Find out how to care for your dog’s ears based on his breed and ear type. Includes cleaning steps, common problems, ear massage for better health, and more.
Bat ears, drop ears, fluted ears, button ears — everyone has their favorite dog ears! But did you know different-shaped ears present unique health challenges? The droopy ears of Basset Hounds are prone to trapping moisture. The erect ears of German Shepherds have better air circulation but are more prone to injury. Let’s take a look at dog ear care by breed and ear type.
Your dog’s ears have three parts
To start, it’s helpful to understand something about canine ear anatomy.
1. The outer ear or pinna refers to the visible pink interior. The tufts of hair inside your dog’s ear prevent debris from entering the ear canal. Unless your vet recommends otherwise, refrain from trimming this hair.
The pinna is mostly cartilage covered by skin or hair but is also vascular and muscular in nature. The hard ridges inside the pinna catch sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal, an L-shaped tube that leads to the ear drum.
Fast fact: The base of your dog’s ear has than 18 muscles that allow him to rotate, lift, tilt, and move each ear independently.
2. The middle ear houses the eardrum and a small chamber that contains three tiny bones known as the hammer, anvil and stirrup. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, balancing air pressure in the middle ear and helping drain excess fluid.
3. The inner ear is a complex structure that includes the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance). Most infections affect the inner ear. Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and any other dog with large pendulous ears are more prone to inner ear infections (otitis interna).
Any breed can suffer an ear infection, even dogs with upright ears. The most common cause is bacteria. Damage to the eardrum or overly vigorous cleaning can also lead to an infection.
Common ear problems in dogs
- Allergies
- Bacterial infections
- Ear mites and earwax
- Swimmer’s ear (common in Labradors and Portuguese Water Dogs)
- Trauma
- Excess moisture
- Aural hematomas (trauma to the pinna seen as blotchy pink spots, commonly caused by head shaking or chronic ear scratching).
Ear mites or earwax: how to tell the difference
It’s easy to mistake earwax for ear mites, and vice versa. Knowing the difference is crucial to treatment.
- Ear mites are microscopic parasites (Otodectes cynotis) that make their home in your dog’s ear canal. They can cause redness, irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. They are highly contagious and spread between dogs on contact. To diagnose ear mites, your veterinarian will take a sample and examine it under a microscope.
- Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the inner ear from debris. However, excess earwax becomes a problem, and you can treat it by cleaning with a natural ear solution.
Three steps to cleaning your dog’s ears
1. Clean his ears once a week unless your veterinarian advises a different schedule. Use a natural solution, free of harsh ingredients. Look for a product that will protect the delicate pH of your dog’s ears.
Fast fact: Many veterinarians no longer recommend hydrogen peroxide because it’s corrosive.
2. Gently tilt your dog’s head to raise the ear you’re cleaning. Squirt some solution into the ear, but don’t fill it. Then massage the base of the ear for 20 seconds. Allow your dog to shake his head.
3. Using a soft cotton ball, gently wipe the pinna as far into the ear as is safe. Never use a cotton swab as it can damage the ear. Be sure to offer your dog a treat after each cleaning session!
Safe, non-toxic ear products include:
- Ear Cleanse Pads from Vetworthy to help clean ears, removing debris and earwax buildup
- Livestock Care Spray from Banixx, an antibacterial and antifungal solution that can be used for ear infections in dogs.
Massage your dog’s ears for better health
Nerve endings and acupressure points densely fill your dog’s outer ear. Massaging his ears releases good endorphins like oxytocin.
Fast fact: Massage can also aid digestion, decrease anxiety, and even reduce pain.
- Choose a calm location and time to introduce your dog to the benefits of an ear massage.
- Start at the base of your dog’s ear (do not rest your hand on his head). Gently move your fingers in small clockwise or counterclockwise circles. Your dog will let you know which direction he prefers.
- Pay close attention to his response. If he’s sighing, licking, or closing his eyes, he’s enjoying your touch. If he pulls away, stiffens, or shakes his head, he may have an ear problem. Consult your veterinarian.
Whether your dog has droopy or upright ears, dog ear care by breed and ear type includes preventing problems and protecting long-term hearing health. With regular maintenance, gentle handling, and guidance from your veterinarian, you can keep your dog’s ears healthy, comfortable, and ready to perk up at every sound.
Why do some ears stand up and others flop over?
A unique variant of the MSRB3 gene dictates whether your dog’s ears stand up or droop. It all has to do with the strength of the ear cartilage. Prick-eared dogs like the Rat Terrier have firm cartilage. Flop-eared or button-eared dogs like the Australian Shepherd and some Fox Terriers have softer cartilage that prevents the ears from standing erect.
Protect your dog’s hearing from loud noises
Dogs with pricked ears are better at catching sound. However, this makes them more vulnerable to hearing loss from loud noises. In general, dogs have much more acute hearing than we do. Not only do they hear sounds at much lower decibel levels; they can also hear pitches of 40,000Hz to 60,000Hz.
Our own ears can only hear sounds of up to 20,000Hz. This is why your dog can hear that high-pitched dog whistle, and you can’t.
Sounds louder than 85dB can damage your dog’s hearing. If you anticipate your dog being exposed to loud noises, such as concert music or fireworks consider specially designed earmuffs or a canine skull cap. Sporting dogs often use these in the field to protect their ears from the sound of gunshots.
https://creative.science/banixx-livestock-care-spray/
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