How to Clean Beagle Ears: 8 Tips & Tricks
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Beagles are adored for their floppy ears, but as endearing as the long ears are, they also require maintenance. Cleaning a dog’s ears is an important part of any dog’s hygiene, as it helps to prevent ear infections and other health conditions. When it comes to a beagle’s ears, a little extra attention is required.
For your convenience, we have made a step-by-step guide for how to clean your beagle’s ears. We have also listed information that you need to know before you start, as well as which items you need for cleaning.
Before You Start
Before cleaning your beagle’s ears, there are a few steps you should take. First, you should determine whether or not your dog’s ears actually need to be cleaned. Excessive ear cleaning can cause infections and irritation. A clean ear should look pink, not inflamed or dirty, and smell odorless. If you notice a change, then it is time to clean.
You should also decide whether your dog needs a trip to the vet. If your dog’s ear appears inflamed, smells yeasty, or seems to be giving him pain, take him to the vet instead of cleaning. These are usually symptoms of an ear infection, and cleaning an ear while infected usually has negative results.
Once you have verified that your dog needs an ear cleaning and does not need a trip to the vet, choose a spot to clean his ears. Ideally, this should be the same spot each time, as the familiarity will help your dog settle into the task. Cleaning your dog’s ears can be a messy process, so it is advised that you pick a place that can be easily cleaned, such as a bathroom.
If your beagle is hyper or eager to play, it won’t be easy to clean his ears. Once he has settled down, you can begin the process.
What You Will Need
You will need relatively few supplies to clean your dog’s ears. A cotton ball and gauze, a veterinarian-approved dog ear-cleaning solution, and a towel will be all you need.
There are some items you should avoid using. Do not use Q-tips or similar products since they can push filth deeper into your dog’s ear and cause health issues. Hydrogen peroxide should also be avoided, as it will irritate the sensitive skin of your dog’s ears.
While some pet owners use homemade dog ear-cleaning solutions, they are not recommended. Some household items can cause irritation or pain for your dog or are otherwise ineffective. Sticking to veterinarian-recommended options is the safest option.
The 8 Steps for How To Clean Beagle Ears:
Although it may seem daunting, cleaning your beagle’s ears is simple. Just follow these eight easy steps.
1. Soothe Your Dog and Lay Him on His Side
Take your dog to your regular ear-cleaning spot and work on settling him down. If he is eager to play, try to help him burn off some energy or calm him down.
2. Look for Signs of an Ear Infection
Once your dog is lying down, you can check more closely for signs of an ear infection. If your dog is ordinarily calm during ear cleanings but is suddenly acting up, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Beyond your dog’s behavior, check for discharge, foul odors, constant scratching of the ears or shaking of the head, and extra debris in the ears. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, stop the cleaning process and take him to the vet.
3. Squirt Ear-Cleaning Solution into the Ear
The cleaning may begin after your dog is settled and you have verified that he does not have an infection. Take your dog’s ear-cleaning solution and gently squirt it into your dog’s ear canal.
If your dog is sensitive or is unfamiliar with this process, he may resist this step. If that is the case, dampen a cotton ball with the solution and place it in his ear. Do not shove it; it may become lodged or push debris to the back of the ear.
4. Massage Your Dog’s Ear
Once the fluid is in your dog’s ear, put the flap of his ear down and massage the base of the ear for 30–60 seconds. Listen for the sound of the solution dislodging the filth.
5. Allow Your Beagle to Shake His Head
After the proper time has passed, allow your dog to shake his head. The towel will come in handy, as you can use it to clean up whatever mess may be made.
6. Wipe the Ear Canal
As soon as your dog is done, gingerly wipe the ear canal with a cotton swab. Do not go more than a knuckle deep.
7. Watch for Signs of Pain
If your dog appears to be in pain at any time throughout this process, stop immediately and reach out to your vet.
8. Praise Your Pup
Once you have cleaned one ear, praise your dog for his patience. You may also give him a treat at this point if it helps him to settle for future ear cleanings. Repeat this process for the other ear.
Conclusion
As pet owners, we want to take great care of our dogs. A dog’s ear health is vital to his comfort and well-being, especially for long-eared dogs like beagles. Take the time to schedule regular ear cleanings for your dog, and he will be thankful for it.
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Featured Image Credit: Nick115, Pixabay
