How To Keep Your Basset Hounds Ears Clean And Healthy
The Basset hound is one of the most distinctive-looking dog breeds of them all, being as they are fairly muscular and large bodied with incredibly short legs! The Basset hounds unique appearance is enhanced by their hugely long, drooping ears which often look very comical flapping around when the dog is running flat out.
The breeds very long ears actually serve a specific purpose Basset hounds are scent hounds, with a formidable and very sensitive sense of smell. When a Basset is following a scent with their head close to the ground sniffing around, their ears pick up tiny scent particles and bring them closer to the dogs face, which helps them to stay on the scent even under challenging conditions.
However, these very long ears can also be prone to developing problems due to their sheer size and length which means that the Basset hound owner needs to be aware of the common Basset hound ear issues that can develop, and know how to mitigate against them.
In this article, we will explain how to keep your Basset hounds ears clean and healthy, and outline some of the potential ear problems in Basset hounds to look out for. Read on to learn more.
When To See A Groomer/veterinarian
No matter how diligent you are in home grooming, its best to consult a groomer or vet from time to time. Theres a chance that youre missing out on some signs of infection present on your Basset. A groomer can take a look and let you know the parts where you have to focus on.
Also, professional groomers have the right tools. If you see signs of ticks like wounds and cuts, its best to go to the vet right away. Avoid using home remedy without the clearance of the dog doctor.
Is It Safe To Put Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Ear
Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and blistering. It can even cause burns at concentrations over 10%. Using too much hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin inside the ear, leading to inflammation and earaches. People should not use ear drops if they have an ear infection or a damaged eardrum.
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How Often Should You Clean A Puppy’s Ears
The regularity with which you clean your dog’s ears depends on your pet’s breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production.
We recommend that most dogs with normal ears have cleanings at least once a month.
Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet.
How Can I Safely Clean My Dogs Ears
Squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dogs ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Dont let the tip of the applicator touch your dogs ear, as this can introduce bacteria.
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Top Best Answers To The Question How To Clean Basset Hound Puppy Ears
Make sure that the area is also well lit.
Those who are looking for an answer to the question «How to clean basset hound puppy ears?» often ask the followingquestions:
How Often Should I Clean My German Shorthaired Pointer’s Ears
- Clean your German shorthaired pointer’s ears once a week by squeezing a few drops of dog ear cleanser into the ear canals. Using a dry cotton ball, wipe away any discharge and extra cleanser. Because these dogs have floppy ears that restrict airflow to the ear canal, they are more prone than pointed-ear breeds to get ear infections.
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How Often Should I Clean My Poodle’s Ears
- To keep a light-colored poodle from staining his coat, you will need to wash the area around his mouth and eyes every day. Simply wipe the area with a damp washcloth or a puppy grooming wipe to remove food and eye debris. Once per week you should check and clean your poodle’s ears. Hair growing in a poodle‘s ears may need monthly plucking.
Do Basset Hounds Have Droopy Ears And Eyes
- Basset Hounds droopy ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly. It aint easy being beautiful. The Bassets lustrous ears can trap air, leading to infection, so owners should clean them thoroughly once a week, in addition to keeping a close eye on the droopy skin below the eyes, which can get infected without proper care.
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Common Treatment For Basset Hound Ear Smell
So what do you do if your Basset Hounds ears have a smell or if they show signs of infection?
The best treatment is prevention, and proper ear care is an important way to protect your dog against the development of infection or other ear problems. Two of the most important ways you can prevent infection in your dogs ears are regular inspection and appropriate cleaning.
Its a good idea to give your dogs ears a good check whenever you give him a weekly brushing. Look for any signs of injury, any painful spots, and any abnormalities, such as discharge or signs of mites. This can help you to catch any problems early on, helping to reduce the chances that your dog will develop an infection.
Be sure to gently brush his ears, too, as this helps to remove dirt and debris.
You will also want to clean your dogs ears regularly. One good option is to wipe down your dogs ears with some doggie wipes in between regular bathing sessions. This can help to remove dirt and bacteria, without drying out your dogs skin too much. And they usually have a fresh scent, too!
This can be particularly helpful for cleaning the outside of your dogs ears, as well as the underneath areas.
One good option may be Healthy Breeds Dog Ear Wipes for Basset Hounds, as these are designed specifically with your dogs breed in mind.
Be sure to dry the area thoroughly, too, as moisture can lead to excessive dryness and infection.
How To Clean Dog Ears With Vinegar And Other Ways
Cleaning your dogs ears is an essential part of canine care. It is very important to regularly check the condition of your dogs ears.
Most dogs naturally have healthy ears and never need ear cleaning in their lifetime. On the other hand, some breeds of dogs with long hair are at high risk of ear infection and require regular ear cleaning to prevent ear infections. If you are uncertain if your dog needs their ears cleaned consult with your veterinarian to help you decide if your dogs ears need to be cleaned.
If your dog regularly visits a professional groomer, make sure their ears are cleaned there. If you want to clean your dogs ears at home, you should know the ear cleaning procedure and other important aspects. Read the article below and learn how you can clean your dogs ears.
How to clean your dogs ears with vinegar?
So you want to save on buying sometimes expensive dog-specific ear cleaners? Vinegar can also be used to clean the dogs ear. This is how you can use vinegar
Some vets recommend a 10% ear cleaning solution because if it is too strong, it will sting, and the dog will start scratching his ear.
Do not save the solution for later use, as you make the solution, use it only on time
Vinegar has a lot of benefits. It can help to remove the extra wax to decrease ear infection. As the solution is acidic, it will kill a lot of harmful bacteria.
How to clean your dog ears?
Equipment needed
Recommended procedure to clean a dogs ears:
Procedure
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How Often Should I Clean My Bluetick Coon Dog’s Ears
- If your coonhound goes into the woods or exercises in unfamiliar areas, check the ears and paws for debris and insects. Because Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to ear infections, clean the ears at least once a week. LOW: Bluetick Coonhounds are generally healthy. Here are a few potential health problems:
The Procedure Of Cleaning Basset Hound Ears
When cleaning, it is recommended to start with the outer area as the priority. Here, you can use a cotton ball that is dampened in a cleaning solution. Make sure you get rid of all the dirt found in this area. You want to do this before you concentrate or move to the inner part.
Gently wipe away the dirt that you find. Do not use the same cotton ball on both ears but instead use a fresh one on the other ear.
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Ear And Eye Care For A Basset Hound
The ears of the Basset are not conductive to good air circulation, which makes them prone to painful and severe ear infections. Keeping the ears clean as part of a regular grooming session can go a long way toward eliminating health problems that originate in the ear canal.
You should clean the inside of your Bassets ears once a week with a mild astringent or foaming ear cleanser . Many good recipes also are available for making homemade ear washes, but always check with your veterinarian before using them on your pet. Some dogs have more sensitive ears than others, so its a good idea to use any product with caution, even after getting a green light from your vet.
To use these cleaning solutions, apply liberally to the inside of the ear and massage gently, making sure the solution goes deep into the dogs ear. Then use a tissue, cotton ball, or baby wipe to clean away the residue. Dont use a swableave the deep cleaning of the ear with a swab to a professional, because you can injure the ear canal with deep probing. Be carefulas soon as you take your hand from his ear, the dog will likely shake his head, which can splash you with the dirty solution.
Why Should I Clean My Dogs Ears
Cleaning your dogs ears is important for keeping ear infections and wax build up at bay. Excessive wax and discharge create a favorable environment for bacteria and yeast to grow, which can lead to infection, says KT Boyle, DVM, Banfield Pet Hospital.The primary goal of cleaning your dogs ears should be to remove excessive discharge or wax from the ear canal with the least amount of irritation to the ear, adds Dr. Boyle. For example, ear mites feed on the wax and oil in a dogs ear. They dont bite the skin but they do cause your dog to scratch his ears, and that can cause serious damage from his claws. Watch for these 10 signs that your dog isnt feeling well.
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How To Clean Dog Ears In 3 Easy Steps
How Often Should I Clean My Puppies Ears
The regularity with which you clean your dog’s ears depends on your pet’s breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production.
We recommend that most dogs with normal ears have cleanings at least once a month.
Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet.
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What Happens If I Dont Clean My Dogs Ears
According to the American Kennel Club, a dogs ear canal is more vertical than the one in humans, plus it has an L shape that tends to trap fluid. This makes dogs more prone to painful ear infections. Before you clean the ear, take a closer look and check for odor, scaly skin, stinky discharge, redness, and swellingthese are signs of trouble and your dog should see a vet before you try cleaning his ears. Watch out for these 10 common hidden dangers for dogs that lurk in your backyard.
How To Clean Dog Ears: A Summary
Now that you know how to clean dog ears, here are the basics one more time:
- Know what a healthy, clean ear looks and smells like.
- Check your dogs ears regularly after bathtime.
- Cleaning ears too often can cause excessive irritation
- Use a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution for dogs.
- Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an ear infection.
Taking care of your dogs ears helps prevent infections. Regular ear examinations will also catch any other problems, such as ear mites, before they get worse, and will desensitize your dog to ear handling.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
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What Can You Use To Clean Your Dog’s Ears At Home
You can clean your dog’s ears at home with just a few simple supplies: a dog ear-cleaning solution recommended by your vet, cotton balls or rounds , and treats to make the process more appealingand to reward your pup when it’s over!
You may be tempted to create a DIY ear-cleaning solution with products you already have on hand, but sticking to veterinarian-approved ear cleaners is always your best bet. Your vet can help you determine the exact dog ear cleanser you should use based on your dog’s needs: Some solutions are better for breaking down wax, while others combat the growth of bacteria or fungi. Experts specifically advise against cleaning your dog’s ears with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and vinegar, which can irritate the sensitive tissue inside your pup’s ears.
How Do You Get Rid Of Ear Mites In Dogs
The vet will start by cleaning the dogs ears to remove the mites. Treatment typically includes daily topical anti-parasitic medications which need to be applied regularly for a few weeks. But single dose medications can also be recommended your vet will prescribe the best ear mite treatment for your dog.
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How Often Should I Clean My Treeing Walker Dog’s Ears
- Wiping him down with a damp towel or a hound glove will keep his coat shining. His nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks, as long nails can cause the dog discomfort and structural problems. A hounds ears should be cleaned regularly to keep them free of excess wax or debris and to check for any signs of ear infection.
Those long ears help to stir smells up toward the nose, and the droopy skin on the face holds the smell close, for maximum olfactory impact. This is why Basset Hounds consistently perform so well in AKC Scent Work and Tracking, not to mention the dedicated sport of Basset Hound Field Trials.
Taking Care Of Your Basset Hound At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Bassets. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
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What Is The Best Way To Clean A Dogs Ears
Squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dogs ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Dont let the tip of the applicator touch your dogs ear, as this can introduce bacteria.
How Often Should I Clean My Puppy’s Ears
The regularity with which you clean your dog’s ears depends on your pet’s breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production.
We recommend that most dogs with normal ears have cleanings at least once a month.
Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet.
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