How to Care for the Outer Ear of a Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are a breed of dogs known for their sense of smell. Overall, they have a loose, thin coat, that contains multiple folds including on their ears. The dogs also have long ears that help deliver scents from the ground to the dog's nose. Since a Bloodhound's ears are long and fall below their face, the ears are prone to dirt collecting within the folds and ear canal. Debris can lead to yeast and bacteria growth, which can result in an ear infection if you don't clean your Bloodhound's ears on a weekly basis.
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Things You'll Need
- Latex gloves
- Large towel
- Veterinarian-approved cleaning solution
- Cotton balls
Instructions
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1
Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean and from touching any bacteria that may be on and in your Bloodhound's ears. Place a large towel on your lap or on the floor. Sit your Bloodhound on your lap, if the dog is a puppy -- or on the floor if the dog is an adult.
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2
Hold your dog's ear up to expose the ear canal and the multiple channels within the outer ear. Squeeze about 2 tbsp. of a veterinarian-approved cleaning solution onto the outer ear, both sides of the ear and into the canal. Then lower the ear. Veterinarian-approved cleaning solutions are available directly from your veterinarian and pet supply stores.
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3
Move your dog's ear around to massage the solution into the canal and outer ear. You will hear the liquid moving around inside of your dog's ear. Your dog will begin moving her head. Try to hold your dog in one place if she starts getting anxious.
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4
Raise up your dog's ear and use a cotton ball to wipe out any debris present on the outer ear, both sides of the ear, and in the canal. Wipe the debris outward from the canal. Wipe into the multiple folds to remove any debris present. Do not insert the cotton ball deep into your dog's ear --- insert no further than your finger's first knuckle. Change cotton balls whenever your dog shakes her head.
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Continue cleaning your dog's outer ear and canal with cotton balls until no more debris is present on a cotton ball.
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Tips & Warnings
Only use cotton balls --- cotton swabs can hurt your dog's outer ear and ear canal.
