As a dog owner, you do everything possible to care for your furry friend. Some chores of a dog owner can seem a little daunting. Keeping your dog’s ears clean is essential for their overall health, but owners may feel a little intimidated because they are afraid they will cause harm to their dogs.
This guide offers you peace of mind and gives you the exact steps to take while cleaning your dog’s ears. Once you try these steps, you will realize how simple the process is for both you and your pooch.
Why Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
Have you ever inspected your dog’s ears? If so, you have likely noticed they can get fairly dirty. Your dog gets earwax and dirt buildup just like humans. This dirt and grime can attract pests, such as ear mites, that can cause your dog great discomfort.
Dirty ears are also more likely to provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which could infect your dog’s ears and cause them pain. Keeping your dog’s ears free of dirt and excess wax will keep them healthy and protected. Some owners even install wireless dog fences, so their furry friends do not wander off and get overly dirty.
If you have been putting off cleaning your dog’s ears out of nervousness, you do not need to be afraid. With the right knowledge and supplies, cleaning your dog’s ears will be a breeze.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you attempt to clean a dog’s ears at home, it is important to have the right supplies. Luckily, there is not a lot to purchase.
Ear Cleaner for Dogs
You are going to need a safe and gentle ear cleaning solution that is made for dogs. You can likely purchase one from your vet. If not, visit a pet supply store. The dog ear cleaner should contain natural cleansers and antibacterial properties. If you are uncertain which brand to purchase, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. You may also opt for homemade dog ear cleaner.
Cotton Balls
Have plenty of cotton balls or gauze on hand. The brand does not matter, though you should choose the size based on your dog’s ears.
The next supply item you need cannot be purchased but is certainly necessary. You are going to need a lot of patience, especially if you have never cleaned your dog’s ears.
Most dogs dislike their ears to be cleaned because they can feel uncomfortable. You would likely feel the same way if someone was digging in your ears!
Some dogs will handle the cleaning process better than others, but you can expect many dogs to wiggle around a lot. If your dog will not be still during their ear cleaning, enlisting another human helper is advised.
Prepare for the Hardest Part of Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
You might think the hardest part of cleaning your dog’s ears is one of the steps below, but this is not the case. When you are cleaning your dog’s ears, you are going to find the most difficult and annoying part of the entire process is keeping the dog still [1].
You must remember ears are a sensitive place for your pet. Please do not clean your dog’s ears unless it is calm. It is also important you remain calm.
Throughout the process, honor good behavior with treats and positive reinforcement. Many people find it helpful to have one person petting the dog and keeping it occupied while the other cleans the ears. This is a good time to use dog training hand signals if you have trained your dog with this approach.
Examine Your Dog’s Ears First
Before you get out the cleaner and cotton balls and start cleaning, you must inspect your dog’s ears. It is especially important to check your dog’s ears if it has been scratching or shaking its head.
Signs of Infection
One of the first things a dog owner needs to check for is signs of infection. Some dogs are more prone to developing ear infections than others, such as basset hounds and cocker spaniels. If your dog shows any of the following signs, it is likely infection is present.
- Excessive ear debris or wax
- Redness and inflammation in the ear
- Foul odors coming from the ears
- Signs of discomfort (Shaking the head from side to side or scratching the ears)
If an ear infection is suspected, do not proceed with dog ear cleaning. Sometimes, cleaning infected dog ears can cause the infection to worsen and even spread. Schedule an appointment with the vet right away!
Signs of Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies that affect their ears. Unfortunately, allergies can cause some of the same symptoms as an infection, so it is important to see a vet for a proper diagnosis.
- Excessive ear wax
- Redness and irritation
- Foul odors coming from the ears
- Head shaking and scratching at the ears
Dog allergies sometimes require a special ear cleaning. Dogs who suffer from allergies often need more frequent ear cleanings. Ask your vet about the symptoms and have them check for allergies. The dog’s environment can cause allergy symptoms or even its food.
Signs of Ear Mites
Another problem that can arise with your dog’s ears is ear mites. These pesky bugs can cause your dog a lot of discomforts. Do not clean your dog’s ears if you suspect an ear mite infestation [2]. Look for the following signs.
- Dark debris that looks like coffee grounds
- Foul odors
- Discharge
- Redness
- Ears feel hot to the touch
You can purchase dog ear mite medication over the counter, but it is best to get a diagnosis from your vet first. Your veterinarian may prescribe special drops to clear the ears quickly.
Word of Caution
Never stick any object in your dog’s ears, including Q-Tips. You can easily rupture a dog’s eardrum by sticking foreign objects in its ears.
You should also never use alcohol, vinegar, or peroxide in your dog’s ears unless instructed by your veterinarian. These can all irritate. Vinegar has caused ear infections to worsen and can cause them to last longer. Dilute it first in water at a ratio of 50/50.
Once you have determined your dog has no infection or signs of allergies or ear mites, it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty and get to cleaning those ears!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
There are two types of dog ear cleaning methods. One is for regular cleaning, and one is for deep cleaning. Below, you will find complete instructions for both cleaning methods.
Regular Cleaning
This is a simple cleaning procedure you will carry out on your dog weekly or monthly, depending on what your vet recommends.
- Carefully flip your dog’s ear over to expose the inside of the ear.
- Apply a generous amount of ear cleaning solution for dogs to a cotton ball or gauze.
- Rub the cotton ball on the skin over the dog’s ear canal to remove any dirt or excess wax. Remember to never place any object inside the dog’s ear canal.
- Throw away the dirty cotton ball, flip your dog’s ear back the right way and offer a tasty treat and hug.
- You are finished!
Deep Cleaning
You will use a deep cleaning procedure when your dog has some minor ear irritation or its ears are extra dirty. The steps are slightly different but involve the same supplies.
- Carefully flip your dog’s ear over to expose the inside of the ear.
- Pour a small amount of dog ear cleaner inside your dog’s ear, according to the instructions from your vet or on the cleaner bottle.
- Flip your dog’s ear to the right side.
- Gently massage your dog’s ear with the ear flap closed. You will massage the area where the ear canal is and will probably hear a swishing sound as the cleaner moves around.
- Carefully flip your dog’s ear over, to once again expose the inside of the ear.
- Use a dry cotton ball to clean up any wax and debris that has risen out of the ear canal. You may need to use more than one cotton ball if there is a lot of wax and debris. Once your dog’s ears are clean, dispose of the dirty cotton ball.
- Flip your dog’s ear back to the right side and give it a big hug and a delicious treat.
- You are finished!
Once your dog’s ears have been cleaned, it is a great time to play a fun game of fetch. Playing with your dog after ear cleaning will help them relax and get out that pent-up energy.
Routinely Clean Your Dog’s Ears
If your dog is prone to ear infections, weekly cleanings are necessary. Some dogs only need their ears cleaned once a month. As you can see, cleaning your dog’s ears is not overly difficult. Even if your dog does not enjoy the process, they will feel so much better with all the gunk and wax removed.
