As a goldendoodle owner and pet trainer, I know that keeping your goldendoodle ears clean is an important part of their grooming routine. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, dirt, and debris, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly. In this article, I’ll provide tips on how to clean your goldendoodle’s ears properly and keep them healthy.

Gather Your Supplies

Before cleaning your doodle’s ears, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:

• Cotton balls or cotton pads – Use organic, unbleached cotton if possible
• Ear cleaning solution – Purchase a veterinarian-recommended solution made for dogs. Avoid using peroxide or alcohol, which can irritate the skin.
• Treats – Have treats on hand to reward your pup and make ear cleaning a positive experience
• Towel – Place an old towel in your lap or on the floor to catch any mess
• Proper lighting – Make sure you have good lighting so you can see inside the ear canal
• Assistant – Having someone help hold and reassure your wiggly doodle can make the process easier

Create a Positive Environment

It’s important to make ear cleaning a calm and rewarding experience for your goldendoodle. Here are some tips:

• Remain calm and patient. If you get frustrated, your pup will pick up on it.
• Give treats and praise throughout the process so your doodle associates ear cleaning with something positive.
• Start cleaning your puppy’s ears at a very young age so they become desensitized to having their ears handled.
• Establish a routine. Clean ears at the same time, such as during weekly brushings.
• Speak to your dog in a soothing, happy tone of voice and give lots of pets.

Step-by-Step Process to Clean Goldendoodle Ears

Follow these steps to properly clean goldendoodle ears:

Inspect the Ear

Gently fold back the ear flap and inspect the ear canal and inner flap for signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or discharge. Look for any abnormal odor as well. If you notice any problems, contact your veterinarian.

Apply the Solution

Apply a small amount of ear cleaning solution to a cotton ball or pad. Never insert the bottle tip into the ear canal, as this can damage the ear drum.

Wipe the Outer Ear

Using the cotton, gently wipe only the visible, outer part of the ear flap and canal. Do not insert anything into the vertical ear canal. Be very gentle, as the ear canal is sensitive.

Massage the Base

After wiping the outer ear, gently massage the base of the ear canal to help loosen debris and wax.

Let Your Dog Shake

Allow your doodle to shake their head. This will help loosen any remaining solution and debris. Praise and give treats!

Dry Thoroughly

It’s important to thoroughly dry the ear canal after cleaning, as moisture can lead to infection. Gently pat with a clean cotton ball until completely dry.

Monitor and Repeat

Check your goldendoodle’s ears weekly for signs of developing problems. Clean dirty ears as needed, but avoid over-cleaning as this can also cause issues. Contact your vet if problems persist.

Troubleshooting Common Ear Problems

Even with proper cleaning, ear issues can sometimes develop. Here is how to identify and remedy common ear problems in goldendoodles:

Ear Infections

Signs include head shaking, redness, discharge, swelling, odor, and scratching/rubbing at the ears. See your vet, as medications may be needed to clear the infection.

Yeast Infections

Dry, flaky skin and a yeasty odor indicate a possible yeast infection. Your vet can provide antifungal cleansers and medication.

Ear Mites

These microscopic parasites cause intense itching, dark discharge, and crusty buildup in the ears. Medicated ear drops from your vet will kill mites.

Allergies

Allergies can cause chronic ear issues, including itching, redness, and discharge. Talk to your vet about allergy testing and treatment options. Diet changes may also help.

Excess Hair

Excess hair growth inside the ear canal can trap moisture and debris. Your vet or groomer can safely pluck out excess ear hair.

Provide Ongoing Ear Care

With regular cleaning and monitoring, you can keep your goldendoodle’s ears healthy and free of problems. Some other ear care tips include:

• Gently dry ears after baths, swimming, or wet weather
• Keep ears free of excess hair
• Don’t allow your dog to stick their head out the window when driving
• Use flea/tick prevention medications as directed
• Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal
• See the vet if you have any concerns about ear health

By following these ear cleaning steps and providing proper ear care, your goldendoodle’s ears will stay clean and comfortable! Let me know if you have any other dog grooming questions.