How can I help my dog's ears heal?
Pete Metz
2025-08-06 09:04:40
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Treat the underlying condition.
Use antibiotics to reduce secondary infection.
Use anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling.
Use light dressings, heavy ones only make dogs shake more.
I have learnt over the years to use a very lightweight plastic adhesive strip to cover the wounds.
This prevents further trauma from head shaking, is very easy to apply, and is usually tolerated by dogs.
These need to be changed twice daily and are only for temporary use after advice from your vet.
Don’t go it alone, your vet will have much better advice based on your particular dog and their environment.
Without proper attention to an underlying problem, you’ll just be in a vicious circle.
Cayla Gibson
2025-08-06 06:52:18
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Ear cleaning helps decrease debris, bacteria and yeast inside the ear. When a dog has an ear infection, excessive, abnormal debris is often present, making it difficult for the topical medications to reach the infection. Ear cleanings are also often recommended as a maintenance routine for dogs prone to ear infections. The ears are very sensitive, so make the experience more comfortable for your dog by being as gentle as possible and rewarding them with plenty of positive reinforcement, like their favorite treats. Fill the ear canal with ear cleaning solution. Gently massage the base of the ear. Use cotton pads or cotton balls to gently wipe away debris. If your dog seems to be in pain during an ear cleaning, stop and consult with your veterinarian. The frequency of cleaning your dog’s ears will depend on whether it is for treatment of an infection, which could be up to daily to start, or maintenance, which could be every 1-2 weeks. Dogs with a history of allergies, recurrent ear infections, or floppy ears may need their ears cleaned more frequently.
Kasey Stanton
2025-08-06 05:52:32
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To help your dog's ears heal, your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. You may make the application process easier by keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats. Relying on a partner's help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear. Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dog’s ear when dispensing medication. Gently massaging the medication into the affected area. Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better.
Ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s hygiene, whether it’s to prevent an infection from starting or to manage the healing of a dog ear infection that’s already in progress. Cleaning your dog’s ears can make it easier for you to examine your dog’s ear canal, remove microbes and other small foreign objects that may cause dog ear infections, and clean and expose the ear canal for possible topical medication applications. You can clean your dog’s ears by gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze, avoiding cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into your dog’s ear, and cleaning the external portions of your dog’s ears. Take care to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after a swim or a bath.
Lera Wiza
2025-08-06 04:21:00
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For these types of injuries to heal, the area needs to be kept clean, dry, and immobile. Bandages don’t stick to dogs’ ears, and they fall off easily if your dog scratches or shakes his head. You may need to get creative with various types of first aid bandages, bandanas, sweat bands, or other objects that can keep your dog’s ears immobile without being too bothersome. Some people find that snoods work well, but they do not completely immobilize the ears. Your pet may require a disproportionate amount of bandaging for a small wound, but don’t be discouraged. Another common at-home remedy is liquid bandage, but this comes with a caution. To use it, the wound needs to be small, very clean, and dry. Your veterinarian and her staff are better equipped to adequately clean the wound and apply powders to help healing before using liquid bandage material and wrapping securely.
Rosalee Cartwright
2025-08-06 03:31:10
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Not every dog suffers from this, but certain breeds — like Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Bulldogs — are more likely to get them. No matter what breed your dog is, it’s a good idea to regularly check and clean their ears to prevent dirt from building up, which can lead to bacteria and infections. But sometimes treating a dog ear infection naturally at home can be just as effective, and it might even be quicker and easier depending on your dog’s symptoms. Of course, whether you go the natural route or not, keep in mind that it varies just how well home remedies work. Things like the type and severity of the infection, and your dog’s breed, can make a big difference in how effective your treatment is. Once an infection takes hold, your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it. It’s always best to catch these things early, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the vet if you suspect something’s up!
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