How to Care for Your Pet’s Ears
Caring for your pets’ ears is essential to his or her overall health. Without proper care, your pet may get infections or possible hearing loss. At Animals of Eden Veterinary Hospital in Brevard, we know how difficult it can be to clean your pets’ ears. Here are some tips for cleaning your furry friends’ ears.
Why Clean Your Pet’s Ears?
Ears can be a breeding ground for disease. The ear canal can trap dirt, bacteria, and parasites that can lead to infection. Pet owners may not notice the early signs of possible ear problems. If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, schedule an examination with one of our veterinarians.
- Unpleasant ear odor
- Discharge from ear
- Inflammation of ear
- Persistent scratching or pawing at ears
- Bleeding from ear
To minimize the risk for potential ear problems, be sure to clean your pet’s ears at least once per month.
Cat Ear Care
As any cat owner knows, cats are independent creatures, so trying to clean their ears is often a two-person job. If that’s not possible, consider wrapping your feline like a baby burrito to minimize movement. Be sure to have your veterinarian-prescribed ear cleaning solution, gauze or cotton balls, and a towel ready beforehand.
- Secure your pet on your lap.
- Take hold of the tip of the ear.
- Pull the tip back gently.
- Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution.
- Massage the base of the ear for a few seconds.
- Let your cat shake its head to remove any excess.
- Use dry gauze, cotton balls, or tissues to remove the excess liquid from the ear canal.
- Repeat for the other ear.
In the beginning, cleaning your cats’ ears will take time and patience, but once your pet is comfortable with the process, it’s one way you can protect your furry companion from possible infection.
Dog Ear Care
It’s easier to clean your dogs’ ears when he or she is relaxed. Whether it is at the end of a busy day or around the time of an afternoon nap, picking the right time can help make the process go smoothly. Be sure to have your veterinarian-prescribed cleaning solution, dry gauze or tissues, and a towel ready.
- Secure your pet. For larger dogs, the process may require more than one person.
- Take hold of the tip of the ear.
- Move the tip of the ear until the ear canal is exposed.
- Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution.
- Massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds.
- Let your dog shake its head to remove any excess.
- Use the towel to limit the spray.
- Use dry gauze, cotton balls, or tissues to remove the excess liquid from the ear canal.
- Make sure the ear is dry.
- Repeat for the other ear.
Do not go deeper into the ear canal than necessary. If the dog experiences pain during the cleaning, consult your veterinarian.
Visit Animals of Eden Veterinary Hospital in Brevard, NC
We are dedicated to making sure your pet lives a long and healthy life. Call Animals of Eden Veterinary Hospital today at (828) 884-3647 to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.
