Cleaning your dog's ears might not be the most glamorous part of pet care, but it’s essential to their overall health and well-being. A regular ear-cleaning session can help prevent infections, reduce wax buildup, and keep your dog comfortable and happy. But where do you start, and how can you make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your dog? This guide, featuring expert advice from certified trainers Alisa Healy and Melody Lee, from Gentle Beast, will explain why regular ear cleaning is important and how to get your pup used to it.
Even if you have a healthy dog with naturally clean ears, checking them regularly is important to ensure there are no signs of irritation, wax buildup, or infection. If your dog is scratching their ears more than usual, shaking their head frequently, or if you notice redness or even an unusual odor, it’s time to take action. Consulting your vet is always a good first step if you notice these symptoms.
Making Ear Cleaning Stress-Free
Ear cleaning can be a bit of an ordeal if your dog is not used to it. Certified trainers Alisa Healy and Melody Lee have each shared some expert tips to make the process easier.
Alisa recommends taking some time to introduce the cleaning product to your dog before diving in. “Rather than using the product on your dog immediately, spend some time showing them the product, then feed a treat. Let them sniff it, feed a treat. Move it around a bit, feed a treat. Move it toward them, feed a treat. Work toward being able to touch the product to your dog. Spending some time introducing the product first can go a long way to build their comfort,” she says.
Melody adds that timing is everything. "As a general rule of thumb, when you’re trying to train your dog to accept something they don’t like, the process will go more smoothly if they’re too sleepy to care much. Take them out for a walk, play fetch, or let them run off-leash for a while before bringing them inside to clean their ears."
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears with Pet Wipes
Now that your dog is relaxed and familiar with the product, you’re ready to start cleaning. Here’s how to do it:
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Prepare Your Dog: Choose a comfortable spot for your pup, ideally where they feel safe and calm. Gently hold their head still but avoid restraining them too much, as this can cause anxiety.
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Examine the Ears: Before you start cleaning, take a quick look inside your dog’s ears. You’re looking for any signs of redness, irritation, or excessive wax buildup. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to consult your vet before proceeding.
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Use Earth Rated Pet Ear Wipes: These wipes are designed to cleanse the sensitive folds, flaps, and fur of your dog’s ears in just a few swipes. Measuring 5x5 inches, each wipe is large enough to give both ears a good clean without the need for multiple wipes. The hypoallergenic formula, enriched with soothing aloe vera, is gentle on your dog’s skin while effectively lifting dirt, wax, and odors. Plus, the wild oat scent leaves their ears smelling fresh.
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Wipe Away Dirt and Wax: Start by gently wiping the outer part of the ear, working your way in. Be sure not to insert the wipe too deeply into the ear canal. The goal is to clean the areas you can see without pushing debris further in.
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Reward Your Dog: Once you’re done, don’t forget to reward your dog with a treat and some praise. This positive reinforcement will help them associate ear cleaning with a pleasant experience, making future cleanings easier.
Why Choose Earth Rated Pet Ear Wipes?
When it comes to your dog’s ear care, Earth Rated Pet Ear Wipes are a game-changer. Thoughtfully designed with your dog’s comfort in mind, these wipes are made from FSC-certified plant-based viscose fibers, ensuring they’re not only gentle but also thoughtfully created. They contain no added alcohol and are free from parabens, sulfates, EDTA, and propylene glycol, making them gentle enough for regular use.
With the perfect amount of moisture and a soothing wild oat scent, these wipes make ear cleaning a breeze, leaving your dog’s ears fresh and clean without the hassle.
Watch the Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on teaching your dog to get used to getting their ears cleaned, check out our step-by-step video tutorial below. This video walks you through each stage of the process, ensuring you and your dog are safe and happy.
Final Thoughts...
Regular ear cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right approach and the right product, you can make this part of your dog’s grooming routine quick, easy, and stress-free. Earth Rated Pet Ear Wipes offer a convenient and effective solution to keeping your dog’s ears healthy, so you can spend less time worrying about ear care and more time enjoying your pup’s company.
About Earth Rated
From dog poop bags, to grooming products, to toys, Earth Rated creates thoughtfully designed products for people who love dogs. As a B Corp-certified company focused on innovation and responsibility, Earth Rated's mission is to make everyday moments for people and their dogs simpler and better. Earth Rated products are used by over 4.5 million people daily and can be found in over 25,000 stores in 40+ countries.
About Gentle Beast
Gentle Beast is a certified puppy trainer, in your pocket. With tens of thousands of personalized training paths, access to the country's best certified trainers and canine health professionals, Gentle Beast trains you to unleash the good in your dog. Gentle Beast takes the best of working with an in-person certified trainer, and makes it more accessible, affordable, and engaging. They've re-imagined the puppy training experience from the ground up. Interested in getting a free month? Redeem here!
