Bath Time ?

[R-Teddy]

So when I give my pups a bath, I am so paranoid about getting water in their ears for the infections it can cause. My Shih Tzu Zeus got an infection due to water getting in his ear once, and my older dog sasha ( cock-a-poo mix) has a lot of problems with infections, water or otherwise.

Anyhow, So now when I give them baths, I am sure to keep their ears pulled gently down over the opening and dont pour water directly on their ears. I have found it is difficult however to wash their head and face without ( to my eyes anyway) taking too much a risk of water in the ears. Often I use a wash cloth instead of pouring water, but then I fear not getting all the soap out properly.

I also use an ear wash after every bath that evaporates, not only to clean their ears inside, but also it is my hope if any water did get in, the ear solution will evaporate it.

So my question is, am I doing it right? What do all of you do to prevent water in your pups ears, but still clean their head and face well?

[Cat2861]

I too worry about getting the water in Remy's ears. I usually cover one ear at a time and then rinse really well. I just ordered an ear wash that is suppose to evaporate any water in their ears after a bath. I haven't had any ear infections with Remy. It's so hard because you don't want to get water in their eyes, nose or ears so I too don't feel like his face is washed thoroughly. I do use wipes on his face everyday so at least that makes me feel better.

[EarthAngel]

I do like the two of you are doing with keeping the ear canal shut while rinsing. I usually use a plastic little 5 cup measurer? and pour it over him with ears pulled down and also not to get water in his mouth or nose.

[Cat2861]

Originally Posted by EarthAngel

I do like the two of you are doing with keeping the ear canal shut while rinsing. I usually use a plastic little 5 cup measurer? and pour it over him with ears pulled down and also not to get water in his mouth or nose.

Thank you! They are our babies and we want to make sure we take good care of them! Always have to worry about something just like you would with your own skin baby. My kids are grown so now I have Remy to pamper and to be over protective with him.

[Lovetodream88]

I try not to but it does happen some but I use the ear cleaner that the vet gave me that drys the water up if there is any in there so I don't worry to much about it. Plucking there ears is pretty important too because hair in the ear canal will hold on to water.

[TysonMyBoy]

I place cotton balls in Tyson's ears and then cover the ear with my hand.....never had a problem with water getting in

[Cat2861]

Originally Posted by TysonMyBoy

I place cotton balls in Tyson's ears and then cover the ear with my hand.....never had a problem with water getting in

Ohhhhh...good idea.

[Cat2861]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I try not to but it does happen some but I use the ear cleaner that the vet gave me that drys the water up if there is any in there so I don't worry to much about it. Plucking there ears is pretty important too because hair in the ear canal will hold on to water.

Oh my....I haven't done that....does that hurt them? I know how it is when I pluck my eyebrows...yikes...lol

[Cherlyn2]

Originally Posted by TysonMyBoy

I place cotton balls in Tyson's ears and then cover the ear with my hand.....never had a problem with water getting in

I,also, use the cotton balls and have never had a problem.

[LunarBerry]

I actually use those finger micro-fiber cloth made for brushing/cleaning teeth as my girl's face wash "rag". It has an elastic string that goes over the other finger for stability. I did this because I quickly realized her mouth was way to small for it to be comfortable to use (when flattened it's the width of two of my fingers), but realized it a good size to wipe her face with. I would go over the face/head with this cloth several times while it's nice a soaked with water to rinse her face out. If I have a small cup, with a pouring edge, I would carefully pour over as close along the back of the head as I could. But yea, I'll otherwise press/cover her ears down, if I gotta do a quick pour.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Cat2861

Oh my....I haven't done that....does that hurt them? I know how it is when I pluck my eyebrows...yikes...lol

No it's not supposed to. Callie dosent act like it bothers her at all. Her ear hair grows thick and fast but Sammy my moms yorkie gets very little and it is very thin and rarely needs to be done. My vet is the one who told me it needs to be done.

[Cat2861]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

No it's not supposed to. Callie dosent act like it bothers her at all. Her ear hair grows thick and fast but Sammy my moms yorkie gets very little and it is very thin and rarely needs to be done. My vet is the one who told me it needs to be done.

Do you do it or do you have a groomer do it? I groom Remy but I don't know if I could do that. He hates being groomed now but he is getting used to it however I think that would just set him over the edge.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Cat2861

Do you do it or do you have a groomer do it? I groom Remy but I don't know if I could do that. He hates being groomed now but he is getting used to it however I think that would just set him over the edge.

I always do it but Callie is so very chill and let's me do anything to her.

[R-Teddy]

Thanks everyone. some really great ideas here.

[matese]

I am also paranoid about getting water in their ears, I also use cotton balls, not an entire one, I split it in half so it fits in Cody's ears better, then fold his ears down when rising, watch out for the head shakes, the cotton balls will come out, I keep extra ones close to replace. I never had a problem bathing any of my dogs this way.