How to Clean Dog Ears With a Bulb Syringe

Dogs rely heavily on their keen sense of hearing.

For the most part, your dog's ears will clean themselves. But sometimes, ear infections and excess production of ear wax can cause your dog's ears to clog with debris that requires flushing. Your dog's ear canals are fragile, but you can learn to gently clean them. One of the most effective ways to do so is with a bulb syringe and a cleaning product such as vinegar or a prescription solution.

Things You'll Need

• Ear cleaning solution
• Bulb syringe
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Practice drawing fluid into the bulb syringe and spraying it out before trying it on the dog. If the syringe makes a whistling noise, ease up on the pressure.

2. Fill the bulb syringe with the ear cleaning solution.

3. Place the bulb one quarter of an inch into the dog's ear. Never allow the end of the syringe to touch the skin of the dog's ears.

4. Squeeze the end of the bulb to allow the rinse to enter the dog's ear.

5. Quickly squeeze the solution back into the bulb syringe.

6. Empty the used solution down the sink or into the toilet.

7. Repeat until the majority of the debris has been removed.

8. Wipe the ears with a cotton swab to remove any excess liquid that is in the ears.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer the dog a treat during the cleaning. This will help distract it if it is nervous.

• Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty during the cleaning. Cleaning a dog's ears with a bulb syringe can get messy.

• Ask a friend or family member to assist you during the cleaning. He can help hold the dog still, if it is uncooperative.

• Allow the dog to shake its head after the cleaning. This is how the dog naturally prevents water from entering its inner ear.

References

• Pet Health 101: Ear Flushing for Your Dog or Cat
• Dog Channel: Smelly Dog Ears