As dog owners, ensuring our pets are happy and healthy is always a top priority. However, while we often focus on things like diet, exercise, and coat care, it’s easy to overlook ear hygiene. Yet, regular ear cleaning is crucial for preventing infections, discomfort, and even hearing loss in some cases.
At WildWash, we believe that natural, effective pet care is key, which is why our WildWash Natural Ear Cleanser is designed to provide gentle yet thorough care for your dog’s ears. Read on to discover why ear cleaning is so important and how you can incorporate it into your pet’s grooming routine with our top 5 tips.
1. Prevent Ear Infections Before They Start
Dog ears are designed to trap sound, but unfortunately, they can also trap moisture, dirt, and wax. If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to bacterial or yeast infections, which are not only painful for your pet but can also be difficult to treat. Some signs of infection include excessive scratching, shaking of the head, and a foul odor coming from the ears.
By incorporating ear cleaning into your dog’s grooming routine, you can help prevent these infections before they start. Use a natural, soothing product like WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser, which is designed to effectively clean without irritation. Its gentle formula removes debris while maintaining the delicate balance of your dog’s ear environment.
2. Recognise the Signs of Trouble: Redness, Smells, and More
One of the best ways to prevent ear issues is to regularly check your dog’s ears. Healthy dog ears should be pink, clean, and free from strong odors. If you notice redness, swelling, or a pungent smell, it could be a sign that something’s wrong. Wax build-up or a persistent odor might indicate an infection that requires attention.
Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly will help you spot problems early and take action before they worsen. WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser not only keeps your dog’s ears clean but can also help you maintain a regular ear-check routine, so any potential problems are spotted and addressed quickly.
3. Dry Your Dog’s Ears After Every Bath or Swim
Dogs love to get wet, whether it’s a dip in the lake or a bath at home. However, moisture trapped in their ears can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. One simple yet crucial step in ear care is ensuring your dog’s ears are properly dried after any activity involving water.
After bathing or swimming, gently dry the outer part of your dog’s ears with a soft towel or cloth. Use WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser to remove any excess moisture that could be trapped inside, ensuring the ears are clean, fresh, and free from bacteria-causing moisture. This step is especially important for breeds with floppy ears, which can hold more moisture than dogs with upright ears.
5. Use Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Safe Care
Many ear cleaning products on the market are filled with chemicals and artificial ingredients that can be harsh on your dog’s sensitive ears. Prolonged use of such products may even lead to skin irritation or worsen existing ear problems. This is why it’s so important to choose a product that’s specifically formulated for dogs, with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle yet effective.
WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser is made with a blend of botanical extracts and plant-based ingredients. It cleans away dirt and wax while also providing soothing relief for irritated ears. The product is pH-balanced to maintain your dog’s ear health, ensuring it’s suitable for regular use even on dogs with sensitive skin.
For those looking for a detailed demonstration on how to properly clean your dog’s ears, we’ve got you covered! Our master groomer, Katie Rourke Dowding, has created an informative video tutorial that walks you through each step of the process using our WildWash Natural Ear Cleanser. In this video, Katie shares expert tips on making ear cleaning a stress-free experience for both you and your dog. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-timer, this video will help you confidently care for your pet’s ears at home. Watch the video here: Ear Cleaning Tutorial by Katie.
5. Know When to See a Vet
Even with the best ear cleaning routine, there may be times when your dog’s ears need professional attention. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort—such as scratching, head shaking, or holding their head to one side—it could indicate a deeper issue like ear mites or a more severe infection that requires medical treatment. In these cases, consult your vet before attempting further cleaning, as certain infections may need medicated drops or other interventions.
At WildWash, we recommend regular ear checks and cleanings to prevent these issues, but always seek veterinary advice if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve with regular care.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
As a general rule of thumb, check your dog’s ears once a week. If they look dirty or you notice a waxy build-up, it’s time for a clean. With WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser, you can keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy, ensuring they stay free from infection and irritation.
But be aware that the frequency of ear cleaning depends on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and individual needs. Some dogs may need weekly cleanings, especially if they have long, floppy ears or are prone to ear infections. Others may only need occasional cleaning, particularly if they don’t produce a lot of wax or dirt.
• Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds: These dogs have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to infections. Cleaning their ears weekly is ideal to prevent wax build-up and infection.
• Poodles and Shih Tzus: Breeds with hair growing inside their ears, like Poodles and Shih Tzus, require frequent cleaning, around once a week or every other week, to remove excess hair and prevent blockage.
• German Shepherds and French Bulldogs: Breeds with upright ears, such as German Shepherds, tend to need less frequent cleaning, usually every 2-4 weeks. Their open ear structure allows better air circulation, reducing the risk of infection.
• Labrador Retrievers: Labs are active, often love swimming, and have floppy ears. This combination makes them prone to moisture build-up, so cleaning once every two weeks (and after swims) is a good routine.
• Breeds Prone to Allergies: Dogs like Bulldogs and Shar Peis, which are prone to allergies, may require more frequent ear cleaning to prevent inflammation and infection, ideally every 1-2 weeks.
Ear cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips and using high-quality, natural products like WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser, you can help keep your dog’s ears clean, infection-free, and comfortable.
Why WildWash’s Natural Ear Cleanser Stands Out
At WildWash, we understand the importance of gentle yet effective products for your dog’s health. Our Natural Ear Cleanser is formulated using sustainably sourced, eco-friendly ingredients that provide a deep clean without causing irritation. Unlike some products that use synthetic chemicals, our cleanser is pH-balanced and free from harsh ingredients, making it perfect for regular use—even on the most sensitive ears.
Here’s why you should make WildWash a part of your dog’s grooming routine:
• 100% Natural Ingredients: Our cleanser is made from plant-based extracts that are safe for your dog and the environment.
• Effective Cleaning: It gently removes wax, dirt, and debris without stripping your dog’s natural oils.
• Soothing Relief: If your dog’s ears are irritated, our natural formula helps soothe and calm the skin while providing a thorough clean.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: We’re committed to creating products that not only benefit your pet but are also kind to the planet.
Incorporate this into your dog’s grooming routine today, and give them the care they deserve—with a touch of nature.
Explore our full range of natural pet care products at WildWash, and discover how our commitment to using only the best natural ingredients can help make a positive difference in your dog’s health and happiness.