How to properly clean your dog’s ears

Ear cleaning is one of the four-legged friend care procedures that should not be neglected. How many times to clean the ears of a dog depends on the specific breed. So, while pets prone to ear infections should get their ears cleaned more often, others can go without it for a long time. 

If the dog regularly visits a professional groomer, it is likely that his ears are cleaned there, but it is better to check with the salon. In any case, it is useful for every dog ​​owner to know how to clean their ears.

How can you clean your dog’s ears

Proper cleaning of the ears begins with the preparation of the necessary aids:

• Ear cleanser. It is better to buy a cleanser recommended by a veterinarian, which is sold in pet stores. Do not clean your dog’s ears with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because they can irritate the dog’s sensitive ears, warns The Spruce Pets. If you are not sure that you have purchased the right product, you should consult with your veterinarian.
• Cotton swabs or discs. Cotton swabs can also be used to clean the auricle, but they should never be inserted into the dog’s ear canal. This can lead to permanent hearing damage.
• Tweezers. It is better to have it on hand if the dog has a lot of hair growing in the ears.
• Towel. It will come in handy to clean up a possible mess, especially if the dog shakes its head when something gets into its ears.
• Treats. When the deed is done, you should reward the pet for patience.

How to clean your dog’s ears

Before you start cleaning, you need to carefully examine the dog’s ears. If they appear red or inflamed, smell bad, or your pet shows signs of itching, stop the process and contact your veterinarian. The dog may have an infection or ear mites. These conditions require immediate treatment. 

If your four-legged friend has a lot of hair, it is better to use tweezers to remove excess hair from the ear canal. After making sure that everything is in order with the ears, and removing excess hair, it is necessary to study the annotation for the preparation for the care of the ears. The following guide may also be helpful:

1. After sitting the dog, you need to reward him with a treat and let him sniff the bottle of cleanser.
2. If the pet’s ears are not upright, lift the pinna to position it vertically and gently fill the ear canal with cleanser.
3. With the auricle aside, gently massage the base of the ear with your fingers for about 20 seconds.
4. Then let go of the ear and let the dog shake its head if it wants to. It is better to hold a towel over her head so that the product does not splatter all over the room.
5. Using a cotton swab or cotton pad wrapped around the index finger, gently wipe the visible part of the dog’s ear canal and auricle. The cotton swab should only be used when necessary and only on the visible part of the dog’s ear.
6. Then you need to reward the dog with a treat again, and then repeat the procedure on the other ear.

The dog does not allow you to clean your ears: tricks and tricks

Although the steps involved in cleaning a dog’s ears are already quite simple, there are a few tips that will make this procedure easier for everyone involved.

So that the liquid does not scatter throughout the house, it is better to carry out the procedure in a limited space. To do this, you can put the dog in the bath or take it outside. At the same time, it is better to be in old clothes, which will not be a pity if a cleanser gets on it.

In addition, you should not save on a cleanser. The ear canal of a dog is much longer than you can see. Filling the entire canal with solution will help ensure that the entire ear is cleaned. Any excess cleanser will be removed when the dog shakes its head. 

If the ears still look dirty at the end of the procedure, repeat the process and stop it immediately if redness, bleeding, or if the dog begins to show signs of discomfort.

How to Clean the Ears of a Chihuahua and Other Small Dogs

Some pets, especially those with small ears and short coats, need to be rubbed only occasionally when they start to look dirty. Dogs with floppy ears and those with thick, long hair around the ears require a more thorough examination and brushing at least once every two weeks.

The ability to clean the ears of a four-legged friend is a basic part of pet care. Doing this regularly will help protect your dog’s hearing and ensure that his ears stay healthy throughout his life.

However, if you need additional guidance and support, please contact your veterinarian. If your dog doesn’t have a regular veterinarian yet, don’t worry, you can easily find one using our trusted veterinarian finder.