How to Clean a Dog's Ears

Dogs need to have their ears cleaned just like humans do, but certain precautions need to be taken so that no infections follow as a result. If you want to start cleaning your dog's ear yourself instead of taking it to a grooming expert, read on for some easy-to-follow instructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton Swabs
• Cotton Swabs
• Pet Ear Cleaners

1. Use an ear wash formulated for ear cleaning. It's important to never use undiluted peroxide on your pet's ears as it may cause burning.

2. 

   Soak a cotton ball thoroughly in the ear wash. Squeeze out excess ear wash.

3. 

   Place the cotton ball in your dog's ear and gently rub up and down.

4. Allow your dog to shake off excess moisture. This is important for preventing ear infections.

5. 

   Soak the tip of a cotton swab in the ear wash and run it along the nooks and crannies of your dog's ears.

6. Avoid putting the swab down your dog's ear canal; leave this type of cleaning to the veterinary medical staff.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use pure undiluted peroxide on your pet. The peroxide can harm your dog!
• If your dog has chronic ear infections, consult a veterinarian. Chronic ear infections could be a sign of allergies or other problems.
• If the ear canal looks abnormal, clean only the outside and consult a vet.

[robinbar]

on 10/27/2009 ChrisLJ, but your advice isn't correct either. Store bought hydrogen peroxide already is typically diluted to a 3% solution. But you CAN buy stronger: 35% is also readily available as is pure. I would bet the article's warning was meant to indicate you use nothing stronger than what YOU would use on YOURSELF.

[spintoast]

on 7/28/2009 what brand of cleaner did you use

[ChrissLJ]

on 6/19/2009 Not all of the information in this article is correct. It IS safe to use peroxide in your dog's ears. Do NOT dilute it. The reason why peroxide hurts the dog's ears is because it is cold. To warm the peroxide, pour a little bit into the lid of the peroxide container. Allow it to sit out a few minutes to warm to room temperature. Using a dropper, drop 3-6 drops of the peroxide into the ear without putting in the ear canal. Fold the ear over and massage. Use a cotton puff to mop up the dirty peroxide and clean outer parts of the ear. Do NOT allow the dog to shake until all done. If you do, it signals to the dog that he has power and doesn't have to obey at all times. Hydrogen peroxide is used in cleaners for humans as well. If you think it hurts, try it on yourself. Easy, effective, and works.

[Haoie]

on 6/19/2009 My dog seems to hate it. Oh well.

[resourcefulone]

on 6/17/2009 Excellent article!