If you have a Shih Tzu, then you know that their long, floppy ears are one of their most adorable features. But those same ears can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and other unwanted critters if they’re not cleaned regularly.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your Shih Tzu’s ears the right way, so you can keep those cute ears healthy and free of infection.
Ear Anatomy of Shih Tzu
Before we get into the mechanics of cleaning your Shih Tzu ears, let’s first examine their ear structure. The ear of a Shih Tzu is divided into three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
The visible section of the ear is made up of the ear flap (pinna), the ear canal, and the ear aperture (external auditory meatus). The ear canal is made up of tubes that link the outer and middle ear. Sound waves enter the ear canal through the ear aperture.
The middle ear is filled with air and is placed beneath the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It houses the body’s three tiniest bones, which are in charge of delivering sound waves to the inner ear.
The inner ear is the portion of the ear that houses the hearing organ (cochlea) and the balancing organ (vestibular system). The cochlea is a snail-shaped mechanism that transforms sound waves into electrical impulses and transmits them to the brain. The vestibular system is in charge of keeping you balanced.
Why You Should Clean Your Shih Tzu’s Ears?
The Shih Tzu ear is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The ear canal is dark and moist, and the long ear flaps trap dirt, debris, and moisture. If these things are not removed on a regular basis, they can lead to ear infections.
Ear infections can cause a lot of discomfort for your Shih Tzu. They may shake their head or scratch their ears frequently, and they may even hold their head tilted to one side. If the infection is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the ear canal and even lead to deafness.
The Right Way to Clean Shih Tzu’s Ears
There are a lot of different ear cleaners on the market, but we recommend one that is specifically designed for dogs. Avoid using human ear cleaners, as they can be too harsh for your Shih Tzu’s delicate ears.
To use the ear cleaner, squirt a small amount into your Shih Tzu ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to help loosen any dirt and debris. Then, allow your dog to shake their head to remove the cleaner and the debris.
Repeat this process for the other ear. Once you’re finished, take a look inside your Shih Tzu ears to make sure they’re clean. If you see any dirt or debris remaining, you can use a cotton ball to remove it.
Cleaning your Shih Tzu ears on a weekly basis should help prevent ear infections. However, if your dog does develop an infection, you should take them to the vet for treatment.
Products to Avoid for Cleaning Shih Tzu’s Ear
There are a few products that you should avoid using when cleaning your Shih Tzu ears. These include,
1. Q-tips:
Using Q-tips can actually push the dirt and debris further into the ear canal, which can cause an infection.
2. Cotton balls:
Cotton balls can also push dirt and debris further into the ear canal.
3. Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for your Shih Tzu’s ears and can actually cause irritation.
4. Vinegar:
Vinegar can also be too harsh for your Shih Tzu ears and can cause irritation.
The best way to clean your Shih Tzu’s ears is to use a dog-specific ear cleaner and follow the instructions on the bottle. If you’re unsure about which ear cleaner to use, you can ask your vet for a recommendation.
When to Clean Shih Tzu’s Ears?
You should clean your Shih Tzu’s ears on a weekly basis to prevent infection. However, you may need to clean them more often if your dog is prone to ear infections.
If you notice that your dog is shaking their head frequently or scratching its ears a lot, this could be a sign of an ear infection. In this case, you should take them to the vet for an evaluation. The vet will be able to determine if an ear infection is present and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Powder Groomers Use in Dog’s Ears?
There are many different types of powder that dog groomers use in dogs’ ears. The most common type of powder is cornstarch, which helps to absorb moisture and keep the ears dry. Other types of powders that are used include arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and colloidal oatmeal.
2. How Often Should You Clean Shih Tzu Ears?
Cleaning your Shih Tzu ears should be part of your regular grooming routine. Depending on your dog’s activity level and the environment they live in, you may need to clean their ears once a week or more. If you notice any redness, discharge, or odor, you should clean their ears more frequently.
3. Should I Remove Hair From My Dog’s Ears?
Some people choose to remove hair from their dog’s ears in order to help keep them clean and free of debris, while others find that the hair provides protection and prefer to leave it intact. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove hair from your dog’s ears is up to you.
4. What Does Yeast Infection Look Like in Dog’s Ears?
Yeast infections in dogs’ ears tend to cause a reddish-brown discoloration of the ear flap, along with a yeasty smell. The ears may also be itchy, irritated, and painful. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems such as ear damage and hearing loss.
5. How Do I Know if My Dog Has Ear Mites?
There are a few things that you can look for to see if your dog has ear mites. One is that your dog will likely be scratching at their ears a lot. You might also see them shaking their head or tilting it to the side. Additionally, you might notice that there is a dark discharge coming from their ears. If you suspect that your dog has ear mites, it is best to take them to the vet to get checked out.
6. Why Does My Dog Have Brown Stuff in Her Ear?
There could be a number of reasons why your dog has brown stuff in her ear. It could be anything from dirt and debris to a buildup of ear wax. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to take your dog to the vet to have her checked out.
7. How Do Groomers Clean Dogs Ears?
Groomers typically use a dog-safe ear cleanser and a cotton ball or pad to clean a dog’s ears. The cotton is gently inserted into the ear and then the cleanser is used to wipe away any dirt, debris, or wax.
8. Can I Use Vinegar to Clean My Dog’s Ears?
Yes, vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean your dog’s ears. Be sure to use a diluted solution of vinegar and water, and never put vinegar directly into your dog’s ear canal.
9. Can I Use Baby Wipes to Clean My Dog’s Ears?
While baby wipes are safe to use on dogs, they are not the best option for cleaning your dog’s ears. Baby wipes are not as effective at removing dirt and wax as dog-specific ear wipes and can also irritate your dog’s skin. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean your dog’s ears, we recommend using dog-specific ear wipes.
Also Read: How Long Does Dog Grooming Take
Final Verdict
Cleaning your Shih Tzu’s ears on a regular basis is an important part of keeping them healthy. The ear canal is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, so it’s important to remove any dirt, debris, and moisture that can lead to infection.
We recommend using a dog-specific ear cleaner and cleaning your Shih Tzu ears once a week. If you notice your dog scratching their ears or tilting its head to one side, it may have an ear infection and should be seen by a vet.