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Taking care of your Shiba Inu’s ears is a crucial part of being a responsible pet owner. Just like any other dog, their ears can collect dirt, debris, and get infected if they aren’t checked and cleaned regularly. This guide will provide you with instructions on how to clean your Shiba Inu’s ears safely and effectively, promoting their overall ear health and well-being.
Do I Need To Clean My Shiba Inu’s Ears?
Why Cleaning Your Shiba’s Ears Is Important
Dirty ears can lead to ear infections, which are painful and frustrating for your Shiba to deal with. By regularly cleaning your Shiba’s ears, you’ll be able to notice any issues early on, before they become a major issue. Ears can harbor dirt, wax, and other debris, causing discomfort and foul odors.
Is It Safe To Clean My Pet’s Ears?
It’s generally safe to clean your Shiba’s ears, provided you use the proper products and follow a detailed guide. Of course, if you’re unsure or don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to consult your vet for guidance and assistance.
Remember, our goal is to maintain good health for your Shiba, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help if needed. Regular vet visits can also help to ensure your beloved pet stays in tip-top shape.
What Can I Use To Clean My Dog’s Ears At Home?
Do Not Use Generic Products To Clean Your Dog’s Ears
I recommend avoiding generic products, like q-tips, when you go to clean your Shiba’s ears. They can push unwanted debris further into the ear canal or even hurt their delicate ears.
Stick To Specific Pet Made Cleaning Products
I highly encourage using pet-specific ear cleaning products, they’re usually available at your local pet store, vet office, or online. These products are specifically formulated to safely clean your dog’s ears without causing irritation.
Look for products containing ingredients that help break down wax, debris, and bacteria, while also being gentle on your dog’s sensitive ears.
Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean My Pet’s Ears?
Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. While it can kill bacteria, it’s too harsh for your pet’s ears and can cause irritation or even damage to the ear tissue.
Can I Use Baby Wipes To Clean My Shiba Inu’s Ears?
It’s best to avoid using baby wipes for cleaning your Shiba’s ears. While they are generally gentle and safe for human skin, they may contain fragrances or other ingredients that can irritate your dog’s ears. Stick to pet-specific cleaning products for the best results.
Can I Use Dawn Soap To Clean My Dog’s Ears?
While Dawn soap is known for its effectiveness in removing grease and grime, I don’t recommend using it on your dog’s ears. It can cause drying and irritation and may not effectively remove debris from the ear canal.
Can I Use Vinegar To Clean My Shiba’s Ears?
Vinegar can be used in small amounts to clean your dog’s ears, but it should be diluted with an equal part of water to avoid causing irritation. It’s important to note that vinegar alone may not be sufficient to remove all debris and bacteria from your dog’s ears, so it’s best to supplement a pet-specific ear-cleaning solution.
When Should I Clean My Shiba’s Ears?
Check Your Shiba’s Ears At Least Once A Month
I recommend checking their ears at least once a month to maintain your Shiba’s ear health. This routine helps you spot any signs of dirt, wax build-up, or potential infections early on so timely treatment can be given if needed.
Check For Signs Of Redness Or Irritation
While examining your Shiba’s ears, look for any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation. These may indicate an ear infection or other issues requiring a veterinarian’s attention. Keep in mind that healthy ears should be free of any strong odors and have a natural pale pink color on the inner ear flap.
Look Inside Their Ear For Dirt, Discharge, Or Mites
Gently lift your Shiba’s ear flap and look for any visible dirt, wax, or discharge. These could signify the presence of ear mites or potential infections. Don’t forget to check both ears, just because one is clean doesn’t mean the other one is as well.
| Healthy Ears | Unhealthy Ears |
| Pale pink color | Red or swollen |
| Clean and dry | Excessive dirt or discharge |
| No strong odors | Unpleasant smell |
What Is The Brown Stuff In My Dog’s Ears?
If you notice a brown substance in your Shiba Inu’s ears, it could be a sign of excess earwax, dirt, or even an ear infection. It’s crucial to consult your vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How To Tell If Your Dog Has Ear Mites
Ear mites can cause discomfort and itchiness in your Shiba’s ears. Signs of ear mites include:
- Dark, crumbly debris
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
- Inflammation or redness
- Unpleasant odor
If you suspect your Shiba has ear mites, contact your vet for treatment options. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent ear mites and maintain your Shiba’s overall ear health, but it may not be enough to solve their mite problem.
How To Clean Your Shiba Inu’s Ears
Gather The Necessary Supplies
Before I start the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:
- Cotton balls or gauze: These are gentle on your Shiba Inu’s ears and perfect for cleaning.
- Ear cleaning solution: A good quality, vet-approved solution designed for dogs is essential to clean their ears effectively.
- Pet-specific ear wipes: …
- Tweezers or a small ear cleaning tool: To carefully remove any debris lodged in the ears.
Carefully Groom Your Shiba’s Ears
First, let’s examine your Shiba Inu’s ears to look for any debris, matting, or unusual discharge. Keep an eye out for any signs of redness or inflammation as well. Gently remove any visible debris using the tweezers or ear cleaning tool.
Gently Apply The Ear Cleaning Solution
Next, take a cotton ball or gauze pad and dip it in your cleaning solution of choice. Try not to saturate the cotton to avoid adding excessive moisture to your pet’s the ear canal. You can skip the solution step if you get dog-specific ear cleaning wipes.
Carefully insert the damp cotton ball or gauze pad just into the opening of the ear canal and gently clean the area.
Massage The Base Of Your Shiba’s Ears
Now, gently massage the base of your Shiba Inu’s ears for around 20-30 seconds. This helps to loosen any wax or debris inside the ear canal and allows the cleaning solution to work effectively.
Slowly Wipe Out Any Debris Or Left Over Solution
After massaging the ears, take a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad and slowly wipe away any debris or leftover solution from the outer part of the ear canal and outer ear. Remember to be gentle and not push any debris further into the ear canal.
Let Your Shiba Shake To Dry Their Ears
This is a natural way for your Shiba to try and dry off their ears. Give them some time to shake and walk around.
Wait A Few Minutes, Then Double Check They’re Clean
After a few minutes, take another look at your Shiba’s ears to ensure that they’re clean. If needed, repeat the cleaning process. Always check with your vet if you suspect an ear infection or if you notice any redness or swelling after cleaning.
Don’t Hesitate To Contact Your Vet
As Shiba Inu owners, it’s important for us to keep our dog’s ears clean and healthy in order to prevent infections. Things happen, and despite our best efforts, it’s still possible for our pets to develop ear infections. If you believe that’s the case, don’t hesitate to contact your vet and follow their recommended steps.
Common signs of an ear infection include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Excessive head shaking
- Unpleasant odor
- Unusual scratching
Summary: How To Properly Clean Your Shiba’s Ears
Regular ear cleaning is crucial for your Shiba Inu’s well-being. Use a gentle ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, and a soft cloth or pet-formulated ear wipes. Squirt the solution into the ear canal, let it sit, massage, and wipe the outer area. Dry the ears thoroughly. Clean once or twice a month, or more frequently if your dog is prone to ear infections. Consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shiba Inus Get Ear Infections?
Shiba Inus can get ear infections, just like any other dog breed. Various factors can contribute to ear infections, such as excess moisture, trapped debris, or allergies. To minimize the risk, it’s essential to regularly clean and inspect their ears.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
If you don’t clean your dog’s ears, they become more susceptible to infections, inflammation, and other issues. Dirt, debris, and wax can build up, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Regular ear cleaning helps keep their ears healthy and free from problems.
Should I Wipe My Dogs Ears Everyday?
While it’s not necessary to clean your dog’s ears daily, it is essential to frequently monitor their condition. If your Shiba Inu is prone to ear infections or has allergies, you may need to clean their ears more often. However, for most dogs, wiping their ears every day can be excessive and lead to irritation.
How often should you clean a Shiba Inu’s ears?
The ideal cleaning frequency depends on your dog’s specific needs. Generally, we recommend cleaning a Shiba Inu’s ears once every two to four weeks. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to determine the best cleaning schedule for your dog to keep their ears healthy.
