Shar Pei Ears: Cleaning and Treatment

As you might already know, the Shar-Pei breed has very small ears.  This results in very narrow ear canals which make it difficult for cleaning and treatments.

The main problem associated with cleaning Shar-Pei ears is the lack of control that the owner has over the dog.  Proper training as a puppy is necessary for your Shar-Pei to tolerate ear cleanings and treatments during adulthood.  Positive reinforcement methods are key when training your puppy to adapt to ear cleanings.

The best way to clean the ear canal is to use an ear cleaning solution.  Solutions can be purchased at any pet store and all products are comparable to one another.  Try different solutions to see which works best for you.  Be sure to follow the directions carefully on the package.  It is recommended that ear cleaning be done outdoors when using solution.  The principle of the solution is to loosen the debris and the dog to shake the material out of the ear.  This could get messy if done indoors.

With most solutions, the ear canal is filled up with the cleaning solution.  The next step is to gently massage your dog’s ear.  Now take a few steps back!  Your pup will shake its head in attempt to get the water out of its ears.  Debris that is in the ears may tend to catch on the inside of the ear.  Cotton balls should be used to wipe the debris away from the ear.  Repeat the process for the other ear.

It is not recommended to use cotton swabs for cleaning your pet’s ears.  Improper use of the cotton swab could result in swelling, pain, and possible trauma to the ear canal.  Hydrogen peroxide also should never be used in your dog’s ears by any means.  The foaming action bothers the inside of your dog’s ear and the peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water inside your pet’s ear.

After a good ear cleaning, it is important to reward your dog with a treat.  This may make future ear cleanings more pleasant.

For ear treatments, always consult your veterinarian before attempting to medicate your pet.  Your vet can recommend a medication to place inside the ear to assist in the healing of your pup.  It’s always a good idea to have your dogs ears checked when visiting the vet.  Not only can they perform a thorough cleaning, but it gives them an opportunity to examine the ear more thoroughly.