Ear Care: Why & How

     Between taking our Havanese to the groomers, some things may need extra attention.  One of those things would be your pet's ears.  Why not leave them alone?  The biggest reason is bacteria.  The hair in the ear can hold the water while the warmth in the ear can encourage a great spot for bacteria to thrive, hence infection and head shaking and foot scratching the ears.  Dirt and wax build up block the airflow contributing to a warm, moist environment.  Not only is it a place for bacteria or yeast but wax build up and mites increase in an uncared for ear.  What can you do?  Pull the hair of the ear and clean the ear.  After baths, slow down and carefully dry the inside of the ear.  It counts.  Pulling the hair in your dog's ear is boring but goes quickly if you sit down and just do it with the right help.  You need powder to help grab the hair.  I use a store brand that eases irritation, itching and discomfort as they put it.  The other things I use are 5" straight and curved hemostats.  A hemostat can be gotten on line or from a medical store.  Occasionally they can be found in a pet store. Simply powder the inside ear, smear it in the ear  and use your fingers to pull what you can.  Use the hemostats to pull the rest.  Do not grab clumps of hair but a few strands at a time.  Be very careful with hemostats to never pinch the little folds of the ear.   Never go further than you can see or 1/2" into the ear canal.  Finish with cleaning the ear.  There are many ear cleaners with wipes or the use of cotton balls .  Caring for their ears is simply part of  at home grooming for your dog.  Remember to always sterilize you hemostats.  
 Common ear problem signs are:
from http://www.petgroomer.com/grooming101/
               articles/ear_cleaning-revised.htm
- Head shaking and ear scratching.
- Ears sensitive to touch.
- Discharges and powerful odors.
- Hematomas (blood blisters) on the ear flap.
- Swelling and skin redness.
- Melanomas (tumors).
If you need further instruction there are several 'how to' videos on pulling hair from dog ears if you want to watch this process.  You can do this!  Be calm, be easy and remember the treat!