Otitis Externa -- smelly, itchy, dirty ears -- is the third most common reason they take our canines to see the veterinarian. Pet owners usually do not include ear cleaning as part of their every day or every week grooming technique, but veterinarians are finding that at-home general cleaning can help eliminate the issue of otisis externa.
Spring & summer can be hard on the ears. Walks, swimming & increased outdoor activity expose our pets to more pollutants & irritants. The ear naturally produces more wax for protection , giving more surface for dirt to accumulate. A vicious cycle for definite.
As the ears become dirtier, both wax & dirt can become lodged or accumulate in the ear canal. Canines will often shake their heads and/or paw & scratch their ears. The pawing may lead to scratches & infections.
Gently cleaning the "outer inside" of the ear is now being recommended by plenty of veterinarians. Cleaning helps remove the dirt & wax stopping the discomforting build-up.
Use a soft gauze or cotton ball & pet ear cleaner to gently wipe the ear. It is not recommended to make use of cotton tips (Q-tips) inside the ear. Also, look for a non-toxic & alcohol-free ear cleaner. You may also need to keep away from those with fragrances & dyes as these can be an irritant.
In case you think your pet has any type of infection, consult your veterinarian.
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