PUG EAR PROBLEMS: TIPS AND TREATMENTS
GOT PUG EAR PROBLEMS? WE CAN SOLVE EM!
- best pug ear grooming tips tricks and hacks -
All pugs come with two eyes, two ears, a little squishy nose and a curly little tail. Sadly the pug’s ears (and many of its mix breeds like the Puggle, Boston Terrier Mix and Frenchie Mix) are prone to some pretty serious issues including mites, infections, and yeast. It is also possible for these issues to progress until your little puggie goes deaf. These issues can happen in grown pugs, old pugs, or pug puppies, so its important to know the warning signs of a bad pug ear. So were here to tell you how to keep your pug puppy ears healthy and how to spot warning signs that you might have a pug ear problem.
We will discuss all the different pug ear problems and how to maintain a healthy happy pug ear, including:
The differences between different types of Pug ears,
Pug AKC standard and variationsPUG EAR GROOMING + WARNING SIGNS FOR EAR PROBLEMS
EAR CLEANING: HOW TO
PUG HEARING LOSS - WARNING SIGNS AND WHAT TO DO
COMMON PUG EAR PROBLEMS - ALLERGIES, MITES, YEAST
TYPES OF PUG EARS: ROSE VS BUTTON
While there are variations of the Pug ear and each dog will have his own unique look, one element is clear with this breed: The ear is a folded, flap-over. This breed should not have fully erect ears nor should he have full, flopped dropped ears.
In regard to the fold of the leather, this may be a bit unsteady during the first year. Also, puppies that are teething may have uneven ears during this time; in most cases this straightens out and resolves itself once the teething process is complete and all adult canines are in place.
PUG BUTTON EAR
The button ear is one variation that this breed may have. For this one, notice how the ears fold forward. They are nicely , pointing toward the eyes. In almost every recognized dog show, the button ear is the preferred look for conformance events. With this said, rose ears are acceptable.
More points will usually be given to a Pug dog with button ears (ones folding down toward the dog's eyes). For proper conformation, both will be symmetrical, basically mirrored images, with neither straying from this position.
PUG ROSE EAR
This is the other accepted variation of Pug ears. This is the rose ear. As you can see, there is quite a difference between this and the above button. With this, the each ear has a fold. It is erect at the base...And then it folds over, in a forward direction.
The above button type ends with the ears close to the face, this rose style allows for the ears to be off to the side.
If a pug’s ear is too off to the side, they are nicknamed "flying ears" and while it gives the pug an amusing appearance, and it’s fine if a Pug has this type, it is not preferred in conformation events.
PUG EAR GROOMING CARE
Part of properly grooming a Pug involves taking care of your Pug’s ears. This is not just done for hygiene and fun times, it is done for health. Proper care will help keep guard against infection, which can be problem for this breed. Dirt, debris and excess wax can lead to ongoing infections.
It is important to note that an owner will want to clean the ears enough…but not too much. Why? Because doing this too often can cause dry skin issues; too much wax removal (a certain amount is normal and needed, as it catches dirt and debris)…and over doing it can cause yeast infections.
COMMON PUG EAR PROBLEM WARNING SIGNS
Funny color: not the usual rosey pink
Funny smell
Extra hot temperature
HEALTHY PUG EAR COLOR
When you lift the Pug’s ears to look at the underneath of the flap and to see the entrance of the canal, the correct color of the skin is pink. If it is red, has any sores or shows any signs of irritation this often points to infection, mites or another issue that must be brought to the attention of the veterinarian.
WEIRD PUG EAR ODOR
Some owners ask questions about an odor that is coming from a Pug’s ears and wonder if this is normal for the breed. The answer is that it is not normal. Excess wax (and therefore excess debris within it) or an ear infection (mites, yeast, bacterial) can cause a strong, bad odor.
Therefore, if your Pug has smelly ears, you will want to perform a cleaning and then if the situation does not clear up, it will be time to bring your Pug to the veterinarian.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PUGS EARS
It is recommended to do an inspection each day. It only takes a minute and can be part of your daily routine to catch any issues early. You will want to check for the above mentioned coloring and the above mentioned possible odor.
Also, you will want to feel a Pug’s ears as the temperature of them can be a clue to possible issues. They should feel warm, and not hot, to the touch.
If you notice a build-up of thick wax in your pug’s ears or if your pugs ears are starting to get a bit smelly, you can clean them at home:
PUG EAR CLEANING: HOW TO
CLEANING SUPPLIES NEEDED
Make sure you use ear cleaners on your pug that are specifically made for dogs. Regular ear cleanings can do wonders to keep those little ears healthy.
• Solution. It is important to use the proper solution and not simply use water. Also,despite what you may have read elsewhere, please never use rubbing alcohol, as it will dry out the ears too much, causing problems. Use a chemical-free, all-natural product that is super gentle yet effective. Our favorite pug ear cleaners for Momo are these ear cleaning wipes and this pug ear cleaning solution.
NOTE: Do Not Use Ear Clears Made For Humans. Peroxide is not safe for use on pug ears, Alcohol will sting pug ears, and water creates a moist environment. Ideally you will use a non0irritating ph balanced cleaner with a drying agent.
PUG EAR CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
1) First, use one hand to lift your Pug’s ears.
2) With your other hand, gently squirt the solution into that ear.
3) You will now need to massage it in…This is done by having your thumb on one side of the Pug’s ear and your forefinger on the other side. Simply gently press your fingers toward each other.
Do this 5-10 times. As you do this, you will usually hear a type of “squashing” sound. This means that the solution is working to break up hard, compacted wax…so it is a good sign.
Do not worry if you do not hear this, as it will just mean that the ear is clean in regard to excess buildup.
4) Now, it is time to use the cotton. You will place your finger in the middle of the rolled cotton in order to keep it firm and get it to where you need for it to be. Entering no more than 2 inches, you will rotate it around several times and then remove it.
5) Do not be surprised at what you see after removing it. The solution that you just massaged in helped to loosen compacted wax and dirt. The color of the debris that you clean up may be anywhere from a yellow to a dark brown.
You will want to repeat the above steps with each ear… You will be done when the cotton is clean when you remove it.
*** For touch-ups in between these cleanings, use a quality ear wipes to swipe out the outer canal and creases; this will prevent a good amount of 'gook' from finding its way deeper inside the ear.
WATCH PEACHES THE PUG GET HER EARS CLEANED IN THIS HOW TO VIDEO
PUG DOG HEARING LOSS
Our hearing doesn’t last forever and neither does your pug’s. Of course with any pug ear problem there is the chance that they could lose their hearing early.
Not all pug hearing problems are permanent. Just because your pug goes deaf doesn’t mean its not a problem that can’t be fix. So if you notice any of these signs, consult your vet and maybe they can do something to help your pug’s hearing! You can also do a simple pug hearing test at home if you think something might be funny with their ears.
So here are some signs to watch out for if you think your pug might be going def:
PUG NOT COMING WHEN CALLED
Does your pug not come when called? Do they hear commands? (Though as pug owners we must always ask ourselves “did they really ever follow commands? Some are extremely stubborn this way!) But most good pugs will come when you call them. If you think your pug is paying less attention to their name or to words like Food or Treats, you might want to try the pug hearing test below.
SUDDEN PUG BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM
Its possible that your recent bout of behavior problems has a deeper cause. A pug who is usually super behaved might suddenly stop listening or need to focus more to do normal activities.
PUG STARTLES EASY
Is your pug getting jumpy? Do they startle easier when something sneaks up on them or a new person appears in the house? This could be another sign that your pug is losing their hearing.
EXTRA BARKING
This is related to your pug startling more often and an increase in barking could mean that they are having trouble hearing. I know when Momo barks its hard for us to even hear ourselves think!
APATHY
Is your pug getting more and more lethargic? This could be a simple sign of pugs getting older and turning into the mythic ‘pug potato’. Though it could also mean that their hearing is slowly deteriorating.
TEST YOUR PUGS HEARING
You can try testing your pug to a variety of sounds, like whistling and clicking and saying their favorite words (for Momo its her name or Foooooood!) Make sure your pug is facing away from you and then say their name, if they don’t turn around, they are either super lazy or possibly losing going deaf.
COMMON PUG EAR PROBLEMS
PUG EAR YEAST INFECTION
Is your pug puppy rubbing their ears? Then they might have a yeast infection in there! Pugs are prone to yeast infections. Outer ear yeast infections in pugs is super easy to spot. Rubbing their ears is the first clue, then give a peak under those velvety flaps and you will see some waxy residue and scabbing around the opening.
Because of the L shape of your pugs ear canal, it can be susceptible to yeast growing and having allergies stuck in there which could lead to even worse pug dog ear infections. And its not just pugs, but any pug mix can be susceptible to yeast infections like Puggles, Bugs (Boston Terrier Pug Mix), Frugs (frenchie pug mix), and Pugshires (Yorkie Pug mix). These yeast infections can grow on the outside of your pug’s (puggle, bug, frug, pugshire…) skin making it look red, crusty, scabby, and smelling like the gross foul demon from heck.
If you see any issues with your pugs ears, its a good idea to head straight to the vet because it could be a slew of more dangerous issues.
ALLERGIES
Bacterial infections
Tumors
Ear Polyps within the canal
Trapped objects (yes its possible something could be trapped in your pugs ears!)
A ruptured dog ear drum.
PUG ALLERGIC OTITIS
inflammation of your pugs ear canal created by allergies. If there is an aural discharge then it could be your dealing with a parasite like Demodex app or O cynotis. These common pug ear parasites can be cured with a simple topical therapy prescribed by your vet.
write pug deaf hearing loss. Signs of pug dog allergic otitis: Painful swollen red canal, and a wet dog smell gone very very bad.
PUG EAR MITES
Mites can happen to any dog, of any breed, they can happen in old pugs, young pugs, or pug puppies. This is not limited to unclean pugs, it can just happen! Even when owners take great care of hygiene problems they can find their Pug has gotten the dreaded ear mites.
They are very contagious. While they live in abundance in the ear, they also travel to other areas on the dog, such as the neck, chest, back and so on. And this is often how dogs catch them from one another…
When on the body, they can be transferred when 2 dogs simply rub against another while walking past, play with each other, etc. They also have the capability to jump short distances, therefore they can pass from one dog to your Pug by jumping onto the coat when in close proximity.
SIGNS OF PUG EAR MITES
A dark discoloration of the inner ear flap and/or entrance to the canal
A strong smelling odor coming from the Pug’s ears
Discharge
Itching – This usually manifests by the dog shaking his or her head in an attempt to relieve the discomfort
You may see a crusty substance when looking in the canal.
Treatment - This cannot properly be treated for at home. This will need an prescribed insecticidal medication. Our baby pug had this, the vet did a one time treatment (for about $150!) and then it was gone in a week. I highly recommend taking your pug to the vet and doing this right.
Any ear medication your vet prescribes your pug is important to apply it as long as directed, even things seem to be clearing up. Continue treatment as directed or else the ear problem could come back. In most cases, it will need to be applied for 3 weeks to ensure that all mature mites and larvae are eradicated.
A specialized flea powder should be sprinkled onto the coat of the dog to kill any mites that have traveled outside of the Pug’s ears.
THE HEALTHY PUG EAR: CONCLUSION
Normal pug puppy ears are cute and velvety and oh so very soft. If you find your pug puppy is having problems with their ears, please consult your local vet. With proper care and treatment, your pug’s ears should remain pink and healthy for a long long time!