6/27/2020 Dog Grooming Tips | ASPCA

Dog Grooming Tips

Have you ever watched your dog roll on the ground, lick her coat or chew at her
fur? These are her ways of keeping clean. Sometimes, though, she’ll need a little
help from you to look and smell her best. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Read
on for ways to keep your dog’s fur, skin, nails, teeth, ears and paws healthy and
clean.

Bathing Your Dog

The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog at least once every three months, but
some may require more frequent baths if he or she spends a lot of time outdoors or
has skin problems. Here are some steps to help you get started.

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1. First, give your pet a good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats, and
then put him or her in a tub or sink that's been filled with about three to
four inches of lukewarm water.
2. Then, use a spray hose, large plastic pitcher or an unbreakable cup to
completely wet your pet.

3. Take care to not spray or pour water directly in his ears, eyes or nose.
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4. Gently massage in shampoo, working from head to tail, and rinse and
repeat as needed.

5. Dry him or her thoroughly by giving your pet a good rub with a large
towel. Voila, clean pet!

Dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles—such as Shar Peis and Pugs—will need
special attention. To prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and
infection, clean the folds with damp cotton. Always thoroughly dry the areas
between the folds.

Bathing a Puppy
Some pups think that bath time is a perfect time to act goofy! Young puppies
especially will wiggle and bounce all over the place, and tend to nip at bath
time. If this sounds like your pet, put a floating toy in the tub with her so she
can focus on that rather than on mouthing you.

Choosing a Shampoo
Using a shampoo formulated for pets is best. Human shampoos aren't toxic to
pets, but some may contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate
your pet's skin. Select a product that's specifically formulated for your species
of animal, as some ingredients may be harmful when applied to different types
of pets. It's always smart to talk with your pet's veterinarian to make sure you're
selecting a shampoo that will meet your pet's needs.

Protecting Your Dog’s Eyes and Ears During Bath Time

Since shampoos and soaps can be major irritants, ask your vet for a sterile eye
lubricant to use during bathing—this will help protect your pet's eyes from
shampoo. You can also use a sprayer or a showerhead with a long hose,
allowing you to control water flow during rinsing. Avoid shampooing your
pet's head altogether by simply using a wet washcloth to gently remove any
dirt or debris from his or her face.

Protect your pet's ears, too, by placing a large cotton ball in each ear until the
bath is over.

Brushing Your Dog

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Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet's hair in good
condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing
tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free. Plus, grooming time is a great
time to check for fleas and flea dirt—those little black specks that indicate your pet
is playing host to a flea family.

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The way you brush your pet—and how often—will largely depend on his or her
coat type.

Smooth, Short Coats

If your dog has a smooth, short coat (like that of a Chihuahua, Boxer or Basset
Hound), you only need to brush once a week. Use a rubber brush to loosen
dead skin and dirt and follow with bristle brush to remove dead hair. Polish
your low-maintenance pooch with a chamois cloth and she's ready to shine!

Short, Dense Fur

If your dog has short, dense fur that's prone to matting, like that of a retriever,
brushing once a week is fine. Use a slicker brush to remove tangles and catch
dead hair with a bristle brush. Don't forget to comb her tail!

Long, Silky Coats

If your dog has a long, luxurious coat, such as that of a Yorkshire terrier, she'll
need daily attention. Every day you'll need to remove tangles with a slicker
brush. Next, brush her coat with a bristle brush. If you have a long-haired dog
with a coat like a collie's or an Afghan hound's, follow the steps above, but also
be sure to comb through the fur and trim the hair around the feet.

Long Hair That's Frequently Matted

For long-haired pooches, it's a good idea to set up a daily grooming routine to
remove tangles and prevent mats. Gently tease out tangles with a slicker brush,
and then brush your pet with a bristle brush. If matting is particularly dense,
you may try clipping the hair, taking care not to come near the skin.

Shedding

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Although shedding old or damaged hair is a normal process for dogs, the amount
and frequency of hair shed often depends upon their health, breed type and
season. Many dogs develop thick coats in the winter that are then shed in the
spring. Dogs who are always kept indoors, however, are prone to smaller
fluctuations in coat thickness and tend to shed fairly evenly all year.

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Steps to Minimize Shedding

While you cannot stop a healthy dog from normal shedding, you can reduce
the amount of hair in your home by brushing your dog regularly. Ask your
veterinarian or groomer to recommend a specific type of brush or comb that
will work best for your dog’s hair type.

Excessive Hair Loss

Shedding is a normal process for pets. Excessive shedding can also be
circumvented with proper nutrition. Quality pet-food manufacturers work
hard to include the right amount of nutrients so that supplements are not
needed, but pets with allergies or sensitivities might need to experiment with
different brands to discover which food works best for them.

However, excessive hair loss or bald patches may be due to one of the
following:

Parasites (fleas, lice or mites)

Fungal or bacterial infections

Inhalant- or food-related allergies

Kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal disease (including Cushing’s)

Pregnancy or lactation

Certain medications

Self-induced trauma due to licking

Cancer
Immune disease

Sunburn

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Contact with irritating or caustic substance

If you notice any of the following conditions, consult with your veterinarian
for treatment.

Skin irritation, including redness, bumps, rashes or scabs

Open sores of any kind

Bald spots or thinning of coat

Dull, dry hair that pulls out easily

Scratching

Constant foot licking or face rubbing

Skin Problems

Your dog’s skin is an indication of her overall health, so it’s important to keep it in
prime shape. When a skin problem occurs, your dog may respond with excessive
scratching, chewing and/or licking. A wide range of causes—including external
parasites, infections, allergies, metabolic problems and stress, or a combination of
these—may be to blame.

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Odor
First check your pet's ears and teeth, as these are often the source of odor-
causing bacteria in pets. Simply keeping your dog clean by routinely bathing
him may be all that is needed to stop the smell.

Perfumes for dogs are not likely to be of toxic concern to most pets when used
according to label directions. However, dogs with dermal allergies can develop
skin irritation and those with nasal allergies might be affected by the smell. If
you wish to use pooch cologne, administer only as directed and consult a vet
if the pet has any history of allergies.

If grooming proves fruitless and your dog smells consistently stinky,

please consult with your veterinarian to check to see if there's an
underlying cause or infection.
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Other Skin Problems

Scratching, licking or chewing at skin

Scabs

Redness or inflammation

Hot spots (one particular area where itching is intense)

Round, scaly patches on the face and paws

Dry, flaky or otherwise irritated skin

Hair loss, bald patches

Rashes
Lesions

Drainage of blood or pus

Swellings, lumps or skin discoloration

Rubbing face against furniture or carpeting

Causes of Skin Problems

One of the following may be causing an abnormality with your dog’s skin and
should be investigated by a veterinarian.

Fleas. Bites and droppings from these pesky insects can irritate your dog’s
skin, and some pets can have an allergic response to the saliva following a
bite. Some dogs may also be sensitive to flea-treatment products; certain
flea collars, for example, may cause redness and irritation around the
neck.

Ringworm. This highly contagious fungal infection can result in

inflammation, scaly patches and hair loss. You’ll want to treat it
immediately to avoid other pets and people in the household from
becoming infected.

Seasonal or food allergies. Your dog’s scratching may be due to her

sensitivity to allergens from common substances like pollen, weeds, dust,
mites, trees, mold or grasses. Many dogs, like people, get dry, flaky skin in
the winter. Many dogs develop allergies to common ingredients in dog

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foods, such as beef, chicken, wheat, corn or soy. Even fillers and colorings
can be seen as foreign by your dog’s immune system and lead to itching
and rashes.
Skin infections. Dogs can develop irritating bacterial or yeast infections
when the skin is damaged due to the presence of another skin disorder.

Sarcoptic mange. This skin disease caused by infection from the

Sarcoptes scabei mite results in extreme itching and skin inflammation
similar to an allergic response.
Grooming products. Certain shampoos and grooming products can
irritate your dog’s skin. Be sure to only use grooming products that are
meant for use on dogs.

Stress or boredom. A dog may lick her skin (especially her legs)
excessively for many reasons. Some lick when not given adequate
opportunity for activity or mental stimulation.
Metabolic or hormonal problems. Several common hormonal problems
can cause change in skin color, coat consistency, thickness and
distribution.

Knowing When to See the Vet

You should schedule an exam with your vet as soon as you notice any
abnormality in your pet’s skin or hair, or if your pet begins to excessively
scratch, lick and/or bite areas on his fur.

Your vet may perform diagnostic tests in order to find the cause of your dog’s
symptoms, including a skin biopsy, test for ringworm, microscopic
examination of the hair and skin for presence of parasites or infection, and
blood tests to assess your dog’s overall health

Mange
Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common
external parasites found in companion canines. Some mange mites are
normal residents of your dog’s skin and hair follicles, while others are not.
While most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any
consequences, mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they
reproduce.
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There are two types of mange: “Sarcoptic” mange and “demodectic” mange.
Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) is also known as canine scabies, and is
caused by mites that are oval-shaped, light-colored and microscopic. This type
of manage is transferred easily between hosts.

All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess demodectic mange

(Demodex canis) mites on their skin, which are transferred from mother to pup
during the first few days of life. There are three types of demodectic mange
that affect canines:

Localized cases occur when mites proliferate in one or two small,

confined areas. This results in isolated scaly bald patches—usually on the
dog's face—creating a polka-dot appearance. This is considered a
common ailment of puppies and dogs less than 18 months old.
Approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.
Generalized cases, in contrast, affect a larger area of the dog’s skin.
Secondary bacterial infections make this a very itchy, and often smelly,
skin disease. This form of mange could also be a sign of a compromised
immune system, hereditary problem, endocrine problem or other
underlying health issue. Treatment depends on the age at which the dog
developed the disease.

Demodectic pododermatitis, one of the most resistant forms of mange, is

confined to the foot and accompanied by bacterial infections. Deep
biopsies are often required to locate these mites and make a proper
diagnosis.

General Symptoms of Mange in Dog

Demodectic mange tends to cause hair loss, bald spots, scabbing and
sores, and accompanying bacterial infections can make for an itchy and
uncomfortable disease.
Sarcoptic mange tends to result in restlessness and frantic scratching,
with symptoms that generally appear one week after exposure. It also can
result in hair loss, reddened skin, body sores and scabs. The most

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commonly affected areas are a dog’s ears, elbows, face and legs, but it can
rapidly spread to the entire body.
Demodex mites can be transferred from one dog to another, but as long
as the dog is healthy, the mites simply add to the dog's natural mite
population and no skin disease results. Isolation of dogs with even the
most severe cases is still felt to be unnecessary. Though in rare
circumstances, dog-to-dog contagion is possible. It is very rare for mites
to be transmitted to humans or to cats.
When sarcoptic mange is detected, the dog is typically isolated to
prevent the condition from spreading to other pets and humans. When
passed to humans, sarcoptic mange causes a rash of red bumps, similar to
mosquito bites.

Treating Mange
Take your dog to a veterinarian, who will perform a physical exam, analyze
skin scrapings and try to confirm the presence of mange mites with a
microscope. It can be difficult to identify mange mites if they’re buried deep in
a dog’s skin, so your vet may rely on clinical signs or your pet’s history to make
a final diagnosis.

Depending on the type of mange and the breed dog, medication may be given
orally or topically by injection, shampoo or dip. Some infected dogs may also
require special treatment for secondary skin infections. Treatment should be
accompanied by skin scrapes every two weeks.

Please note: many skin treatments can be toxic to dogs, so check with your vet
before beginning any treatment program for mange.

Preventing Mange
If your dog has been diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, you’ll need to
thoroughly clean or replace his bedding and collar and treat all animals in
contact. If you suspect a neighbor’s dog may be infected, keep your pets away
to keep the disease at bay. Be sure to bring your dog to the vet periodically as
recommended for skin scrapes to ensure the mites have been eradicated.

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Hot Spots
Hot spots are red, moist, hot and irritated lesions that are typically found on a
dog’s head, hip or chest area that can become quite painful for the dog.
Anything that irritates the skin and causes a dog to scratch or lick himself can
start a hot spot, including allergic reactions, insect, mite or flea bites, poor
grooming, underlying ear or skin infections and constant licking and chewing
prompted by stress or boredom.

Dogs who are not groomed regularly and have matted, dirty coats can be
prone to developing hot spots, as can dogs who swim or who are exposed to
rain. Additionally, dogs with hip dysplasia or anal sac disease can start licking
the skin on their hind-end. Thick-coated, longhaired breeds are most
commonly affected.

Hot spots often grow at an alarming rate within a short period of time because
dogs tend to lick, chew and scratch the affected areas, further irritating the
skin.

Treating Hot Spots

You should visit your vet for an exam as soon as you notice any abnormality in
your pet’s skin, or if your pet begins to excessively scratch, lick and/or bite
areas on his fur. Your vet will attempt to determine the cause of hot spots.
Whether it is a flea allergy, an anal gland infection or stress, the underlying
issue needs to be taken care of. Your veterinarian will prescribe the care and
medications needed to make your dog more comfortable and allow the hot
spots to heal. This may include the use of an Elizabethan collar to keep your
dog from biting and licking existing lesions.

Treatment may also include the following:

Shaving of the hair surrounding the lesion, which allows air and
medication to reach the wound
Cleansing the hot spot with a non-irritating solution

Antibiotics and painkillers

Medication to prevent and treat parasites
Balanced diet to help maintain healthy skin and coat

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Dietary supplement containing essential fatty acids

Corticosteroids or antihistamines to control itching

Hypoallergenic diet for food allergies

Preventing Hot Spots

Make sure your dog is groomed on a regular basis, and you may choose to
keep your pet’s hair clipped short, especially during warmer months. Follow a
strict flea control program as recommended by your veterinarian.

To keep boredom and stress at bay, make sure your dog gets adequate exercise
and playtime with his human family or canine friends.

Dental Care

Regularly brushing your dog's teeth, along with a healthy diet and plenty of chew
toys, can go a long way toward keeping her mouth healthy. Bacteria and plaque-
forming foods can cause build-up on a dog's teeth. This can harden into tartar,
potentially causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. Many pooches show
signs of gum disease by the time they're four years old because they aren't provided
with proper mouth care.

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Eye Care

Giving your pup regular home eye exams will help keep you alert to any tearing,
cloudiness or inflammation that may indicate a health problem. First, face your dog
in a brightly lit area and look into his eyes. They should be clear and bright, and the
area around the eyeball should be white. The pupils should be equal in size and
there shouldn’t be tearing, discharge or any crust in the corners of his eyes. With
your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid and look at the lining. It
should be pink, not red or white.

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A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help to keep your pet’s eyes gunk-
free. Wipe outward from the inner corner of the eye and be careful not to
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touch his or her eyeball—you don’t want to scratch the cornea! If your pet
constantly suffers from runny eyes and discharge, please see your
veterinarian. Your pet may have an infection or plugged tear ducts.

Symptoms of Eye Infection

The following are signs that something may be wrong with one or both of
your dog’s eyes. Be sure to watch your pooch’s body language, too—pawing or
rubbing his eye area may indicate possible problems. Call your veterinarian if
your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms.

Discharge and crusty gunk

Tearing
Red or white eyelid linings

Tear-stained fur

Closed eye(s)
Cloudiness or change in eye color

Visible third eyelid

Unequal pupil size

Common Eye Problems in Dogs

The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in dogs:

Conjunctivitis: One or both of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen,
and there may be discharge
Dry Eye: Diminished tear production can cause corneal inflammation,
squinting and discharge.

Epiphora: An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur.

Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass in the corner
of the dog's eye.

Glaucoma: The cornea may become cloudy and the eye enlarges due to
an increased pressure in the eyeball.

Ectropion: A turning outward of the eyelid away from the eye (lower lids
may look droopy).

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Entropion: A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing.

Cataract: An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and
possible blindness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue—

night blindness is often its first sign.

Preventing Eye Problems

Long-haired breeds can get eye damage if their locks aren’t tamed. Carefully
trim the hair around your dog’s eyes to keep his vision clear and prevent hairs
from poking and scratching. Soaps and topical medications can be major
irritants, so sure to protect your dog’s eyes before bathing him or applying
ointments or flea-control formulas.

It’s much safer to drive with the windows only partially down and your dog’s
head inside the vehicle to prevent pain or long-last injury from road debris or
an insect getting in her eyes. The wind can also dry out your dog’s eyes,
possibly causing irritation and infection.

Consider doing a little research to find out if your dog’s breed is predisposed
toward eye conditions, such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy. Your
pet should have his eyes checked on annual vet visits, but knowing about
possible inherited problems will help you take important precautions.

Ear Care

Your dog’s regular grooming routine should include regular ear checks. This is
especially important for dogs who produce excessive earwax or have a lot of inner-
ear hair. Don’t clean your dog’s ears so frequently or deeply as to cause irritation,
and take care to never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal—probing inside
can cause trauma or infection!

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If your dog’s inner ears appear dirty, clean them with a cotton ball or piece
of gauze dampened with mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide or a liquid ear
cleaner specially formulated for this purpose.

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Crusted or scabby skin on the near ear flap

Hair loss around the ear

Wiping the ear area on the floor or furniture

Head shaking or head tilt

Loss of balance
Unusual eye movements

Walking in circles

Hearing loss

Ear Care for Dogs Who Swim

Frequent bathing or swimming can lead to ear irritation and infection. To
prevent this from happening, place cotton in your dog’s ears before baths and
be sure to dry his or her ears thoroughly after water sports and activities.

If your dog is prone to ear infections, as your veterinarian to recommend an

ear drying solution made for dogs to help evaporate any water trapped inside
the ear canal. These ear washes, usually witch hazel-based, are available at
better pet supply stores.

Signs of Ear Problems

Because of the twisty, curvy design a dog’s inner ears, it’s easy for parasites,
bacteria and yeast to hide in them and infections can often arise as a result of
this trapped debris. Dogs with allergies are particularly vulnerable to
complications, as are those with floppy ears, like Cocker spaniels, Basset
Hounds and Poodles. Brown or black ear wax—and dry, dark wax resembling
coffee grounds—are classic indicators of microscopic ear mites. Only your vet
can tell for sure, so please don’t delay bringing your pooch in for a checkup.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms

affecting your dog’s ears.

Ear discharge

Bad smells
Redness
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Swelling

Crusty skin
Hair loss

Nail Care

As a rule of thumb, a dog’s nails should be trimmed when they just about touch the
ground when he or she walks. If your pet’s nails are clicking or getting snagged on
the floor, it’s time for a trim. For leisurely living dogs, this might mean weekly
pedicures, while urban pooches who stalk rough city sidewalks can go longer
between clippings.

Expand to read more

Finding Nail Clippers for Your Dog

There are two basic styles of nail clippers for dogs: a scissors type and a
guillotine type. They both work equally well, so choose the design that you’re
most comfortable with.

If your dog finds both kinds of clippers intolerable, an alternative tool is a nail
grinder, an electric tool that sands nails down. These offer great control, but
take longer than clippers and some people (and dogs) find the sounds and
vibrations they produce unpleasant. Ask your veterinarian or groomer for
advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use
them properly.

Helping Dogs with Sensitive Feet

Some dogs don’t like to have their feet touched, so it’s always a good idea to
get your dog used to it before you attempt to clip his nails—ideally, this should
start when he’s a pup. Rub your hand up and down the leg and then gently
press each individual toe, and be sure to give her lots of praise and treats!
Within a week or two of daily foot massage, your dog should feel more
comfortable with a nail trim.

Before beginning a pup pedicure, tire your dog out with some vigorous
exercise and enlist an assistant to help you hold her down.

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How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

1. Begin by spreading each of your dog's feet to inspect for dirt and debris.

2. Take your dog’s toe and hold it firmly, but gently. Hold your trimmer so
that you’re cutting the nail from top to bottom at a slight angle, not side to
side, and insert a very small length of nail through the trimmer’s opening
to cut off the tip of each nail. Don’t trim at a blunt angle as to maintain the
existing curvature of the nail.

3. Cut a little bit of nail with each pass until you can see the beginning of a
circle—still nail-colored—appear on the cut surface. The circle indicates
that you are nearing the quick, a vein that runs into the nail, so it’s time to
stop that nail and move on to the next.

4. If your dog has black nails, however, the quick will not be as easily
discernible, so be extra careful. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, it
may bleed, in which case you can apply some styptic powder or corn
starch to stop the bleeding.
5. Once the nails have been cut, use an emery board to smooth any rough
edges.

What to Do if You Cut Your Dog’s Quick

If you do hit the quick, your dog will probably yelp and might even struggle.
This is a good time to end the session—but not before applying styptic powder
or corn starch to the bleeding nail tip. Apply a little bit of pressure as you press
the powder into the wound to make sure it sticks. If bleeding continues for
more than a few minutes, please alert your veterinarian, who can check your
dog for clotting disorders.

Helping Fearful Dogs

Some dogs show fearful or aggressive behavior when faced with nail
trimming. Watch carefully for signs of distress such as panting, drooling,
trembling, whining, freezing, cowering, tail-tucking, growling, snarling or
snapping. Even with the most patient and gradual of introductions, there are
dogs who seem unable to get over their terror.

If your dog falls into this category, do not force him to submit. See if his
veterinarian or a professional groomer has better luck getting the job done—if
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not, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a Certified Applied Animal
Behaviorist (CAAB), a veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) or a Certified
Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) to work on the underlying issues at hand.

Paw Care

The pads on the bottom of your pups feet provide extra cushioning to help protect
bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid
walking on rough ground and protect tissue deep within the paw. It’s important to
check your pet’s feet regularly to make sure they’re free of wounds, infections or
foreign objects that can become lodged.

Expand to read more

To keep them in tip-top shape, look for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken
glass and other debris. Remove any splinters or debris gently with tweezers.
Then, comb and trim the hair between the toes to be even with the pads to
avoid painful matting.

Using Moisturizer
If your dog’s pads have become cracked and dry, ask your veterinarian for a
good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizers,
which can soften the pads and lead to injury. A paw message will relax your
dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the
bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe.

Treating Wounds
It’s not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or wounds from accidently stepping on
glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in
diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light
bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see your veterinarian for treatment.

Winter and Summer Paw Care

As with humans, your dog’s paws will require different types of care
depending on the season. The bitter cold of winter can cause chapping and
cracking in your dog’s paws. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause

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sores, infection and blistering, and toxic chemicals can also be ingested by
your dog when he licks his paws. Beat these wintertime blues by washing your
dog’s paws in warm water after outdoor walks to rinse away salt and
chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to your pet’s
pads before each walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie booties.

During the summer, it’s important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat
extremes. Just imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement—ouch! To
prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand.
Watch for blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches on your pet’s
pads. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash to the paw and cover with a
loose bandage. For serious burns, please visit your vet immediately.

Preventing Paw Problems

When starting a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may
become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out
on hikes or runs. Be sure to keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and
pieces, and avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking
your dog. Always keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk
barefoot on it, neither will your dog!

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Fold your pet’s ear back gently and wipe away any debris or earwax that
you can see on the underside of his or her ear.

Be sure to lift away the dirt and wax rather than rubbing it into the ear.
Inner-ear skin is delicate, so allow your vet to demonstrate the proper
method for cleaning your dog’s ears check out this video.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Recognizing an Ear Infection

Because a dog’s ear canals plunge downward and then horizontally from the
ear opening, it is difficult for caught debris or water to be released, making
canines especially susceptible to ear infections. Check your dog’s ears
regularly for discharge, odor, swelling and other signs of infection. If your dog
is showing any of the symptoms described below, see your veterinarian as
soon as possible.

Ear scratching

Brown, yellow or bloody discharge

Odor in the ear

Redness
Swelling

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