How to clean my dog's ears the right way?

Have you ever noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your dog’s ears? With all their folds and crevices, dogs’ ears are often a welcoming environment for yeast, bacteria, and parasites. Beyond wellness checkups, ear infections are one of the most common reasons for dogs to end up at the vet’s office. Head shaking, pawing at the ears, redness and inflammation, and odor are all classic signs that your dog’s ears need medical treatment. Ear trouble is very common among dogs, and Dan’s Pet Care specialists often notice these symptoms while working with our clients.

 Once they’re infected, treating your dog’s ears can be expensive and uncomfortable. It’s much better to avoid ear infections by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly! We all know there’s a right way and a wrong way to clean human ears. The same goes for dog ears! This article will share some tips to help make the experience safe and effective.

Get a Positive Start

It’s important to set the scene for a calm experience. Give your dog a treat and remove any noises and distractions from the area before starting. Let your dog look at and sniff everything you’ll be using. If your dog is a flight risk, put him in a tub or other confined area so it will be harder to get away. Gather your supplies before starting: cotton balls, ear cleaning solution, and a towel. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the right ear-cleaning solution. Some dogs need prescription ear cleaners, while others can use over-the-counter options.

Stay Observant

Ear cleaning is a great opportunity for you to observe your dog’s ears up close. Pay careful attention to any smells or debris you see. If you notice ticks, mites, or other insects, let your veterinarian know. Even if your dog’s ears seem fine, take note of what “normal” looks like. This will help you catch any problems that arise in the future.

Clean Safely

Squeeze a vet-approved cleaner into one ear, and massage at the base for several seconds. Try not to touch the container of cleaner to your dog or their ear, so it will remain sterile. After massaging, let your dog shake their head. It’s important to be in a bathroom or garage, or outdoors, during this part. Otherwise, you might have a lot of cleanup on your hands! You can use a towel to try to shield yourself.

Wipe Gently 

Next, use a cotton ball to wipe out the remaining cleaning solution. Be sure not to go too deep into the ear canal. Never use Q-tips or anything similar to clean your dog’s ears–stick to products that are completely soft. Then, repeat the process with the other ear. Use a fresh swab for each ear, so you don’t introduce bacteria from one ear into the other.

Report Back To Your Vet

If you noticed anything unusual, or if the experience seemed painful for your dog, let your veterinarian know. Early detection can help you find less invasive treatment options.

That’s it! Cleaning your dog’s ears can take some getting used to. However, it’s one of the easiest ways to avoid serious, costly ear problems down the road.