How to Clean Goldendoodle Ears

by Jill Verduin | Mar 24, 2023 | Blog Post, Goldendoodle | 0 comments

The floppy little ears on your goldendoodle puppy might just be the cutest thing in the world. But they can also trap dirt and bacteria, making them a potential health hazard. Luckily, you can easily avoid any risk of goldendoodle ear infection by practicing good hygiene and cleaning your pup’s ears periodically. If you aren’t sure how to clean goldendoodle ears or what to clean a dog’s ears with, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Why You Should Clean Your Goldendoodle’s Ears

Goldendoodles have floppy ears, which can put your pup at risk for some health issues. Since their ears will lay against their head, they can trap heat and moisture, which are both things that bacteria and yeast enjoy. So if your dog plays outside or goes for a swim, and their ears are not cleaned routinely, it can be easy for an infection to take root. Goldendoodle ear infections can cause a lot of pain and even permanent damage to your pup, so it’s best to avoid the possibility by practicing regular ear maintenance.

What to Clean a Dog’s Ears With

Your dog’s ears shouldn’t be cleaned the same way that you clean your own. After all, goldendoodles aren’t people, and their ears are different. Plus, they won’t understand what you are doing, so you’ll need to take an approach that is as gentle and noninvasive as possible. This means that you may not know what to clean a dog’s ears with, but fortunately, you won’t need too many special supplies. The most important thing is going to be a cleaning solution that is designed specifically for dogs. You should be able to find a good option at your vet’s office. Next, you’ll want a couple of cotton balls and some warm water. It may also be a good idea to keep some treats handy.

How to Clean a Puppy’s Ears

If you’re wondering how to clean goldendoodle ears, the first thing to know is that there are two different techniques, one for the inner and one for the outer ear. While both of these are important for preventing a goldendoodle ear infection, the outer ear is the only thing that you should be cleaning on a regular basis. However, occasionally wax may build up inside your puppy’s ear, and you’ll have to take care of it. Cleaning the outer ear is going to be fairly simple. You’ll need to wet your cotton ball with warm water without being too hot. Next, you’ll want to wring out any excess water, so it is not dripping. From there, you can just gently lift your goldendoodle’s ear flap and wipe. You should use an outward motion, starting as close as comfortable (without being invasive) to the inner ear. Then you can discard the cotton ball and grab a new one. Repeat these steps until both ears are clean. Cleaning the inside of your goldendoodle’s ear is a similar process, but you’ll first start by squirting a cleaning solution into their ear canal. Make sure you use a vet-recommended product, and don’t press the nozzle in too deep. After that, you’ll use a dry cotton ball to wipe away any excess liquid, wax, or debris, and you should follow the same inside-to-outside swiping motion that you would use when cleaning the outer ear. Whether cleaning the inner or outer ear, you should always ensure that your goldendoodle is not frightened or uncomfortable. Make sure that you only start cleaning their ears if they are as relaxed and still as possible. You can take breaks or have someone else help reassure them if necessary. It also may be a good idea to distract them with a treat or provide one as a reward for good behavior once you are done.

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Use Word Association

Teaching your goldendoodle puppy a specific word or phrase associated with potty time can help reinforce the behavior you want. Choose a command, such as “go potty” or “do your business,” and use it consistently every time you take your puppy outside to eliminate. With repetition, your goldendoodle will learn to associate the command with the action, making potty training more effective.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key to successful potty training. Whenever your goldendoodle puppy goes potty in the designated spot, reward them with praise, petting, or a small treat. This will help them understand that they’ve done something good and motivate them to continue the desired behavior.

Pick a Specific Potty Spot

Choose a specific spot in your yard or near your home where you’d like your goldendoodle puppy to go potty. Always take your puppy to this spot during potty breaks, and reward them when they successfully eliminate there. Over time, your puppy will learn to associate this spot with going potty and will be more likely to use it consistently.

Expect Messes and Clean Them Up Properly

Accidents are bound to happen during the potty training process, so it’s important to be prepared and patient. When an accident occurs, clean it up promptly with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes. This will help eliminate any lingering odors that might encourage your goldendoodle puppy to eliminate in the same spot again. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they can actually mimic the smell of urine and confuse your puppy.

Remember not to scold or punish your goldendoodle puppy for accidents, as this can create fear and anxiety, making potty training more difficult. Instead, focus on reinforcing positive behavior and setting your puppy up for success by sticking to a consistent schedule and closely monitoring them for signs that they need to go potty.

Start Your Goldendoodle Potty Training Today

Potty training your goldendoodle puppy takes time, patience, and consistency, but with these tips and a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to a fully potty-trained pup. Begin by establishing a consistent feeding schedule, keeping your puppy close by, and expecting lots of potty breaks. Use crate training, word association, and positive reinforcement to help your goldendoodle understand what you expect from them. Remember to pick a specific potty spot and be prepared to clean up any messes that occur along the way.

By following these steps, you’ll be setting your goldendoodle puppy up for potty training success and building a strong foundation for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. So, start your goldendoodle potty training journey today and enjoy the many adventures ahead with your furry friend!