Hey fellow Golden parents!
If you’ve ever found yourself peering into your Golden Retriever’s ears wondering how on earth to tackle the cleaning without a manual, this is for you. I’ve been there, cotton swab in hand, with my buddy Cooper giving me the “Are you sure about this?” look.
But fret not! I’m about to share with you my foolproof 10 Easy Steps To Clean Your Golden Retriever’s Ears that’ll have your furry friend’s ears sparkling clean and healthy. 🐾✨
Why should you clean your golden retriever’s ears?
Cleaning a Golden Retriever’s ears is an essential aspect of their grooming routine, primarily because these lovable dogs are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. These beautiful, characteristic ears can restrict air flow, creating a warm and moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.
Regular cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of wax and debris, which can lead to infections that are not only uncomfortable for your furry friend but can also result in costly vet visits for treatment.
Moreover, the process of ear cleaning is a wonderful opportunity to check for any signs of irritation, infection, or parasites, ensuring that any issues are caught and addressed early.
Being proactive with ear care can spare your Golden Retriever from potential discomfort and hearing loss, ensuring they stay as happy and healthy as possible.
10 Easy Steps To Clean Your Golden Retriever’s Ears
1. Gather Your Gear
Preparation is key. You’ll need a vet-approved ear cleaning solution; I prefer brands that are gentle yet effective—like Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, which is highly recommended for sensitive ears.
Ensure you have plenty of cotton balls or pads within reach, and remember, avoid Q-tips as they can push debris deeper into the ear canal. And, of course, keep a stash of your dog’s favorite treats to make this a positive experience.
2. Settle In
Find a cozy spot in a room without too many distractions. I like to sit on the floor with Cooper so he feels comfortable and at ease. Sometimes I’ll play some soft music to create a calming atmosphere.
3. The Sniff Test
Before anything else, take a moment to smell your dog’s ears. If you notice any strong odors or a yeasty smell, it could be a sign of an infection. If the smell is strong, skip the cleaning and head to your vet.
4. Wipe the Outer Ear
Using a cotton ball slightly dampened with the cleaning solution, gently wipe the visible parts of your dog’s outer ear. Remove any dirt or wax you can see, but don’t go any deeper into the ear canal.
5. Apply the Cleaner
Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. Don’t worry; you won’t hurt your dog—it’s designed to fill the canal. Hold the ear flap up and gently squeeze the solution from the bottle into the canal until it’s nearly full.
6. Massage Time
This step is crucial. With the cleaner inside the ear, gently massage the base of the ear with your fingers. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaner dislodges debris and wax.
This usually takes about 20-30 seconds and most dogs love this part—it feels like a gentle ear massage.
7. The Shake
After the massage, your Golden will naturally want to shake their head. This is good! Stand back and let them shake out the solution and loosened debris. It can get messy, so have a towel handy to protect your walls and furniture.
8. The Delicate Inner Ear
Take a clean cotton ball and gently wipe out the loosened wax and debris from the ear’s inner folds. Never insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the areas you can easily see.
If you notice any redness or swelling, don’t attempt to clean further—this is a job for the vet.
9. Dry and Praise
After the cleaning, gently dry the ear with a soft towel. It’s important to remove any remaining moisture as it can breed bacteria. Following the clean-up, it’s praise time! Shower your dog with affection and give them a treat to associate ear cleaning with positive experiences.
10. Observation Is Key
In the hours and days following the cleaning, watch for any signs of discomfort or irritation, such as scratching the ear or shaking the head excessively. If you observe anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
To get a visual and perhaps more detailed instruction, visit American Kennel Club’s guide on ear care. They provide a comprehensive overview that I’ve found invaluable.
Remember, every dog reacts differently to ear cleaning. Some may sit through it like a champ, while others might need more coaxing and reassurance. The key is to be patient and gentle, ensuring your Golden feels safe throughout the process.
And there you have it, a deep clean worthy of a round of “appaws”! Stay golden, and keep those ears pristine! 🐕🦺🧽✨
References
1.American Kennel Club (AKC) – Ear Care for Dogs
2.VCA Animal Hospitals – Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
3.PetMD – How to Clean Dogs’ Ears
4.Cesar’s Way – Dog Ear Cleaning: Basics You Need To Know
