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How to Keep Your Beagles Ears Healthy and Infection-Free

Beagles ears

A beagles ears are a distinctive feature of the beagle breed. However, those same ears can also cause health problems if they’re not correctly cared for.

The Beagle’s ears are long, soft, and low-set. They hang close to the head and are usually black or dark brown. The inside of the ear is covered with short, fine hairs. Beagles ears are one of their most adorable features, but they also require special care.

Here’s what you need to know about beagle ear care to keep your dogs ears healthy and free from infection.

Why do Beagles have such big ears?

Beagles have big ears for two main reasons.

First, their ears help them to hear better. The long, floppy shape of the ear picks up sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal. This gives beagles an acute sense of hearing that’s helpful when they’re out hunting.

Second, those same big ears help to cool the beagle’s body. The blood vessels in the ear are close to the surface, so when the air hits the ears, it helps to cool down the dog’s whole body.

This is why you’ll often see beagles panting with their mouths open and big ears flopping in the breeze. It’s their way of keeping cool. In fact, beagles are known for being able to tolerate heat better than many other breeds.

This cooling ability also comes in handy when beagles are working. They can work for long periods in hot weather without getting overheated.

See how the bracken’s ears frame her face

Do Beagles have Ear Problems?

Beagles are prone to several ear problems, including infection, allergies, and polyps. Beagles with floppy ears are especially susceptible to ear problems since their ears don’t get the same air circulation as those with erect ears.

Beagle ear problems can be painful and lead to deafness if left untreated. If you suspect your beagle has an ear problem, it is essential to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

If you’re looking for a dog breed that doesn’t have many ear problems, you might consider a breed with erect ears, such as the German Shepherd or the Doberman Pinschers.

beagle ear inspection
Beagle ear inspection

Here are some common beagle ear problems:

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are the most common type of ear problem in beagles. The long, floppy ears of a beagle can trap moisture and dirt, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Chronic ear infections can be painful and cause your beagle to shake his head or scratch at his ears. An ear infection can cause deafness if it is not treated.

Symptoms of an ear infection include:

Some beagles will hold their head to the side, shake their head, or scratch at their ear. Other beagles will have discharge coming from their ear or a bad odor coming from their ear. Any of these signs require a vet’s evaluation if you notice them in your beagle.

Diagnosis:

Your vet will likely perform a physical examination and look inside your beagle’s ears. They may also take a swab of the discharge from your beagle’s ear to test for bacteria or yeast. Your vet may also recommend X-rays if they suspect something is blocking the ear canal, such as an object or a growth.

Treatment:

Ear infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Your vet may also recommend cleaning your beagle’s ears and using medicated ear drops. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an object or growth from the ear canal.

Prevention:

You can help prevent ear infections or ear mites in your beagle by keeping their ears clean and dry. After bathing your beagle, use a cotton ball to dry its ears and remove any water that might have accumulated. You should also check your dog’s ear canal regularly for dirt, debris, or discharge.

Allergies:

Beagles can be allergic to several things, including grass, pollen, and dust. Beagles with allergies may develop ear problems since the allergens can cause inflammation in the entire ear canal.

Symptoms of allergies include:

Beagles with allergies may shake their head, scratch at their ears, or have discharge coming from their ears. You may also notice that your beagle ears are red or inflamed. If your beagle is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take them to the vet to rule out an allergy.

Diagnosis of Allergies in Beagles:

Your vet will likely perform a skin test to determine if your beagle is allergic to anything. The skin test involves injecting a small amount of allergen beneath the skin and observing the reaction. If your beagle reacts, it will likely be in the form of redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.

Treatment of Allergies in Beagles:

If your beagle is diagnosed with allergies, the best treatment is to avoid the allergens that trigger the reaction. This may mean keeping your beagle indoors during pollen season or avoiding dusty areas when you’re out on walks. Your vet may also prescribe medication to help control the allergic reaction.

In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended. Allergy shots work by slowly introducing the allergen to the body so the immune system can build a tolerance to it.

Prevention:

There is no surefire way to prevent allergies in beagles, but you can help by keeping your home clean and free of dust and pollen. It would be best if you also bathed your beagle regularly to remove any allergens clinging to their fur.

How to Clean a Beagle’s Ears:

Beagles are floppy-eared dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs. Today, they make popular pets thanks to their friendly dispositions and adorable faces. While beagles are relatively low-maintenance dogs, they require regular grooming, including ear cleaning.

Here is how you can clean your beagle’s ears:

1. Gather the supplies you need, including ear wipes, cotton balls, and a mild dog ear cleanser.

2. Next, take a look inside your beagle’s ears to get an idea of what you’re dealing with. If there is excessive wax buildup, you may need ear wipes to remove it. If the wax is not too bad, you can proceed to step three.

3. Next, wet a cotton ball with the ear cleanser or canine ear cleaning solution and gently wipe away any dirt or debris from your beagle’s ear. Take care not to damage the ear canals.

4. Once you have cleaned the visible area of the ear, you can give your beagle a treat to reward them for being a good sport.

5. Repeat this process once a week or as needed to keep your dog’s ears clean and free of debris.

Ear infections are relatively common in dogs, and beagles are no exception. Beagles are prone to recurring ear infections because of their long, floppy ears. Ear infections can be caused by several things, including allergies, bacteria, and yeast.

beagle ears being cleaned
Be very careful not to go deep into your beagles ears when cleaning

Beagles are an incredible breed of dog that have many great qualities. One thing that makes them unique is their ears. Beagles’ ears are long and droopy, giving them a distinctive look. While some people may think this is just a cosmetic feature, there is a functional purpose for the shape of their ears.

However, the long, floppy ears can also make beagles more prone to ear problems. Beagles are susceptible to ear infections and allergies, so they must be aware of these potential problems.

Ear infections can be painful for your dog and may require treatment from a vet. Allergies can also cause discomfort and may require avoidance of the allergen or medication to control the reaction.

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Simon Wilson and his two beagles

My Beagle Buddy is a dedicated resource crafted with love and expertise by Simon Wilson alongside his two cherished Beagles, Baylee and Bonnie. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Simon has delved deep into the world of Beagles, unraveling the joys, challenges, and intricacies of beagle ownership.

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