Comments on How to Clean a Dog's Ears

nice tips they are an big help :)

great article - thanks!

I've swabbed my english springer's outer and some of the inner ear using q-tips dipped in diluted (i.e. store-bought) hydrogen peroxide to good effect. I'm interested in trying the vinegar and water mixture followed by a bit of rubbing alcohol to help dry it out. Here in CO we have such a dry climate that I believe yeast infections in the ear may be less common, but it can't hurt.

These are some good tips.

I,recently joined this site. I use to tske my pet to vet everytime to clean ears, because i was not knowing how to clean by the yime i had spent lot of money on that. But know geting tipas from this site i brougt cleaning stuffs from pharma with same combination and it worked.

I also use hydrogen peroxide and water or vinegar and water on my Golden Retriever's ears on a thin cotton round for make-up use on my little finger to get inside their ears. The cotton swab idea is neat for the outer grooves, just be careful, if the dog moves, OUCH! Big Trouble! Smiles, Cyndi

Use a solution of 50% rubbing alcholo and 50% white vinegar. Apply to inside of dog's ears with cotton swabs. The vinegar will soften and loosen any crust therefore making it easier to remove. The alcholo will kill any mites. Of course if there is any sign of infection consult your vet.

Having experience in a veterinary field, Q-tips are rarely used and if anything prohibited during the cleaning process and are dangerous to a dog's ear.

Hydrogen peroxide is actually very effective in cleaning a dog's ears. It doesn't hurt them. I was also told by a vet to use it. Plus, it helps remove ear mites if they may contain them inside the deeper part of their inner ears. The dog's don't enjoy the feeling of it at first, but it's proved over 90% effective.

I love your pictures. They are very instructive and the quality is great. I never used peroxide though . . . I always bought the pet store recommendation. I had a pug and it seemed like his ears were always super sensitive to anything so I had to be very careful. He had lots of skin problems anyway. But that was him. Good job on the article! I liked it.

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.

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.

My dog seems to hate it. Oh well.

Excellent article!

EXCELLENT! RAINMANMOM

I have had a dog with hair clear down the ear canal. The way they say in this artical is the best way. She's 16 and it has worked for me great!

excellent article!

Thanks for the suggestions.

Thanks for the vital information as my golden retriever had suffered from ear problem due to lack of knowledge about proper ear cleaning. The best way to detect ear problem is the foul smell that emits from the ear and the continuous scratching of the ear by your pet.

You should always use an ear powder after cleaning the ears. The ear powder helps dry the inside of the ear, thus possibly stopping ear and/or yeast infection of the ear. The ear is a very typical place for a yeast infection in a dog.

The Vet told me to just squeeze the ear wash down my dogs ears .. I think my puppy will like this alternative much more.

I always do my dog's ears in the shower after I bathe her. The warmth and moister soften the wax. This improves the effectiveness of the ear cleaning product and less qtip hassle is needed. Also, cleanup is a breeze!

I've to keep that in mind always as I used to swap soaked cotton swap quite deep inside my dog's ear, in order to be cleaner. TQ for sharing.

Great article on how to clean dogs ears 5*

The undiluted peroxide tip was invaluable! Thank you.