Puppy Care Guide

👂 Understanding a Dog’s Ear Structure

A dog’s ear canal forms an “L” shape, trapping moisture and debris — a perfect environment for bacteria, yeast, and mites. Understanding ear anatomy helps you prevent buildup before problems start.

• Floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels): Less airflow → higher infection risk.
• Erect ears (Huskies / Shiba Inus): Easier upkeep but still prone to pollen irritation.

🧴 How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Safely

• Inspect for redness, swelling, or odor.
• Use vet-approved ear cleaner — never cotton swabs or dry tissues.
• Fill canal gently, massage 20–30 seconds, then let your dog shake.
• Wipe the outer ear with soft gauze or pet wipes afterward.

⚠️ Do not use cotton swabs (Q-tips) — they can push debris deeper or injure the canal.

🩺 Veterinarian Tip: Clean every 2–3 weeks, or more often if your dog swims, bathes frequently, or has floppy ears.

PetGo Shop | Ear Cleaning Essentials

Keep your dog’s ears clean, fresh, and infection-free with these vet-approved cleaning solutions and gentle wipes — perfect for regular maintenance or after outdoor play.

Vetnique Oticbliss Ear Cleaner (8 oz)

Seller: Vetnique

Advanced odor-control ear flush with soothing aloe — removes wax and dirt while keeping ears calm and fresh.

$26.99

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Earth Rated Pet Ear Wipes (70 Count)

Seller: Earth Rated

Vet-developed, hypoallergenic wipes with wild oat scent — gently remove dirt and wax buildup for clean, healthy ears.

$16.99

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Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner (4 oz)

Seller: Virbac

Trusted vet formula that removes debris and dries moisture — ideal for preventing odor, itching, and bacterial growth.

$26.29

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🧠 Signs of Ear Problems to Watch For

• Head shaking or tilting
• Scratching or rubbing ears
• Unusual odor or discharge
• Whining when touched near ear

Persistent symptoms may indicate infection, allergy, or mites — consult your vet for cleaning or medication if they last more than a few days.

🌿 Allergies & Skin Sensitivity

Food or environmental allergies often show first in the ears. Look for redness, swelling, or excess wax. Switch to a hypoallergenic diet if reactions occur after certain treats. Omega-3 supplements help reduce inflammation.

🐾 Tailored Care for Different Ear Types

• Floppy Ears: Check daily and keep dry after baths or rainy walks.
• Semi-Floppy Ears: Clean weekly during humid seasons to prevent yeast growth.
• Erect Ears: Wipe outer surfaces after outdoor play to remove dust or pollen.

Floppy Ears

Example: Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever

Semi-Floppy Ears

Example: Border Collie, Beagle

Erect Ears

Example: Shiba Inu, German Shepherd

⚠️ Never Force Ear Handling

If your puppy resists cleaning, never grab or twist the ear. Painful handling causes fear and future avoidance. Pause and try again gently later.

💬 PetGo Reminder: Once ear care hurts, dogs associate it with fear. Patience and soft reassurance build trust.

🩺 When to Seek Veterinary Help

• Persistent head shaking or scratching
• Redness or swelling deep in ear
• Strong odor or dark discharge
• Scabs or hair loss around ear
• Balance issues or head tilting

These can indicate outer ear infection (otitis externa) or mites that require prescription treatment.

🌸 Maintaining Long-Term Ear Health

• Dry ears thoroughly after baths or swims.
• Use a soft towel or pet-safe dryer to remove moisture.
• Trim excess hair inside the ear canal (ask your groomer or vet).
• Maintain diet rich in omega fatty acids for skin and ear health.
• Avoid human ear drops or alcohol solutions.

Healthy ears should be clean, smooth, and light pink — never red or flaky.