Dog Parent’s Guide To Ear Cleaning

Whether you are a first-time dog parent, or the pandemic has made it difficult to get your dog to the groom, you should know how to clean your dog’s ears properly.

It may seem intimidating in theory, but in fact, it’s not so difficult. Here’s a quick guide on how you can clean your dog’s ears at home.

How to clean your dog’s ears

Before we get into how you can clean your dog’s ears, it’s important to note that puppies’ ears do not generally need cleaning unless they are pink, inflamed, or smelly. Do not clean your dog’s ears unless they actually need cleaning since dogs’ ears are sensitive. Now that that’s settled, let’s talk about what you need.

All you need are cotton balls and a dog ear cleaner. Ask your vet or dog groomer for recommendations on a safe and effective ear cleaner for dogs. A good cleaner has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. You may also need treats to help your dog keep still.

Now, apply a small amount of cleaner to the cotton ball, and wipe from the inside, out. Wiping in the opposite direction will only push objects deeper into your dog’s ear.

You’ll want to do it in an area that’s easy to clean because things can get a little messy. Do not use a Q-tip to clean your dog’s ears. This can damage your dog’s ear and even lead to infection. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol which can irritate your dog’s ear.

When to see a vet

If you notice your dog has wax or other materials stuck deep in his/her ear, do not attempt to clean it yourself. This is a job for your vet. Similarly, if you notice a bad odor, bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Do not attempt to clean your dog’s ear if he/she appears to be in pain, or if there are signs of inflammation. This could be a sign of infection or mites.