👂 Your Guide to Taking Care of Your Goldendoodle’s Ears
Goldendoodles are prone to ear problems due to their floppy ears, which create a warm, moist environment where yeast and bacteria can grow and thrive. Being proactive with ear care can prevent infections.
Why You Need to Clean Your Goldendoodle’s Ears
Routine Prevention: Goldendoodles should have their ears cleaned once a month to remove any debris that may have accumulated.
Increased Frequency: If you live in a humid climate, your dog goes into the water often, or has a history of multiple ear infections, you may need to clean the ears more often.
Caution: Cleaning too frequently can cause the ear canals to dry out, which can also lead to pain and other problems. If more frequent cleaning is needed, speak to a veterinary team member for advice.
How to Clean Your Goldendoodle’s Ears 🧼
Find a Cleaning Solution: Obtain an effective cleaning solution recommended by a veterinarian. Always talk to your vet before putting anything in your dog’s ears.
Apply and Massage: Fill the ear canal with the liquid, then gently massage the base of the ear to loosen any material in the canal. It is okay if your pet shakes their head, as this helps.
Wipe Clean: Use cotton balls to absorb the liquid and any loose debris by wiping the inside of the ear canal.
Finish: Continue wiping until the ear canal is dry and free of debris. Do not use cotton swabs, as you could damage your dog’s ear canal or ear drum.
Check for Signs of Infection 🛑
Despite your best efforts, your dog may still get an ear infection. If an infection sets in, you must take your Goldendoodle to the vet right away, as allowing it to spread can worsen pain and potentially cause permanent scarring of the ear canal.
Warning signs that an ear infection may have developed include:
Scratching the ears more often than usual
Redness or swelling inside the ears
The ears are hotter than normal
Strong, pungent smell
Brown, yellow, or tan debris in the ears
Matted hair within the ears
Whimpering when the ears are touched
Holding one ear lower than the other, or tilting their head to one side
