Have you ever wondered how to clean dachshund ears? Friends, this guide is going to be so helpful to you. The condition of your dachshund’s ears is probably one of your biggest concerns when it comes to caring for your puppy or dog.
Dachshunds have long, floppy ears, which means cleaning them can be a bigger challenge. They are also prone to ear infections when they are kept company not only by other dogs but also other pets and animals at the same time.
However, cleaning your dog’s ears is simple, so you shouldn’t have any trouble! I have tips and tricks to help you clean your dachshund’s ears like a pro.
A Step-by-Step Guide on Properly Cleaning Your Dachshund’s Ears
A dog’s ear comprises three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is the part you can see, and the middle and inner ears are located deep within the dog’s head. All three ear parts are essential for maintaining your dog’s hearing and balance.
Assuming you’re starting with a dog who’s never had its ears cleaned before, you’ll want to get them used to the idea of someone handling their ears before you start the cleaning process.
Start by gently petting their ears and massaging the base of their ear. If they seem comfortable with that, you can try lightly rubbing a cotton ball around the inside of their ear. Once they’re used to that, you can start the cleaning process.
To clean your dog’s ears, you’ll need:
– A bottle of dog ear cleaner
– A cotton ball
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your dachshund’s ears:
- Start by using a gentle ear cleaner. You’ll find ear cleaners available at every pet store.
- Apply a small amount of ear cleaner to a cotton ball.
- Gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear with the cotton ball, careful not to go too deep into the ear canal. You should see any dirt or wax on the cotton ball.
- Repeat this process until the cotton ball comes away clean.
- Wipe away any excess ear cleaner with a clean cotton ball.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for your dog’s other ear.
Once you’re done cleaning their ears, give them a treat and lots of praise! With regular cleaning, your dog’s ears should stay healthy and free of infection.
- Non-irritating solution
- Use during routine cleansing of sensitive ears
- Removes debris and excessive wax and dries the ear canal.
- Recommended for pets with chronic otitis externa which is chronic inflammation of a dogs external ear canal.
- It has a low pH, so it shouldn't interfere with other ear preparations.
- Includes 200 Amazon Basics Cotton Balls; Pack of three (600 balls total)
- 100% Cotton and Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for makeup application and removal
- Use with your favorite beauty and skincare products
- Safe and gentle for baby
- Ideal for cleaning, crafts, and various uses in the home
How to Keep Your Dachshund’s Ears Clean?
Prevention is better than cure. While some owners may simply wipe their dog’s ears with a damp cloth during baths, smart ones may opt for a more thorough cleaning routine. Here are a few tips on keeping your dachshund’s ears clean and healthy:
- Check your dog’s ears weekly for any sign of redness, swelling, discharge, or odor. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these.
- When cleaning your dog’s ears, use a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser.
- Avoid using cotton swabs (Q-tips) in your dog’s ears, as these can actually push dirt and wax further into the ear canal.
- If your dog has a lot of hair inside his ears, you may need to trim it periodically to allow air to circulate and prevent wax buildup.
- Some dachshunds are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to talk to your vet about the best way to prevent these. This may include using a topical ear cleaner or applying a special ear powder.
These simple tips can help keep your dachshund’s ears clean and free of infection.
Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their Dachshund’s Ears
Avoid making these mistakes when cleaning your dog’s ears, which could lead to irritation or even injury:
- One common mistake people make when cleaning their dachshund’s ears is using cotton swabs. Cotton swabs can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause more blockage. A better way to clean your dachshund’s ears is to use a soft cloth or a dog-specific ear cleaner.
- Another common mistake is not cleaning the ears often enough. Wax and dirt can build up in the ears, leading to infection. It’s essential to clean your dachshund’s ears at least once a week or as needed.
- Finally, some people try to clean their dachshund’s ears with water. This can cause an ear infection, so it’s best to avoid it. If you use water, use a dog-specific ear cleaner and dry the ears thoroughly afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common questions we get about cleaning dachshunds ears.
How often should you clean dachshund ears?
For the most part, you won’t have to worry too much about cleaning your dachshund’s ears. A once-a-month cleaning should be sufficient to remove any accumulated wax or debris.
However, if you notice your dog shaking his head more than usual or scratching at his ears, it may be time for a more thorough cleaning.
How Do I Know If My Dachshund’s Ears Need Cleaning?
If you notice your dachshund scratching at their ears more than usual, it may be a sign that they are itching. This can be caused by a build-up of wax or debris in the ear canal.
If your dachshund’s ears smell bad, it is another indication that they need to be cleaned. Ear infections often cause a foul odor, so if you notice a sudden change in smell, it is best to take them to the vet.
If your dachshund’s ears are red or inflamed, it is a sign of irritation and may also be indicative of an infection. If you see any discharge from the ear, it is also important to check this with your vet.
Conclusion
If you have a dachshund, then you know that their long, floppy ears require special care. Otherwise, they can become infected and cause your dog a lot of pain.
Luckily, cleaning your dachshund’s ears is not difficult and only requires a few simple steps, as shown in this blog post. With regular cleaning, you can help prevent ear infections and keep your dachshund healthy and happy.
