Written by: Samantha Boswell, Vet Assistant, Exotic Animal Rehabilitator
No. Not all dogs, cats or rabbits will need to have their ears cleaned regularly. A lot of pets have a healthy ear environment and won't need cleaning very often. However, it should definitely be done if you notice odor, discharge or build up in the ear.
Never use q tips or anything long and pointy as it can and will damage the canal and drum. It is preferred to use cotton balls or a cloth to clean the ear. And never use anything that is not made for your pets' ears as cleaner; this can disrupt the environment and cause infections or damage to the ear. You will want to get a proper ear cleaner at your local pet shop, vet clinic or grooming salon. Anything that has alcohol or hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation within the ear canal so it is important to use proper cleaner.
If all else fails, contact your local groomer or vet and make an appointment to get your pets' ears checked and cleaned. There are many groomers that offer in-home services to help reduce stress. They also have extra tools like muzzles and proper training to handle difficult cases. If they are too stressed, you may be advised to seek out medical attention to get a sedative to relax them during their appointments.
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