How to Safely Clean Your Dog's Ears

Cleaning your dog's ears at home can prevent costly ear infections.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gentle Ear Cleanser
• Cotton Balls

1. Have your dog sit or lay down. If your dog is not used to having his/her ears cleaned a second person providing gentle restraint may be needed.

2. 

   Visualize the ear canal. If the pinna or ear flap is red or a foul odor is present your dog should visit his/her veterinarian.

3. 

   Apply a liberal amount of a gentle ear cleaner into the ear canal. Do not allow your dog to shake his/her head.

4. 

   Gently massage the ear canal. This is located beneath the ear canal opening. If you hear slurping and gurgling, you are in the right place. If the ears are dirty the massaging will loosen up debris deep in the ear canal.

5. 

   Let your dog shake his/her head. Use a cotton ball to wipe away the excess cleaner and any debris that has been loosened up.

6. Give plenty of praise and a few dog treats. Remember this was stressful for your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, clean your dog's ears outside. They will shake their head and get ear cleanser everywhere.
• Basic hygienic ear cleansers can be bought over the counter at most veterinary clinics or groomers. If a pre-made cleaner is not available and your dog's ears look healthy, a simple solution of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water can be used. DO NOT use this if your dog's ears are red or inflamed. It will sting.
• Normal healthy ears should not be cleaned more than once a week. Usually once a month is often enough.
• NEVER put a Q-tip down in your dog's ear. They can jump suddenly causing an ear drum perforation. This is very painful and requires medical attention.
• If your dog's ears are red, swollen or have a foul odor a trip to the veterinarian is needed.
• If your dog's ears seem to be painful or itchy a trip to the veterinarian is needed.