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GETTING YOUR DOG USED TO EAR CLEANING

 

Why does my dog not like having his ears cleaned?

 

Most dogs’ ears are a lot larger than ours and certainly a lot more sensitive.  We usually only clean them when there is a problem and they are already sore, so the dog learns that handling around the ears is painful and tries to avoid it.  Not surprisingly he struggles and may become aggressive.

 

If it is so sore should I not then stop?

 

Unfortunately, he will quickly learn that this achieves his objective and this can lead to problems in the future, for example if he decides he does not want to be moved from a favourite chair. 

 

Are you suggesting that I should continue to struggle with him then?

 

It is important that you never put yourself in danger and if you think there is a risk, then seek professional assistance.  Vets frequently have to examine pets’ ears under a general anaesthetic or heavy sedation initially because they are so sore.  In this way the ears can be thoroughly cleaned and then it is easier for you to continue regular treatment, particularly when you have been shown precisely how to do it by your vet.

 

My dog is already very aggressive about having his ears touched.  What should I do?

 

Muzzling is essential therefore you should muzzle train your dog in a humane way (see leaflet on muzzle training).  Prevention of the problem is obviously preferable and therefore always make a point of examining and cleaning out any dirt or wax from the ears during normal grooming.

 

I realise this but my dog has had his ears cleaned under an anaesthetic, I have been given drops to apply and I can’t get near him.  What can I do?

 

Following the steps outlined below should solve the problem in the majority of cases.  Good luck.

 

  1. Ensure your dog is securely restrained using a nylon muzzle, if necessary (see above)

 

  1. Offer your dog a treat with one hand and reach out towards one ear with the other.  Repeat this exercise several times until your dog shows no flinching or avoiding on at least five successive occasions, then repeat on the other side

 

  1. Now offer your dog a treat and lift up the ear flap. Only reward those occasions when there is no flinching.  Repeat as 2

 

  1. Progress to cleaning the ear flap with a suitable cleaner or even just damp cotton wool.  Do not try to clean the ear canal at this stage.  Start with short single wipes and then work up to multiple wiping sessions.  Repeat as above

 

  1. Ask someone to feed the dog small pieces of favourite tidbits while you now clean the ear canal as you have been shown by your vet

 

  1. Finish with a treat and lots of praise and fuss.

 

How long is this going to take?

 

If your dog does not have sore ears and is not being aggressive, this procedure can often be taught in a single day but if there are other problems and he is very head shy, more time will be required.  Then each of the steps may be a full day’s work and will need reinforcing before you go on to the next stage.

 

Proceed at your pet’s pace.  A useful tip is to institute the training session when he is hungry, i.e. before you feed him.  Food titbits will then work miracles!

 

If you appear to be having problems then you should consult your vet about seeking professional help.