To clean your Russell Terrier’s ears, squirt a small amount of the solution into his ear canal and massage the ear gently, in a downward motion toward the base of the ear. Because your Russell is outside quite a bit, he’ll likely get into brush and other vegetation. If his ears appear healthy, it’s still a good idea to clean them once a month.

You can buy a mild non-alcohol-based or herbal dog ear cleaner at a pet store or from your veterinarian. You can also make up your own cleanser consisting of equal parts water and white vinegar. The dog will usually shake his head after this, which loosens any dirt or wax buildup inside the ear canal. Take a cotton ball and clean any visible dirt inside the ear flap. Never insert a cotton swab or any instrument into your dog’s ear canal, as you may rupture his eardrum.

Clean your Russell’s eyes with a moist cloth. If he has any discharge coming from the corners of his eyes, wipe it away. If you notice excessive discharge coming from his eyes, or if it is green or yellow, consult your veterinarian. Check the whites of his eyes by gently petting him on the head and raising his eyebrow. If you notice redness, he may have an infection or irritation and will need to see the veterinarian.

Anal Gland Care

The anal glands, also dubbed the “skunk glands,” are two round sacs at each side of the anus at the four and
eight o’clock positions. True to their name, they expel a foul-smelling secretion, which in the male is used to mark territory. Every time a dog defecates, he normally expels anal secretion. But sometimes, dogs have difficulty expressing their anal glands, and as a result, they can become impacted. This can lead to a bacterial infection or even an abscess.

If you notice that your Russell is licking his anal area excessively or scooting his rear along the floor, his glands may need expressing. It’s best to take your Russell to the veterinarian to have this done. Although it is a very simple procedure, it isn’t very pleasant. But if you want to learn how to do it, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration. Occasionally, a dog will need to have his anal glands removed if they develop a chronic impaction problem.