Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of their overall health and hygiene. While healthy dog ears are often self-cleaning, routine checks can help identify when cleaning is necessary—especially in dogs prone to allergies or chronic ear infections. Dirt, wax, and debris can build up in the ear canal, creating an environment for bacteria and yeast to grow, which can lead to painful infections. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent these issues, keeps your dog comfortable, and allows you to spot problems early.
Step one: Examine the ears
The first step to ear cleaning is to determine if your dog needs its ears cleaned. A healthy dog ear is self-cleaning and should be cleaned no more than once every 10-14 days if needed. Dogs with chronic ear infections or allergies should be cleaned as per veterinary directions. Signs of a dirty ear include brown dirt and debris, or excessive waxy discharge in the ear.
Step two: Apply a cleaner
There are many different cleaners available from pet stores, veterinary clinics, or online shops like Amazon. Once you have selected a cleaner, pour it into the ear canal until the ear canal is full of cleaning solution. You may need a helper to hold your dog as many dogs try to shake during this step.
Step three: Clean the ear canal
Gently grip your dog’s ear at the base of the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear canal. You should hear a squishy sound coming from within the ear canal.
Step four: Clean the outer ear
Use a soft tissue or gauze saturated in ear cleaner to gently wipe the portion of the inner ear that is visible. Use an upward motion to wipe debris out of the ear. NEVER use a q-tip to reach into the ear canal as this can damage your dog’s ear drum. Repeat steps 2-4 until there is no more dirt and debris is removed from your dog’s ears. Repeat steps 2-4 on both ears.
Step five: Apply medication
If your dog has had an ear infection, your veterinarian may direct you to place medication in the ear. This should be done after cleaning the ear or as directed by your veterinarian. Ear medication is usually dropped into the ear canal, and then gently massaged and rubbed into the ear as described in step 3.
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