Is a Clean Ears Policy Best for Your Dog's Health?
1. Just like in humans, the earwax found in dogs originates from the glands within their ears. This substance serves to trap dust, debris, dead skin, and microorganisms that enter the dog's ear canal. Once these materials accumulate to a certain level, the earwax will naturally be expelled from the dog's ear.
2. Typically, if you're caring for your dog's ears, a weekly cleaning routine is sufficient. It's not necessary to excessively clean your dog's earwax, as dogs have their own earcleaning system. Even if your dog has ear mites or other ear conditions, daily cleaning of the ear canal is not advisable. In fact, even with severe ear issues, cleaning should be spaced out at least every other day. Overcleaning can disrupt the ear's pH balance, which can exacerbate the discomfort for dogs with ear diseases.
3. The amount of earwax produced by dogs can vary by breed. For instance, Cocker Spaniels may produce more earwax due to genetic factors, making them more prone to ear infections. On the other hand, English Bulldogs, with their abundant ear folds, are more susceptible to earwax buildup and ear diseases.
4. Identifying an ear infection in dogs primarily involves observing if their ear canals emit an unpleasant odor, or if their ears appear red, swollen, painful, or have an elevated temperature. These symptoms, along with signs of restlessness, ear scratching, or rubbing against furniture or the ground to alleviate discomfort, can indicate an ear condition.
5. When cleaning your dog's ears, it's not recommended to use hydrogen peroxide, as it can irritate the ear canal. While hydrogen peroxide can kill harmful bacteria, it may also destroy beneficial bacteria. If frequent ear cleaning leads to a change in the ear's pH balance, your dog may become more susceptible to ear infections. It's advisable to use petspecific ear drops for ear cleaning instead.
Remember, when cleaning your dog's ears, it's crucial to maintain a balanced cleaning frequency and gentle pressure to avoid injury. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary professional.
