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How to Clean Your Dog's Ears - A Comprehensive Guide

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happy brown and white dog outdoors with one ear up and one ear down

As a dog owner, you want to do everything in your power to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. One essential part of keeping your pet healthy is having their ears cleaned regularly. However, if you've never cleaned your dog's ears before, the task can seem daunting and you may worry about damaging their inner ear. You will learn everything you need to know to safely and effectively clean your dog's ears!

Why clean your dog's ears?

close up of dogs ear canal

Dogs are prone to ear infections because their ear canals are more vertical than humans, which makes it easier for debris and moisture to get trapped inside. Certain breeds are also more prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears and increased hair growth around their ear canals. A dog's ears are a vital part of their overall health, so it's essential to keep them clean. By doing so, you can prevent ear infections and other health issues that can be painful for your dog and costly for you.

Regular cleaning can help prevent infections by removing excess wax, debris, and moisture that can cause irritation and infections. Practicing regular cleaning can also help you monitor their ear health much more closer and catch any potential issues early on.

Supplies you will need to clean your dog’s ears

Before you begin cleaning your dog's ears, it's essential to prepare the area and have all the necessary tools at hand. You'll need a few items, including:

Ear cleaning solution: You can find ear cleaning solutions at your local pet store or online. Avoid using human ear cleaning solutions, as they can harm dogs.

Cotton balls or pads: These can be used to apply the cleaning solution and wipe out debris.

Towels: Have a few towels on hand to clean up any messes or to dry your dog's ears after cleaning.

Tweezers: These are good to have on hand if your dog has a lot of hair in his ears.

Treats: Offer your dog treats during and after the cleaning process to help them associate ear cleaning with positive experiences

How to clean your dog ears

small dog sitting with owner on couch sniffing dog treat in owners hand

Once you have all your supplies, it's time to get started. Follow these steps to clean your dog's ears safely and effectively:

Introduce the cleanser

Get your puppy to sit and just remain still for a moment while you bring the bottle of ear cleanser to them to smell. Reward them with a treat if they remain calm and relaxed while inspecting the bottle.
Fill the ear

If their ears are not already open for you to apply the liquid, hold their ear flap with your thumb and forefinger to get a good view of the inside of their ear canal. This way you can ensure to carefully fill up the inside of their canal with the cleanser.

* You want to ensure that you do not make any contact with your dog’s ear and the tip of the ear cleanser bottle. This can introduce bacteria into the rest of the fluid.
Massage

Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear to distribute the cleaning solution all over, loosening any wax or debris within the canal. You will hear a squishing sound as you spend about 30 seconds massaging each ear for about 30 seconds.
Gently wipe

Your dog may naturally want to shake the excess liquid out from their ear, so protect yourself and wipe their face and ears thoroughly with a cotton pad or ball. You do not want to go past the first knuckle of your finger when gently wiping the remaining cleaning solution or debris from the surface of their ears.
Repeat

Tips for cleaning your dog's ears

Below are a few tips we wanted to include to help you be the best pet parent possible for your dog.

Choose the Right Time

The best time to clean your dog's ears is when they are calm and relaxed. If your dog is anxious or stressed, they may be more difficult to handle, making the process more challenging. Pick a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after a nap or a walk.

Signs your dog needs an ear cleaning

A healthy ear will have no odor and be pink with no discoloring from dirt or debris. You should regularly practice checking the state of your dog’s ears and take note when it begins to look dirty. You also may notice your dog shaking their head more frequently due to debris inside their ear canal. These are the typical signs of an ear in need of cleaning.

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

The frequency at which you should clean your dog's ears depends on various factors, including breed, activity level, and other health conditions. In general, it's recommended to clean your dog's ears once a week or as needed. If your dog is prone to ear infections or has an underlying health condition, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent cleanings.

It's important not to over-clean your dog's ears, as this can also cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in their ears. If you're unsure how often to clean your dog's ears, consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Risks of ear cleaning to consider

While ear cleaning is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of. If you're not careful, you can damage your dog's ear canal, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Some potential risks of ear cleaning include:

Pushing debris further into the ear canal
Scratching or injuring the ear canal
Accidentally introducing bacteria into the ear canal

If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge after cleaning your dog's ears, stop the process immediately and contact your veterinarian.

What not to do when cleaning your dog’s ears

owner using cotton pad to wipe surface of dogs ear

When cleaning your dog's ears, there are a few things to avoid to ensure their safety and comfort:

Don't use cotton swabs or anything that could push debris further into the ear canal.
Don't use human ear cleaning solutions, as they can be harmful to dogs.
Don't force anything into the ear canal past the first knuckle of your finger, as this can cause damage and pain.
Don't continue cleaning if your dog is uncomfortable or in pain.

Conclusion: Summary on how to clean your dog’s ears

Cleaning your dog's ears is an essential part of maintaining their overall health and preventing infections. By following the steps outlined in this article and being mindful of potential risks, you can safely and effectively clean your dog's ears at home. Knowing what a healthy and clean ear looks like on your pets can help ensure you pick up on a problem right away. Making a habit of checking the state of their ears after bathing is a great way to know when it’s time for an ear cleaning. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your dog's ear health or cleaning routine. With a little practice, you'll become a pro at cleaning your dog's ears and helping them stay healthy and happy for years to come.