Ear care for dogs

Droopy, upright or bent — a dog's ears vary from one breed to another. But what they do have in common is that ears are extremely important for any dog. They are a way for our four-legged friends to communicate with one another, and provide vital information about their surroundings. They play a role in keeping balance and help pinpoint the source of particularly interesting or threatening sounds — be it the owner's call, joyful barking or aggressive growling from another dog.

Factors which affect the health of a dog's ears

Water, wind and moisture are just three factors which can have potentially irritating effects on a dog's ears. Water and moisture in particular can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, which in turn can lead to infections. It is therefore advisable to check and dry their ears regularly, especially after bathing or playing in water, to avoid problems.

Dogs with long, droopy ears or very hairy ear canals — such as Cocker Spaniels or Poodles, for example — face additional factors which might affect the health of their ears. Ear shape can restrict air circulation, which can lead to a build-up of moisture and related ear problems. Extra care should be taken to keep their ears clean in breeds like these.

Cleaning a dog's ears

Dirt, a build-up of earwax or an unpleasant odour coming from the dog's ears can be early signs of problems. Owners helping with a dog's natural ear cleaning can reduce the risk of infections. Any cleaning should be particularly gentle so as not to irritate the sensitive parts of the ear. 

Our tip:

If your four-legged friend's ear health is suffering, we recommend Ear Clean+Care. This gentle product is not only ideal for cleaning a dog's outer ear regularly, it also cares for the skin around the ears and in the external auditory canal. It promotes natural skin regeneration and can be helpful for itching, eczema and hot spots. Our Ear Clean+Care comes as a handy liquid suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds.