How to Soothe Dog’s Ears After Grooming? - Petzooie

How to Soothe Dog’s Ears After Grooming?

Regular grooming sessions are a big help to keep your dog tidy and clean. While there are numerous benefits of grooming, it sometimes causes problems especially related to ears. Luckily, there are certain ways you can use to cut ear irritation and soothe them after grooming.

If you want to seek dog grooming, the best way is to get professional assistance. Dog ears are very sensitive structures and can easily get irritated by grooming and hair plucking. Sometimes, the water goes inside the ears leading to an uncomfortable grooming experience.

Dog Ears Grooming Risks & Aftercare Importance

Ear cleaning, plucking, or trimming is a necessary part of a dog grooming routine. Not many owners are a fan of ear plucking which is usually done in breeds with long hair coats. Ear plucking also causes inflammation in the skin of the ears and causes head shaking and irritation.

Similarly, if too many hairs are left inside without trimming, they can impact the ear canal. Sometimes, they obstruct the canal and trap moisture and dust inside. All of these factors promote bacterial growth and irritation inside the ears.

Every grooming session requires certain tools to help ease the human effort. While these tools save a lot of time, they are not completely safe. The skin inside the ear of dogs is much more prone to damage by metal combs and grooming brushes.

If the ears are not properly plugged by cotton balls before bath and grooming, there is a chance of water entry into the ear canal. Presence of moisture results in bacterial and fungal growth leading to itching and head shaking in canines.

All of these risk factors ultimately cause ear irritation in dogs which doesn’t go away so easily. The dog might scratch the ear with its paws causing serious injury and bleeding.

Using methods that soothe the irritated skin of the ear canal is the best thing you can do. Want to know how? Keep reading below.

Guide to Soothe Dog Ears After Grooming

There are multiple ways you can bring comfort to your furry friend’s ears. Some of them are effective not only in soothing the ears but also prevent future irritation.

Invest in a Dog-Friendly Ear Cleaning Solution

Now, many veterinary brands have introduced dog-specific ear cleaners like Vetoquinol. These solutions are composed of certain ingredients that are not irritating to the ear canal. At the same time, they are efficient enough to dissolve excessive wax and dust to remove it easily.

All you need to do is to hold the ear gently and put a few drops of the solution in the ear. Don’t let go of the ear immediately after putting but rather massage the ear base for 5 seconds. After that, leave the ear and let the dog shake his head, and remove the excessive solution with cotton.

Don’t Use Soaking Wet Cloth or Cotton

Majority of the ear irritation arises when there is excessive moisture in the dog’s ears. It is always recommended to avoid dripping and soaking wet cloth or cotton. Because, as you squeeze it while cleaning, the water will flow toward the inner ear.

Using a dry cloth is a better option after grooming to minimize the risk of water leaking into the ear. Use the cloth generously and don’t forcefully push it into the deep ear canal. The visible part of the ear is your landmark to clean the ears properly.

Take Care During Plucking or Skip It

Plucking is an irritating procedure although it has numerous benefits in keeping the ear clean. Over-plucking of the dog’s ear will immediately cause redness and irritation. It is not advisable to pull all the hairs or your dog will end up vigorously shaking his head all the time.

Soothe Dog’s Ears with Natural Oils

Natural oils such as coconut or olive oil can do wonders in case of ear irritation after grooming. These oils will provide the necessary moisturization to the inner sensitive skin. It is recommended to not put the oil in the form of drops but to use an oiled cotton ball for this purpose.

Maintain a Regular Ear Cleaning Routine

What’s the best way to soothe & avoid ear complications in the future? Yes! Scheduled ear cleaning and grooming. Dog’s ears when left unattended for a long time will build up wax and debris. Cleaning regularly can prevent things from going bad leading to infections.

Talk to Your Veterinarian in Emergency

Sometimes, there is very little you can do in case of excessive ear irritation and head shaking in dogs. You may need to seek professional help from a veterinarian and pain relief medication. The inflamed ears not only irritate but can lead to unbearable pain.

Seeking a veterinarian’s help can be your best bet to check the dog’s ears thoroughly. The vet will clean the ears and may use an otoscope to rule out any severe infections. Your dog might be put on some pain relief medications to soothe ears and ease the discomfort.