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.