leaning a well-behaved dog’s ears can be a simple task with a little bit of practice; however, for many pet owners, it can still be a challenge to maintain their dog’s ear health between grooming appointments. Without a professional setup, dogs might move around or run away from the owner during ear cleaning. In addition to trying to settle a wiggly dog, not everyone feels comfortable with the task.
As a groomer, clients will often seek your advice on how to clean their dog’s ears at home. Questions about how frequently to clean their dog’s ears and which techniques to use are common. By preparing yourself to address these common questions, you can confidently advise your clients on ear cleaning. Groomers can also suggest that owners consult their veterinarian about the frequency of ear cleaning and specific products.
Many dogs will need ear cleaning between grooming visits because they don’t come to the salon frequently enough for ear maintenance, or are prone to dirty ears. All dogs should have their ears checked regularly at home and cleaned as needed to maintain ear health. Factors such as ear type, lifestyle and diet influence how often a dog needs ear cleaning. For many breeds, ear cleaning between grooming appointments is necessary.
For clients who struggle with the task at home, when asked what challenges they have, two main ones are revealed. Firstly, the dog may be too difficult to handle. The dog’s behavior complicates the cleaning process, turning a simple task into a stressful one for the owner. Secondly, many owners fear hurting their dog. Once they have an understanding of the techniques and the anatomy of their dog’s ears, owners will usually gain confidence in ear cleaning if the dog is cooperative.
All dogs should have their ears checked regularly at home and cleaned as needed to maintain ear health.
To provide ear cleaning tips for even the busiest owners, start by encouraging clients to simply check their dog’s ears regularly. Being able to look in the ears while the dog is still is a crucial first step. Some dogs may move away, so training them to stay can be helpful.
Practicing “stay” on a designated grooming station at home, such as a towel or raised bed, helps the dog understand what is expected. This step is a prerequisite for at-home grooming. Duration is then gradually increased as the dog is reinforced for remaining on the home-grooming station.
Another useful exercise is teaching the dog to rest their chin in the owner’s hand through target training. This way the dog learns to stay with minimal holding. The target can then be transferred to an object such as a folded towel so that the owner has both hands free to handle the ears.
While you don’t have to try to answer every question, being prepared to address common concerns or refer clients to other professionals when needed fosters loyalty and trust with your clients.
While most dogs adapt quickly to this routine, those with a history of painful ear conditions may need a more personalized approach to overcome negative associations with ear cleaning, even after their ears are healthy again.
As owners become more comfortable with regular ear checks, cleaning becomes easier, too. Using room-temperature ear cleaner as intended ensures a comfortable experience for the dog. With consistent practice, ear cleaning becomes a simple and stress-free task for both owner and dog. Preventing ear infections is going to save the dog a lot of possible discomfort.
Encouraging clients to take an active role in their dog’s care and providing tips demonstrates your commitment to their pet’s wellbeing. While you don’t have to try to answer every question, being prepared to address common concerns or refer clients to other professionals when needed fosters loyalty and trust with your clients.