Cleaning a dog’s ears is part of the dog grooming process. So when a dog’s ears are plucked, washed, and dried, the dog may experience irritation from all the rubbing and touching. Calm your pet’s ears after grooming by using the following tips and tricks. This will assist in avoiding infection but still make sure your dog is comfortable at all times.
Symptoms That Indicate Your Dog’s Ears Are Infected
Moving head more than usual
If your dog is shaking his/her head from side to side more often after grooming, this is most probably due to ear discomfort. The shaking motion is your dog trying to scratch an area within his ear that causes pain.
Ear-Scratching against the Floor or on Furniture
Your dog may also attempt to scratch his/her ears along the carpet, floor, or furniture in a bid to get relief. If you see your dog engaging in this action after getting his/her ears groomed, it’s a sure indication that your dog is irritated.
Redness or Swelling
Check the inside of your dog’s ears and also check externally. Inflammation and redness of the ears are clear signs that your dog’s ears were irritated during grooming.
Complaining or expressing discomfort
Dogs may whimper or make a howling sound when their ears are sore. It is also essential to look for other signs of discomfort, such as rapid or heavy breathing, or changes in behavior.
First Aid Tips
Apply a Cool Compress
One of the best ways to quickly soothe irritated ears is by using a cool or cold compress. This minimizes any inflammation and will help the pain.
Good options include:
– Clean rag moistened with cool water
– A gel ice pack that is covered by a towel
– Frozen vegetables in a bag covered with a thin cloth
Gently place the cold compress on the area around the ear, but not on the ear canal since putting pressure on the canal may cause ear damage. Maintain this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. The cold temperature will be beneficial in soothing the irritated tissue; no heat should be applied to the affected area.
Use a Natural Oil
Mineral oils can also be helpful for those suffering from inflammation since they will not only soothe the inflammation but also keep the ear canal moist. Some of the recommended oils include olive, coconut, almond, and vitamin E oils. Pour a few drops on a cotton swab and then gently massage the external auricle. Never use cotton swabs or any other object in an attempt to clean the ear canal.
Give an Anti-Inflammatory
In case of severe irritation, it is advisable to use an anti-inflammatory drug available over the counter. But always consult with your veterinarian first, particularly if your dog has certain health conditions. Some of the over-the-counter medications suggested by veterinarians are Benadryl and other therapeutic solutions such as Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Anti-Itch Spray for dogs.
Post-Grooming Ear Care Tips
Keep Ears Dry
One common mistake that pet owners make is failure to ensure that their dog’s ears do not trap moisture, especially after bathing. Gently absorb any remaining moisture using a soft cotton cloth or pad. Then, you can let your dog shake his head to air dry his ears since this method is very effective. Do not use a cotton swab to clean the ear canal..
Use a Gentle Cleaner
There are special shampoos for cleaning the ears of dogs, which, after grooming, will not cause redness or irritation. It is recommended that it be applied gently using a cotton pad; this should be done for the first three days only. This clears debris that may accumulate and cause irritation to sensitive tissues where oils may otherwise accumulate.
Apply Powder
It is also advisable to dust with ear powder after grooming since some groomers suggest that the grooming session be followed by such action. These ear powders are made with drying agents, such as calcium carbonate or zinc oxide which enhance the absorption of moisture and reduce inflammation. Using your fingers, pour a small quantity of the powder on your palm and spread it evenly at the base of the ear while slowly rubbing it gently around the ear.
When to Call the Veterinarian
Schedule an appointment with your vet if your dog experiences any of the following after you have groomed his ears:
– Any irritation beyond 48 hours
– Progression of head shake, whining, or signs of discomfort
– Offensive smell that originates within the ears
– Moderate to intense inflammation within the ears
– Mucus or blood spotting in ears
– Dizziness or fainting, vomiting or drowsiness
These symptoms can indicate that an ailment or some other medical situation requires the pet to see the vet. It is important to note that if problems are caught and treated beforehand, they are less likely to have long term effects.
In Conclusion
Cleaning or trimming a dog’s ears is a good practice since it helps in grooming but may cause some irritation if the hair or debris is trimmed excessively. Since you want your fur baby to look fabulous, there are many ways that can help your pup feel comfortable at home after grooming. With a little bit of first aid and a few modifications to their care regimen, most dogs’ ears restore themselves within the subsequent 48 hours after grooming. Consult your veterinarian if the symptoms seem severe or if they do not improve within the expected time. Being attentive to the ears of your dog after grooming will make this necessary maintenance a pleasant experience each time.
