you didn’t have an infection, you might have one after that.  Or you could put the solution on the cotton ball, place the cotton in the ear and massage the ear a little and then remove it.  If you do this, take another cotton and make sure you didn’t leave solution in the ear.
Explanation of where ear-infection ointment should go, for non-acute infections. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Fourth, keep changing cotton until clean.
Fifth, if you notice a funky smell, go to the vet.
That should do it, but, here’s a video I found online. They probably do a better job of explaining it than me anyway! Plus my Dads or me are not Vets, so consult them, maybe they will give you a demo on your next visit.
Happy and Healthy Ears to You!! Now let’s go in the ocean!! Yay
Related articles
Let’s talk about ear problems in the dog – Part 1 (allpetsallowed.com)
Is my severe ear infection worth yet another trip to the doctor? (ask.metafilter.com)
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