Corgis are friendly little dogs with adorable, floppy ears that fold downward as puppies. However, as they grow, their ears start to stand straight up. Although the dogs’ ears are a defining feature of the breed, they are prone to developing ear infections and need to be cleaned properly. In this guide, we will give you tips for cleaning your Corgi’s ears and examine which signs may indicate your Corgi has an ear infection.
The 6 Tips on How to Clean Corgi Ears
1. Be Patient With Your Corgi
Your Corgi is not going to be happy with you cleaning their ears. You need to be patient with your Corgi and avoid rushing the cleaning process.
Never yell at, curse at, or be mean to your dog, as that will make the dog more challenging to deal with. Instead, talk softly to your pet the entire time you clean their ears for the best results. Dogs pick up on your emotions, so if you’re upset or stressed, you can guarantee that your Corgi will be, too, which will make cleaning their ears a nightmare.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Before trying to clean your dog’s ears, you must gather any supplies you might need. The last thing you want is to get your pet settled in, only to have the dog run off or get upset again when you have to get something you are missing.
- Dog ear cleaning solution
- Gloves
- Cotton balls or gauze for ear cleaning
- Treats
- Microfiber towel to clean dog’s face
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3. Avoid Q-tips
When they see dirt or water in their Corgi’s ears, many pet owners reach for the nearest Q-tip. Q-tips can push debris, dirt, and water deeper into the ear canal, and if you’re too rough, you could damage the nerves in the ear. Instead of a Q-tip, use a cotton ball or soft gauze to clean your dog’s ears.
4. Do Not Use DIY Ear Solutions
You’ve probably seen YouTubers and influencers telling pet owners to use DIY ear solutions to clean their dog’s ears. Although some homemade formulas may be safe to use, it’s better to trust a canine ear-cleaning solution. Ear cleaning products and kits for dogs are inexpensive, and your vet can recommend the best product for your Corgi.
5. Keep Your Corgi Comfortable
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to take your Corgi to the ear-cleaning area. You’ll want to keep your Corgi comfortable throughout the cleaning process so that the dog will remain calm. First, fill your pet’s ear canal with the recommended number of drops and gently massage the outside of the ear near the opening to work the solution around. Your Corgi will shake their head to remove the excess. Then, wipe the ear gently with the cotton ball and clean the face with a towel.
If your dog is extremely agitated and won’t calm down during the cleaning process, it’s best to stop and consult your vet so that they can recommend something to keep your dog calm and quiet until the cleaning is complete. If nothing else, you may have to take your Corgi to a professional groomer.
6. Give Praise and Treats
Once you’ve managed to clean your Corgi’s ears, and they have sat still for it, make sure to give them plenty of treats, praise, and even a new toy if you have one lying around. This can be a traumatic experience for your pet, so make sure that you reward them. Your Corgi will love you for it and might even associate grooming with positive feelings (because of the treats), making it easier for you next time.
Signs of an Ear Infection in Your Corgi
Now that we have given you some tips for cleaning your Corgi’s ears, here are a few of the signs that your Corgi might be suffering from an ear infection.
- Ear discharge
- Odor coming from the ear
- Excessive shaking of the dog’s head
- A crust in the ears
- The dog rubs its ears on furniture and other belongings
- Swelling or redness in the dog’s ear canals
- Pain
- Itchy ears
- Foul-smelling ears
If you notice any of these signs in your Corgi, you may have an ear infection. You’ll need to immediately make an appointment for your Corgi with your vet for diagnosis and treatment options.
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Conclusion
Corgis are adorable dogs that make great pets and are fun to interact with. However, their ears can get infected easily, so you need to ensure that does not happen to your canine pal by cleaning their ears regularly. You can clean your pet’s ears every 1 to 2 months to keep them healthy, but if you have to clean them more frequently, your dog may need to see the veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: ozsvathcsilla, Pixabay
