Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

Dogs require regular ear care in order to prevent infections and maintain good health. Unfortunately, dogs are highly prone to ear infections caused by mites, bacteria, or yeast buildup. This is due to the curved shape of a dog's inner ear that can trap large amounts of debris and make removal difficult. Furthermore, allergies can make dogs even more vulnerable to ear problems. Fortunately, with patience and practice, it is not difficult to keep your dog's ears clean. The best time to clean your dog's ears is when he or she is calm, tired, resting, or after a walk. Don't attempt to clean your dog's ears when he or she is in a playful mood or before exercise. Below are several simple guidelines to help you through the process of cleaning your dog's ears.

Develop an ear cleaning routine

Many dogs naturally dislike having their ears touched. By beginning the inspection and cleaning process at a very young age, your dog will soon become accustomed to the task. Schedule your dog's ear cleanings on a weekly basis. Regular check-ups help ensure problems are caught in the early stages. Routine cleanings also improve air circulation, which is especially important for dogs with large, floppy ears.

Clean your dog's ears

To help make the ear cleaning process more comfortable for your dog, hold the bottle of ear cleaning solution between your hands for a couple of minutes to warm the solution. Shake well. Squeeze the solution into the ear canal, and gently massage the ear base using your thumb and forefinger. Continue this motion for 20 to 25 seconds.

Remove wax and debris

Any remaining debris can now be removed using a cotton ball. Remember not to stick the cotton ball too far down the canal, as this could lead to irritation or more severe infection. In addition, trimming your dog's ear hair can prevent future debris buildup.

Inspect your dog's ears for signs of infection

For a better view of the ear canal, carefully pull the ear flap upward. This will help straighten out the canal and increase visibility. You should look for any ear discharge, swelling, redness, or any hair loss. These symptoms, as well as an strange odors, are all indications of an ear infection. Furthermore, if your dog has dark ear wax that resembles the look of coffee grounds, it's highly likely your dog has contracted ear mites.

Reward your dog

Reward your dog after each cleaning to help him or her associate the process with a positive experience. Your dog will be less resistant, which will make the cleaning routine less daunting. Don't practice ear care after nail clipping or bath times, as your dog may already be agitated from these activities. If you follow these tips and tricks, ear care for your dog should become easier.

Tip

Most dogs develop ear infections after bathing or swimming. To reduce moisture, consider placing cotton balls inside your dog's ears before any water activities.

We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.1 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$3.42
$3.60
$5.14 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$12.13
$12.77
$18.24 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$17.08
$17.98
$25.69 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$22.31
$23.48
$33.54 Reg Price
Shop now