Goldendoodles, also known as designer dogs, are not only the ultimate blend of cuteness, but they are also intelligent and very social dogs to have around your home. So, whether you just got yourself this amazing golden retriever and poodle hybrid or you are about to be a new Goldendoodle parent, and you are wondering how to clean its ears, then read on as this article got you covered.
We help you understand in depth what a Goldendoodle is, what type of ears Goldendoodle dogs have and how to easily tell that your dog needs to have its ears cleaned. We also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean Goldendoodle ears, both the outer ear and the ear canal.
What is a Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles, also known as groodle(in Australia) or designer dogs, are a golden retriever and poodle hybrid. Most of these intelligent and highly social dogs are hypoallergic; that is, they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction; this makes them a good fit for people who are likely to get an allergic reaction from a dog’s dander.
PS; it’s important to note that although this dog breed is usually hypoallergenic, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get an allergic reaction from handling it. This dog breed has unique physical features and characteristics, which include;
- They are natural athletes and won’t mind going for long walks, hikes, and runs with you
- Exceptionally friendly- they tend to socialize with other dog breeds, cats, and children around them with much ease when compared to other dogs
- They have 3 fur types- their fur may be curly, wavy, or straight
- They are aquaphilia, that is; they love water
- They are very intelligent as they can sometimes solve easy puzzles (when taught how to do so)
What type of ears do Goldendoodles have?
Goldendoodles have long, floppy (loosely hanging) hairy ears. The size of these designer dogs’ ears and the weight of the hair covering their ears’ flap make them highly susceptible to ear infections. This is so since there is reduced or minimal flow of air inside the ear canal, thus providing a suitable environment for the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
How to tell that your Goldendoodle requires its ears to be cleaned
Knowing when to clean your doodle’s ears will not only help it live a healthy, happy life, but it will also prevent it from getting frequent ear infections (medically known as otitis externa), which may cause it to have generalized health deterioration. Below are the telltale signs that your Goldendoodle needs to have its ears cleaned;
- Regularly shaking its head and scratching its ears more than normal
- If you feel a foul smell that’s emanating from its ears
- If you find dirt or wax accumulation on your dog’s ears
- If it resists being touched on its ears-may, indicate an ear sore or earache
- Its ears look red or swollen
It’s vital that you know how to differentiate between a dirty ear and a clean ear since over cleaning your dogs’ ears may cause otitis through maceration of the epidermal lining.
Things that you need to clean your doodle’s ears successfully
- Quality veterinarian approved dog cleaning solution
- A veterinary dog ear powder (if you plan on plucking your dog’s ear hairs)
- An assistant in case your doodle becomes uncooperative
- Sterile cotton wool swabs or pads
- Dog’s treats for positive reinforcement
- Clean, warm water
How to clean Goldendoodles ears (outer ears)
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively clean your doodles outer ears/ear flaps;
- Gather all your dog’s ear cleaning supplies and place them in an easy to access place
- Place your dog on a raised surface (preferably on a clean table or inside a clean bathtub or sink if your dog can suitably fit in it)
- Encourage your dog to lay down or sit calmly either by patting its back or giving it treats
- Wet the clean cotton wool swabs or pads with warm water and gently squeeze out the extra water
- Gently lift one of your doodle’s ears and wipe its inner flap, then proceed to wipe its outer flap, do this at least 2 times in both ears. Ensure that you use a clean cotton swab for each wipe to avoid reintroducing dirt on the already cleaned ear flap
How to clean Goldendoodle ears (ear canal)
If you notice that your Goldendoodle’s ears canals have accumulated dirt or wax, you should promptly clean them up before things get out of hand. NOTE; never clean your dog’s ears canals if you are unsure of how to do it. It’s highly recommended that you take them to a vet or an experienced groomer instead of doing it yourself, as you may cause more harm than good.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean efficiently and reliably clean your doodle’s ear canal/inner ear;
- Position your dog in a lying or sitting position after placing them in the area of your choosing (in a sink, bath tab, clean table, or on the ground)
- Gently expose your dog’s ear canal by lifting its ear from the base
- Place the nozzle of the dog ear cleaning solution in your dog’s inner ear
- Squirt the dog ear cleaning solution inside your dog’s ear canal until you feel a squashing sound when you rub your hands against your dog’s ears
- Immediately let go of your dog (in case you had to hold it down). Do not discourage it from shaking its head, as this helps with distributing the cleaning solution evenly in the ears
- After 1-3 minutes, wipe your dog’s inner ears with a ball of clean cotton wool or swab. Remember only to wipe the area where you can see, don’t go deep as this may cause irritation to your dog’s ears or even introduce an infection
- Commend your dog’s cooperation by giving it treats; this helps make it easier to clean your dog’s ears later in the future as your dog will associate its ear cleaning time with being rewarded with treats
Key takeaway
Regularly cleaning your Goldendoodle’s ears prevents it from getting ear infections that can rapidly deteriorate its general health. If you are unsure how to safely and effectively clean your dog’s ears, it’s highly recommended that you take your dog to a certified vet or dog groomer and let them do it for you.
