How to Clean a Dog's Ear Canal
Medium
10 - 20 Minutes
1 Week
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
It's important to clean your dog's ear canal on a regular basis to get any gunk out that might be causing hearing loss, earaches, or even potentially yeast or bacterial infections. If your dog currently has an ear infection, your veterinarian can recommend an ear cleansing solution with a long tip to help clean your dog's ear canal. Cleaning the ear canal is not the neatest job so you may want to put yourself in a position where your dog can shake the solution out of his ear without shaking it all over everything in your home.
Dog's Perspective
Not all dogs are eager to have their ears touched. If your dog has an ear infection, his ears may be tender to the touch. He may whine or try to pull away from you when you handle his ears. A soft, gentle voice reminds him that you're doing it for his well-being. Some tasty treats might help him get through this process. When it's time for him to shake the ear solution out, give him space and let him do it.
The Dry Clean Method
Effective
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Towel
Step
1
Materials
Gather the supplies you’ll need to get each ear canal clean. You’ll need cotton balls or small to medium gauze pads to wipe your dog’s ears clean. Be prepared to reward your pup with a treat as well.
Step
2
Gauze or cotton
Place your finger in the center of a gauze pad and wrap the corners around your finger. If you choose to use cotton balls, consider using a size appropriate for the size of your dog and his ears. Simply pinch a cotton ball between your fingers for cleaning the ears.
Step
3
First ear
Place the gauze pad or the cotton ball just inside your dog's ear canal and gently wipe using a circular motion. Do not dig too deep. You should know your dog's ear canal runs deep. Just reach as far as your finger will allow.
Step
4
Repeat
Repeat wiping the inside of your dog's ear with a cotton ball or a gauze pad until the ear is clean and the cotton or gauze is coming out of the ear canal clean as well.
Step
5
Second ear
Repeat the process with a clean gauze pad or cotton ball with your dog's second ear. Wipe the ear canal until the gauze pad or cotton ball comes out of the ear clean.
Step
6
Wet wipe
Though not necessary when you are dry cleaning your dog ear canals, you can follow with a wet wipe. If your dog has a foul odor coming from his ears or you notice a lot of excess dirt, you can wet down a gauze pad or cotton ball with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and water and give it a quick wet wipe down once your dry wipe is complete.
Step
7
Treat
It's always a good idea to give your dog a treat after any cleaning procedure.
The Wet Cleaning Method
Effective
0 Votes
Towel
Step
1
Preparation
Gather supplies you will need to clean your dog's ears, with either an ear cleaning solution from your veterinarian or a mixture of vinegar and water. Ear solutions from your veterinarian will come with a bottle and a long nozzle for easy application.
Step
2
Prepare your dog
Prep your dog for a quick ear cleaning by rubbing his ears and muzzle and getting him excited rather than fearful. Feel free to start with a tasty treat as well to grab your dog's attention.
Step
3
Lift ear
Squirt a small amount of veterinarian-approved ear solution or vinegar and water solution directly into the ear. Alternatively, if you do not have an applicator, dip a cotton ball or gauze pad into solution or apple cider vinegar mixture and apply it to the ear.
Step
4
Gentle massage
Massage the back of the ear while the solution settles into the canal. Expect your dog to shake. If there happens to be a lot of wax buildup in the ear, expect some to fly out.
Step
5
Repeat
Repeat for the second ear. Remember the goal is to remove any dirty wax buildup and allow the solution to sit in the ear canal to kill any bacteria or yeast.
Step
6
Wipe
Use a dry gauze pad or a dry cotton ball and wipe out any excess solution left in your dog's ear. Don't worry about anything left deep inside the canal. Your dog will likely shake it out or it will dry quickly.
Step
7
Treat
Be sure to give your dog a treat at the end of each ear canal cleaning. If you need to encourage your dog to be still and allow you to clean his ear canals do not hesitate to give him treats throughout the cleaning. This will reward him for his good behavior and help build his tolerance for this activity.
Caution & Considerations
- Before you clean your dog's ear canal you should know if your dog has a bacterial or yeast infection in the ear.
- If you are cleaning your dog's ear with an ear infection, try not to tug or pull on the ear at all as this may cause discomfort and pain.
- Cleaning your dog's ear canals with or without infections is necessary to keep your dog's ears clean, healthy, and free of yeast and bacteria.
- Though this process is extra uncomfortable if your dog has a yeast infection or bacterial ear infection, it needs to be done or the infection will only get worse.
- You can use an ear cleaning solution from your veterinarian or even a pet store.
- You can also make your cleaning solution using apple cider vinegar and water.
- Avoid putting alcohol inside your dog's ear canal as it can burn the ear and cause discomfort in the ear canal.
- If you have used ear canal solution from your veterinarian or from your pet store, it's a good idea to save the bottle with the long tip to use again. Just wash it thoroughly and fill it with water and apple cider vinegar for a regular cleaning.
- Wipe your dog's ears weekly for simple upkeep.
Conclusion
Keep your dog's ear perked up and ready for your next command with a gentle ear cleaning. Wipe dry or wipe wet, just be certain to wipe any excess wax or gunk from your dog's ear to keep him on his toes and ready to go.
