My name is Dr. Ruan Bester, and my goal is to help you, the pet owner, improve your knowledge of your pet’s everyday needs and health care through a variety of pet services and veterinary resources.

Your dog’s ears are wonderful instruments, many times more sensitive than yours. They can hear sounds at far greater distances than humans can. And, in addition, are able to pick up sounds with a frequency so high that they are impossible for the human ear to detect. Persons who have trained dogs are familiar with this phenomenon, thanks to the so-called “silent” whistles, which, though inaudible to man, bring instant response from a conditioned dog.

The obviously different things about your dog’s ears are the large outer ears, their larger openings, and the highly developed muscular control it has over the outer “flaps.” Even dogs with flaps that completely cover the openings are able to lift them, to some extent, when “on alert.” Lifting the flaps, obviously, makes it easier to pick up the sound.

Because a dog’s ears are like ours in basic design, your dog can suffer from the same infirmities, damage and diseases. Even deafness is common, especially as an undesirable companion of old age.

Your dog’s ears require a good deal of care and attention. Frequent cleaning should be number one on your personal ear-care list. Periodic checkups by your veterinarian will be your assurance that your pet is protected from diseases and other problems.

Regular inspection of your dog’s ears is particularly important in keeping them clear of yeast, fungus, bacteria, external parasites, mites, and ticks in particular. Dogs with ears that flap over require extra attention in this respect and, in general, require more frequent attention than those with “erect” ears.

Working on a dog’s ears requires a steady hand and a thorough knowledge of just where and how cleaning should be done. To prevent irreparable harm from befalling your dog, ask your veterinarian to explain just how you should handle the cleaning procedures and get an absolutely clear reading on the do’s and don’ts.

In examining your dog’s ears, you’ll notice a series of “ridges and valleys” which comprise excellent places for wax and dirt to accumulate. Wax is the breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. These may be cleaned with a ball of cotton, used dry, or, if the dirt is stubborn, saturated with ear cleaner or a preparation recommended by your veterinarian. Remember to consult your veterinarian before you attempt to clean your dog’s ears and do not, under any circumstances, use a swab to probe in the canal area.

Just how important is it to keep your dog’s ears clean? A good way to answer that question is to point out that many people complain about “dog” odor and mention this as the reason they won’t have a dog in their house. My personal experience is that, in almost 80% of “dog odor” cases, the dog’s ears are the root of the problem.

Dr. Ruan Bester, BVSc (UP)

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