What Happens When You Don't Drink Enough Water? 10 Hidden Effects on Your Body

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  1. What happens to your blood when you become dehydrated? Blood contains: Red blood cells. White blood cells. Platelets. Plasma, which is mostly water. Proteins, electrolytes, nutrients and other substances. When the body loses too much water, plasma volume can decrease. This can cause hemoconcentration, meaning some substances in the blood appear more concentrated. Possible effects include: Increased blood viscosity under some circumstances. Reduced circulating blood volume. Increased strain on the cardiovascular system. Reduced blood flow to organs in severe dehydration. This is different from having excessive cholesterol or fatty deposits in arteries. NCBI+2 2. Does dehydration increase cholesterol readings? This is where our article can become particularly interesting. A small human study involving 15 healthy participants found that fasting without fluid replacement produced higher measured total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol than fasting with water and sal...
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How to Teach Your Dog to Stay Calm During Ear Cleaning

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Have you ever tried to clean your dog's ears, only to see your dog pull away, shake its head, or run off before you even begin?

You are not alone!

Many dogs feel uncomfortable when their ears are touched. Some are naturally sensitive, while others may have learned to associate ear cleaning with an unpleasant experience.

The good news is that you can help your dog become more comfortable with ear care through patience, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement.

The goal is not to force your dog to tolerate ear cleaning. Instead, you want to help your dog feel safe and relaxed throughout the process.

Let's explore some simple ways to make ear cleaning a more positive experience for both you and your dog.

Why Do Some Dogs Dislike Ear Cleaning?

A dog's ears are sensitive, and having someone touch them can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

There are several reasons why your dog may resist ear cleaning:

  • Sensitivity: Some dogs dislike having their ears handled.

  • Previous experiences: Your dog may remember an uncomfortable cleaning session.

  • Fear of unfamiliar objects: Ear-cleaning bottles, cotton pads, or towels may make your dog nervous.

  • Lack of familiarity: Puppies and newly adopted dogs may not be accustomed to ear handling.

  • Ear discomfort: An infection, inflammation, injury, or other ear problem may make touching the ears painful.

Understanding the reason behind your dog's behaviour is an important first step.

If your dog suddenly becomes sensitive to ear handling, do not assume it is simply being difficult. Pain or irritation may be the cause.

1. Start by Building Trust

Before introducing ear-cleaning products, help your dog become comfortable with gentle handling.

Choose a quiet environment where your dog feels safe.

Sit beside your dog and begin by gently stroking areas it already enjoys, such as the shoulders or chest.

Gradually move your hand closer to the ears.

If your dog remains relaxed, offer a small treat or calm praise.

At first, you may only need to touch the base of the ear for a second.

Then stop.

Repeat this exercise during short sessions over several days.

The important thing is to let your dog become familiar with the sensation without feeling trapped.

2. Introduce Ear Touching Gradually

Once your dog is comfortable with general handling, begin practising gentle ear touches.

You can follow this simple progression:

Stage 1: Touch the side of your dog's head briefly.

Stage 2: Gently touch the outside of one ear.

Stage 3: Carefully lift the ear flap for a moment.

Stage 4: Reward your dog for remaining relaxed while you handle the ear.

Stage 5: Gradually increase the duration of the handling.

Do not rush through these stages.

If your dog pulls away, turns its head, or becomes tense, return to an easier step.

A dog that learns it can move away without being forced may become more willing to participate in future sessions.

3. Make the Ear-Cleaning Products Familiar

Some dogs become nervous as soon as they see an ear-cleaning bottle.

You can help reduce this fear by introducing the product gradually.

First, allow your dog to see the bottle from a comfortable distance.

Reward calm behaviour.

Next, place the bottle nearby while giving your dog a treat.

You can then practise holding the bottle while gently touching your dog's ear.

At this stage, you are not actually cleaning the ears.

You are helping your dog learn that the sight and presence of the cleaning product do not predict something frightening.

Use only an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian for your dog's needs.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement means rewarding behaviour you want to encourage.

During ear-care training, rewards can help your dog develop a more positive association with the experience.

For example:

  • Offer a small treat after gently touching an ear.

  • Praise your dog for remaining relaxed.

  • Reward your dog after briefly lifting the ear flap.

  • Allow your dog to take a break between steps.

Some dogs respond well to food rewards, while others prefer praise or a favourite toy.

Choose something your dog genuinely enjoys.

You can also use a lick mat with an appropriate treat if your dog finds licking calming. Make sure the mat does not encourage your dog to remain in a position it wants to leave.

The goal is to make the experience pleasant rather than stressful.

5. Keep Ear-Cleaning Sessions Short

Many dogs become uncomfortable when an activity continues for too long.

Instead of trying to complete everything in one session, keep the process brief.

For example, you might:

  • Practise touching one ear today.

  • Introduce the cleaning bottle tomorrow.

  • Practise lifting the ear flap during another session.

  • Begin actual cleaning only when your dog is comfortable.

Some dogs may progress quickly, while others need more time.

There is no need to rush.

A few calm minutes can be more valuable than a long session filled with resistance.

6. Learn to Recognise Signs of Stress

Dogs communicate discomfort through body language.

Unfortunately, some owners only notice when their dog growls, snaps, or tries to escape.

There are often earlier signs that your dog is becoming uncomfortable.

Watch for:

  • Turning the head away.

  • Repeated lip licking.

  • Yawning when not tired.

  • Flattening the ears.

  • Avoiding eye contact.

  • Becoming unusually still or tense.

  • Trying to move away.

If you notice these signs, pause the activity.

Give your dog some space and allow it to relax.

Do not wait until your dog becomes highly distressed before stopping.

Recognising these early signals can help prevent ear care from becoming a frightening experience.

7. Clean Your Dog's Ears Safely

Once your dog is comfortable with handling, you can begin actual ear cleaning when it is needed.

However, remember that not every dog needs frequent ear cleaning.

The appropriate frequency depends on your dog's individual needs, ear health, and veterinary advice.

For routine cleaning, follow the instructions provided with your veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution.

A typical approach is:

  1. Gently lift the ear flap.

  2. Apply the recommended cleaning solution according to its instructions.

  3. Massage the base of the ear gently if your dog tolerates it.

  4. Allow your dog to shake its head.

  5. Wipe away loosened debris from the visible outer ear using a soft cotton pad or gauze.

  6. Reward your dog and allow it to relax.

Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects deep into the ear canal.

Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or homemade cleaning mixtures unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them.

If your dog becomes painful or distressed, stop.

When Should You Consult a Veterinarian?

Sometimes, resistance to ear cleaning is not a behavioural problem.

Your dog may have an underlying ear condition that needs attention.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

  • Persistent head shaking.

  • Repeated scratching at the ears.

  • Redness or swelling.

  • Unusual discharge.

  • A strong or unpleasant ear odour.

  • Pain when the ears are touched.

  • Head tilting or balance problems.

A veterinarian can examine the ears and determine whether cleaning is appropriate.

If your dog has an ear infection, cleaning alone may not resolve the problem.

Avoid attempting to clean a painful ear before it has been examined, particularly if the eardrum may be damaged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even loving dog owners can unintentionally make ear cleaning more difficult.

Forcing the Dog to Stay Still

Holding your dog tightly or repeatedly restraining it can increase fear.

Instead, work gradually and allow your dog to take breaks.

Cleaning Too Frequently

Excessive cleaning can irritate the ears.

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations rather than cleaning on an arbitrary daily schedule.

Ignoring Signs of Discomfort

A dog that turns away or becomes tense may be asking for a break.

Respect these signals.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Human ear-cleaning products and homemade solutions may not be suitable for dogs.

Choose products recommended by your veterinarian.

Expecting Immediate Results

Your dog may need several sessions before becoming comfortable.

Patience is essential.

Teaching your dog to stay calm during ear cleaning is about more than keeping its ears clean.

It is about building trust and helping your dog feel safe when you handle sensitive areas of its body.

Start with gentle touches, introduce cleaning products gradually, and reward calm behaviour.

Most importantly, learn to recognise when your dog needs a break.

If your dog shows signs of pain, persistent irritation, or an unusual ear odour, seek veterinary advice rather than trying to solve the problem through training alone.

With patience and a gentle approach, ear care can become a more comfortable part of your dog's routine.

A calm dog is not simply a dog that stays still. It is a dog that feels safe enough to trust you.

Helpful Digital Picks — Practical tips for happier dogs and more confident dog owners.


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