A German Shepherd’s large, erect ears are a staple of the breed, and their open design gives the dog better hearing and less risk of infection. It allows for great airflow and a dry environment, the opposite of what makes bacteria and yeast thrive. However, as with most dog breeds, it’s important to keep your German Shepherd’s ears clean.
To clean a German Shepherd’s ears, you should first check for any sign of infection. Then carefully expose the ear canal and use a gentle cleansing solution. Finally, wipe the ears with gauze or a soft cloth, and reward your dog with a treat.
While this sounds simple, let’s walk through each step.
Clean Your German Shepherd’s Ears With A High-Quality Ear Cleanser
German Shepherds need regular ear cleaning to prevent infections. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. Instead, there are many dog ear cleansers available, but a few are recommended specifically for German Shepherds. One of the most recommended cleansers to use for German Shepherd ears is the Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes.
Start by collecting the necessary supplies, listed here:
- Dog ear cleaner
- Gauze or soft cloth
- Ear-drying powder (optional)
- Blunt-nose scissors or tweezers (if your dog’s ears are very hairy)
- Reward treats
Next, set everything up with you and your dog in the bathroom (or wherever you plan on cleaning its ears). Check your dog’s ears for infection or any signs of issues – read below for common signs of ear infection. Enlist a friend or family member to hold your dog’s head still so it doesn’t shake while applying the cleanser.
To begin, gently pull one of your pet’s outer ears up, straightening it to expose the canal. German Shepherd ears have a very exposed ear canal, so this step is fairly easy. Squeeze several drops of the cleanser into the ear canal and, using your fingers, massage the base of your dog’s ear. This will distribute the solution into the ear.
Using gauze or soft cloth, swab the interior of your dog’s ear to clean out extra cleanser or debris. Never use cotton or loose material inside your dog’s ears; cotton can push the debris down and the fibers can fall off and infect the ear. Most German Shepherd’s ears dry pretty quickly, but if you’re concerned, use an ear drying powder.
After cleaning and drying, trim your dog’s long ear hairs using scissors or tweezers, but only if your German Shepherd’s ears are very hairy. Long hairs can impede airflow to a dog’s ear canals. Repeat the cleaning on the other ear, then reward your furry friend with a yummy treat.
Help Your Dog Get Used To Regular Ear Cleanings
Like many pet care rituals such as baths or brushing, dogs need to become accustomed to the process. Start handling your German Shepherd’s ears at a young age to get it used to cleanings.
Many dogs love getting their ears petted, so massage the inside and outside of the ears whenever you’re giving them a relaxing massage. Whenever you’re brushing or bathing your dog, touch the ears and rub the exterior ear canal. Reward good behavior with small treats and praise.
Regularly Check Your German Shepherd’s Ears For Infection
Before cleaning your dog’s ears, it’s important to regularly examine your dog’s ears for any signs of infection. If your dog’s ears are red, inflamed, or smell, they may be infected and need immediate veterinary attention.
A healthy German Shepherd’s ears look pink and clear of any debris or discharge. As you inspect for infection, take note of any additional symptoms your dog may exhibit, including:
- Whining
- Scratching or itchiness
- Head shaking
What Causes Ear Infections In Dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), canine ear infections are usually caused by bacteria, yeast, and, in puppies, ear mites. Because German Shepherd ears are so erect and open, their ears have great airflow that keeps the area dry and less favorable for bacteria and yeast survival. Several factors can also worsen the risk of an ear infection, including:
- Moisture
- Skin or food allergies
- Endocrine diseases
- Autoimmune disorders
- Wax buildup
- Foreign bodies
- Ear canal injuries
- Excessive cleaning
If you suspect your German Shepherd has an ear infection, it’s important to take it to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform an assessment and make a diagnosis and treatment plan, which typically involves a medicated ear cleanser or antibiotics. One of the easiest ways to prevent an ear infection is regularly cleaning your dog’s ears.
Tips For Preventing Ear Infections In German Shepherds
The AKC reports nearly 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, including ear infections. However, with proper care and regular cleaning, you can prevent ear infections in your German shepherd.
Regularly Clean Your Dog’s Ears, But Don’t Over-Clean
It’s important to clean your dog’s ears regularly but don’t over-clean. Cleaning a dog’s ears too can result in an unwanted buildup of bacteria. Because German shepherds have erect, open ears, they don’t need to be cleaned as often.
You should check your German shepherd’s ears for infection once a week and thoroughly clean them at least once a month. If your German shepherd has any underlying conditions as listed above that make it more prone to ear infections, clean the ears more often – at least twice a month.
Avoid Wetting Your Dog’s Ears During Baths
As noted above, moisture can lead to serious ear infections. Avoid getting water near or in your dog’s ears during bath time. To wash your dog’s head, use a damp cloth, and don’t pour water over your dog’s head.
Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after baths and swimming to ensure there’s no residual moisture. Use gauze or a soft, clean cloth, and never use cotton balls or swabs.
How Do I Tell If My German Shepherd Has Ear Mites?
A dog shaking or scratching its head is not only a symptom of an ear infection but also ear mites. Ear mites are small bugs that make a home within canine ears and feed on the wax and oils inside them. The AKC suggests the symptoms of ear mites include:
- Itching or excessive head-scratching
- Dark, crumbly red-brown discharge composed of dried blood and closely resembling coffee grounds
- Wounds, inflammation, and infection, including scabs or abrasions at the ear base
Ear mites must be eradicated immediately, as heavy infestations can lead to the mites invading other parts of the dog’s body. They can also spread easily to other animals, so if your German Shepherd has been diagnosed with ear mites, be sure to inspect and treat all other household animals.
If you suspect your German Shepherd has ear mites, take it to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will do an examination and thoroughly clean your dog’s ears. They might also apply an ear mite medication and treat any infections that may have arisen. To prevent ear mites, regularly clean your dog’s ears.
How Do I Treat Extra Wax In My German Shepherd’s Ears?
Wax buildup is a common precursor to ear infection in German Shepherds (and infections can cause excess wax), so it’s important to keep the ears clean and free of extra wax. While it’s normal for dogs to have some ear wax, a buildup can cause problems.
These are common causes of wax buildup in German Shepherds Dogs:
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Ear infections
To keep your dog’s ears free of wax, make sure you regularly clean the ears using a high-quality cleanser. Inspect ears for buildup or infection every week and consult a veterinarian if excess ear wax isn’t going away with regular cleaning. Never use a Q-tip or cotton ball to remove wax.
Take care of your German Shepherd and it will take care of you. By taking the time to keep your German Shepherd in excellent shape, they will be happier and healthier. This will allow for more quality time and great bonding.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your German Shepherd’s ears clean and healthy is an important part of their grooming routine. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily keep their ears clean and prevent any infections.
