How to Keep Your Dog’s Ears Healthy

An ear infection is a painful experience for your dog. Occurring when bacteria or a fungus enters the ear, they typically require a vet visit and medicine to cure. All the while, your dog suffers. Paying attention to some common indicators of a problem with your pet’s ears can help you catch an infection early.

Any dog could potentially get an ear infection, although there is some evidence that breeds with long and floppy ears have a greater risk. Breeds like Labradors naturally produce more earwax and Chow Chows have a smaller ear canal, both of which can trigger infections. Regularly checking your dog’s ears and cleaning them when necessary helps prevent infections.

Signs of a Dog Ear Infection or Injury

Your dog might let you know of a problem with her ears herself. If you notice her shaking her head frequently or scratching or pawing at her ears, it could be a sign she’s in pain. Other ways to monitors your dog’s ears are to regularly:

Pet Them - You probably pet and scratch your dog’s ears throughout the day anyway. As long as she is not sensitive about having them touched and you don’t feel any abnormalities, they are likely healthy.
Smell Them - Take a moment to smell the insides of each of your dog’s ears. An odor or yeasty smell is a sign of an infection. You should sniff her ears at least once a week to make sure a problem hasn’t materialized.
Look Inside Them - Visual signs like redness, discharge, swelling, crusting skin, or a buildup of dark ear wax can mean an infection. Hair loss around the ears is also a concern.

Noticing anything unusual in your dog’s ears is a good reason to call your vet for a checkup. These signs are often indicative of an ear infection in adult dogs, and can also point to ear mites in younger puppies. Your vet will identify if any bacteria or fungi are present and prescribe the right medicine to cure it.

When to Clean a Dog’s Ears

Cleaning the ears can be the right approach if symptoms - such as earwax or odors - are still mild. You might be able to clear out any bacteria before an infection can become established. To do so, you’ll need a gentle cleansing product. Avoid any that contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar as these can be irritating.

Have your dog lay on her side or tilt her head downward and place the recommended amount of cleanser into her ear canal. Massage her ear for a couple minutes to loosen any debris and spread the cleanser. Then let your dog shake it off. You can remove any cleanser just inside the ear with a cloth or tissue, but never a q-tip. Repeat these steps with the other ear.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention