How to Clean a Beagle's Ears: 6 Vet-Approved Steps
Beagles are popular for their large floppy ears, but these can get dirty easily. They can hold in moisture and dirt that can build up in the ear canal, and bacterial infections can occur.
The flaps of a Beagle’s ears do not receive much airflow, creating a moist and dark environment where bacteria can grow. Therefore, it is essential to keep your Beagle's ears clean as part of their grooming routine.
Preparing to Clean Your Beagle’s Ears
Most Beagles need their ears to be cleaned every couple of weeks to prevent ear issues from occurring. A deep clean is only necessary every 2 to 3 weeks, but a quick cleaning to get rid of dirt build-up is required weekly. You should only need a dog-safe wipe to gently clear away any dirt that has built up.
When deep cleaning your Beagle’s ears, you will need cotton pads or cotton wool and a dog cleaning solution. Avoid wetting their ears when washing them because water can enter the ear canal and become uncomfortable or lead to an infection if it is not dried properly.
Before cleaning your Beagle’s ears, you will need these supplies:
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning a Beagle’s Ears
1. Prepare Your Beagle and Supplies
Before you begin cleaning your Beagle’s ears, you should first make sure that they are comfortable and in a calm environment. You do not want to clean their ears if they are struggling to sit still or seem distracted, to avoid injuring your pet. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies close to where you will be cleaning your Beagle's ears so it can be a quick process for your dog, and you won't have to leave the room to look for what you need.
2. Wipe Off Surface Dirt
Before cleaning your Beagle’s ears, it is important to get rid of surface dirt by gently rubbing a dog wipe around the outside of their ear. This will help remove any built-up debris that has formed on the outer ear. Avoid removing any dirt that leads into your dog’s inner ear canal, as it can cause injury. Make sure this area of your Beagle’s ear does not get wet while being cleaned, to prevent moisture from building up.
Surface dirt can prevent the ear-cleaning solution from being effective because it acts as a thick barrier, so remove as much as possible before using the cleaning solution.
3. Apply Cleaning Solution to Cotton Pad/Balls
Choose an ear-cleaning solution that is specifically made for canines. Avoid using dog shampoos or human ear-cleaning solutions, as these can irritate your Beagle’s ears. Do not apply the ear cleaning solution directly to the ear, but rather place a few drops onto a cotton pad or ball till it is slightly damp, and squeeze out an excess of solution to drip into your dog's ear.
4. Gently Clean the Ears
Apply the cotton pad or ball with the ear-cleaning solution to the underside of your dog’s ear flap. Gently wipe away dirt and discoloration that has formed. You can start by cleaning one ear first and then moving on to the next ear.
5. Dry the Ears
Once you have cleaned your Beagle’s ears, you should soak up excess moisture from the wet wipe or cleaning solution using a dry cotton pad or ball. This can help prevent moisture from building up or entering your dog's inner ear canal and causing discomfort.
6. Reward Your Dog
Not all Beagles will enjoy having their ears cleaned, so rewarding them is a good idea. By offering your Beagle a treat after cleaning their ears, you will help them associate the process with something positive.
Do Beagles Need to Have Their Ears Cleaned?
Beagles are prone to a variety of different ear problems due to their ear structure. Floppy ears in dogs can hold moisture and dirt and have poor airflow, which can lead to the canals serving as breeding grounds for the proliferation of yeast and bacteria. Beagle owners should regularly check their dogs' ears for signs of infection, which can be treated far more easily in the beginning stages.
Signs of an ear infection in Beagles include excessive ear scratching, rubbing their ears against objects like furniture and walls, head tilting, and obviously exhibiting ear irritation. Severe ear infections can cause a smelly discharge that has a thick black, brown, or greenish coloration. However, it should not be confused with a build-up of dirt that can form in your dog's ear canal, which appears black or brown and can be controlled with regular ear cleaning.
If you have any concerns about your dog or their health, we recommend you contact your vet directly.
Conclusion
Since Beagles have low-hanging ears, they need their ears frequently cleaned as part of their grooming routine to make sure these are kept healthy. When you're cleaning your dog’s ears, if you discover any abnormalities, such as a foul discharge, redness, or unusual behavior that causes your Beagle to scratch or rub their ears, be sure to take them to a veterinarian. You can also consult with your vet to discuss the best ear-cleaning products for your dog if they are prone to recurrent ear infections and other issues.
See also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: EnelGammie, Shutterstock
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Sarah lives in South Africa with her partner and pets. She is currently interested in veterinary science and ichthyology, which she wants to study alongside her main passion: pet content writing. Sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and snails. She also keeps hamsters and a tarantula. Sarah wishes to provide quality content to readers and allow others to learn from her experience and knowledge. Sarah has much experience in all aspects of pet care. Providing the world with the knowledge on ethical pet ownership is her lifelong dream.
