Addis Wow Floor Mop

When it comes to grooming, the dog's ears are often the most overlooked part of their bodies. Their ears are also one of the most essential parts to address.

Ear infections can begin effortlessly and can be severe if a dog's ears are not kept clean. Our dog's ears are especially prone to ear troubles due to the shape of their ear canals. Viruses, parasites, bacteria and yeast flourish in a moist warm (and dirty) atmosphere. You should clean your furry friend's ears weekly and start at a very young age. It is particularly imperative for dogs with floppy or long ears.

If your dog is scratching at his ears or shaking his head, or if the ears smell terrible, or if he behaves like his ears hurt when you touch them, this could be a signal of an ear infection and time to call your veterinarian. Also, cotton swabs have no place in a dog's ear, just like humans.

You first must realize that your dog will have no interest in having their ears cleaned. When I bring out the cotton balls and ear wash, five dogs just disappear. You need to have all your supplies within reach so once you have your dog in your grasp; you won't have to reach for an unruly cotton ball. There are a number of ear cleaners you can use. The vet's office can provide you with a safe cleaner, or you can use white vinegar in water as a 50/50 mixture. Make sure your hands have been washed, and if you need gloves or treats, have them ready and close at hand. If you know your dog will be fidgety or feisty or is a larger dog, you might have another person help you. When I have to do the deed with my dogs, I take them, one by one, in the bathroom and close the door, so they don't escape.

Squirt some cleaner on a cotton ball and start from the outside and work inward. You will first clean the areas you can see easily such as the ear flap and outer ear.

Next, squirt a fair amount of cleaner directly into the dog's ear canal-don't worry, you won't use too much. Be cautious not to touch the bottle tip to the inside of the ear. Your pup might jump when the cleaner goes in, and you could possibly hurt his inner ear with the tip. Utilizing your dog's ear flap, close the opening and gently massage the cleaner throughout the inner ear and massage the liquid into the canal itself. Don't rub too hard, your dog will let you know because your dog will probably enjoy this gentle massage of his ears. Mine groan in pleasure as I work it in. Let the ear go and jump back quickly because your furry friend will shake the entire surplus cleaner out of his ear. Now would be a good treat time.

After the "Atta Boy" treat, get your dog back into hugging position with his head laying on the floor or your lap. Shred a cotton ball into a few pieces. Hold your dog's ear open with one hand, while swabbing the small piece of cotton throughout the whole inside of his ear. It may take four or five swabbings to clean out all the loosened glop out of one ear.

This process should only take about 5 minutes. Pet your furry friend and give a high five to your helper. Send your pup on his way with tons of praise and treats.