Basset Hounds are known for their iconic floppy ears. But with extra-long, floppy ears that sweep the ground, Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections and other ear issues. Proper ear cleaning is essential to prevent discomfort and ear infections.
In this article, we will go through step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean your Basset Hound’s ears and keep them healthy.
How often to clean your Basset Hound’s Ears?
You must clean your Basset Hound’s ears once every week using a dog ear-cleaning liquid and cotton balls. However, some basset hounds are more prone to ear infections and may require cleaning twice a week.
Apart from regular cleaning also make sure to dry their ears right after baths or swims.
Signs of Ear Infection in Basset Hounds
As a Basset Hound owner, it is important to be aware of the signs of ear infections in your dog.
- Head Tilting and Shaking
Of all signs of ear infection, tilting and shaking are the most common. As the area becomes itchy and pressure builds up, dogs tilt their heads to relieve themselves.
- Frequent Scratching of the Infected Area
Frequent scratching signifies ear mite infestation or infections like yeast buildup. Once you notice your Basset Hounds scratching their ears, check them right away.
- Discharges
If you notice any type of discharge around or near the ear canal of your basset hound, get it examined by your vet. It could be a sign of yeast infection, ear mites, or bacterial infection.
- Unpleasant smell
Bacterial ear infections often produce a strong, unpleasant odor. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to regularly check your dog’s ears for any unusual smells and seek veterinary treatment if necessary.
- Swelling or Redness
If you notice that your Basset Hound’s ears are inflamed or reddish in color, this may indicate an advanced ear infection. These infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, yeast, or mites.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Your Basset Hound’s Ears
Cleaning your basset hound’s long ears regularly is crucial to prevent ear infections. Apart from that, regular cleaning also allows us to catch any early signs of infections and act on them.
So let’s understand how to clean your basset hound’s ears:
Step 1: Gather the supplies
You will need a Canine Ear Cleaning Fluid. You can get this Dog Ear Cleaner Kit from Amazon.
A cleaning solution can help kill bacteria and remove wax buildup from your dog’s ears. You can also ask your vet or groomer to recommend an ear cleaner.
You will also need some clean cotton balls. Avoid Q-tips. Your dog may get excited or weirded out when you start cleaning their ears and may react to it, and accidents can happen. Apart from that, using a Q-tip may push the earwax deeper inside their ears.
Step 2: Check for Infection
Before you begin, make sure to check for any signs of infections, mites, and bacteria. A few common signs are bad odor, discharge, thick wax, and swollen tissues.
Step 3: Select a time when your Basset Hound is Calm
It’s not uncommon for dogs to resist or run away when we try to clean their ears. So you will have to plan this out. Select a time when your basset hound is tied, which is usually after a long walk.
You can even ask someone to distract them using treats while you clean their ears.
Step 4: Squirt the Ear Cleanser
Lift an ear flap and squirt a few drops of Canine Cleaning Liquid into the ear canal. Make sure to read the direction of the Liquid before using it.
Step 5: Massage the Ear
Put the flap down and massage the ear base of your dog for a minute.
Step 6: Wipe the ears with Cotton Ball
Once you are done with the massage, lift their ears and wipe them clean with cotton balls. Remove dirt, wax, and excess liquid. And always use different cotton balls for both ears.
Step 7: Clean their ears regularly.
Cleaning your Basset Hound’s ears should be part of a weekly routine; as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Things to Avoid
There are some things Basset Hound owners must avoid:
- Avoid Q-tips: If you are new to ear cleaning, then avoid using Q-tips. Stick to cotton balls or gauges. Your dog might get so excited or react as they feel weird once the solution flows along their ear canal, and any movement can prick either their eardrum or eye. Aside from that, the Q-tips would push the earwax deeper inside instead of removing it.
- Avoid Hydrogen peroxide. Many websites advise dog parents to use hydrogen peroxide when cleaning their dog’s ears, please don’t do that. This substance can cause damage to their ears. Never try this on your Basset Hounds.
- Avoid Procrastinating the Vet Appointment. If you find any signs or symptoms of infection in your dog’s ears, go to your vet immediately.
