Caring for your dog's eyes and ears is very important because it can prevent a lot of problems. With a little practice, it will soon become part of your routine.

Let’s face it, dogs don’t necessarily like it when their owners clean their ears or eyes. But if you get them used to it as a puppy, they’ll get used to it as adults, and they won’t object. And to avoid possible inflammations and infections, it’s important to clean your pet’s eyes and ears regularly. When bathing, take care not to get water or shampoo in the eyes or ears.

When bathing, take care not to get water or shampoo in the eyes or ears.

Cleaning the ears

This is particularly important for the long-eared, long-haired varieties. Their ear canals are less ventilated and earwax sticks to the hairs more easily. But even if you don’t have a dog like this, regular maintenance is still necessary. Excess hair needs to be removed from near the ear canal, and you can ask a groomer to help you do this. This will allow the ear to ventilate properly, preventing infections and fungal growth. But the job doesn’t end there.

The eyes and ears of basset hounds are particularly susceptible to infections.

It is very important to be gentle with the ears, as they are a sensitive area. If neither you nor your dog are familiar with it, it’s worth trying to bribe your pet wth treats to motivate them to let ut happen. Gently wipe the inside of the ear with a wet cotton ball, making sure your finger doesn’t go in too deep. Do not use a q-tip, as this can easily injure the dog's ear. There are products made specifically for dogs that clean more effectively than water, better at dissolving earwax. It’s worth doing it once a week to prevent a lot of problems.

When is there a problem?

If your pet’s ears smell funny, itchy or they shake their head frequently, it may be that inflammation is the problem. Reddened ears are a clear sign, but in long-haired breeds it is more difficult to tell. It can be caused by simple allergies, but bacterial or fungal infections are also very common. Scratching and head rubbing can also be caused by accumulated ear wax, so regular cleaning is important. In addition, a thorough check-up is also necessary, as foxtails can easily become embedded into the soft parts of a dog's ear. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your pet, take them to the vet.

Eyes of the dog

The eyes are also very sensitive and easily damaged, so clean them very carefully and with care. Some breeds are prone to large amounts of tearing, which can discolour the hairs around the eyes. This is particularly noticeable in white coloured dogs. This is caused by the a pigment called porphyrin which, when exposed to air, turns a brownish reddish colour. If it is excessively brown, it may also indicate a fungal infection, so it is worth keeping an eye out for this. High tear production can also be a disease, called epiphora. If you suspect this, see a specialist.

Light coloured dogs often have a reddish discolouration under the eyes.

Breeds with bulging eyes and dogs with drooping eyelids should be given special attention because they are particularly susceptible to eye diseases. Examples of such dogs include Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs.

French bulldog.

How to clean your dog's eyes?

Clean your dog’s eyes twice a week, or as the amount of tearing and eye boogers (rheum) warrants. You will also need one or more cotton wool discs for this. You can use water, boric water or a special preparation made for dogs. Wipe very gently in a downward sweeping motion, never towards the animal’s eyes. It only takes a few minutes and it’s done. At the end of the operation, reward your pet.