How to Clean Dog Ears

Veterinarians and pet care professionals recommend cleaning a dog's ears at least once per month; however, this can vary based on your dog's breed, age, and its overall susceptibility to wax buildup and infection.

For example, dog breeds such as poodles and cocker spaniels tend to have more hair around their ears, while Labrador retrievers have ears that fold over and Shar-Peis have ear flaps or skin folds that hang over their ears. These characteristics can create a breeding ground for bacteria, so these dog breeds may require ear cleaning two to three times a month.

As long as there are no signs of infection or severe wax buildup that require the assistance of a veterinarian, you can generally clean your dog’s ears at home. Some home remedies contain botanical ingredients that can irritate a dog's sensitive ear tissues, so make sure to use a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution or consult a vet for tips.

While specific ingredients can vary, most vet-approved ear-cleaning solutions include a combination of antimicrobial agents and natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, to help soothe irritated tissues. If your dog's veterinarian detects a yeast infection, they may prescribe an ear-cleaning solution with an added antifungal agent. Most veterinarians sell cleaning products out of their offices, and you can also find veterinarian-approved cleaning treatments at popular pet supply retail stores.

Hydrogen peroxide is often recommended as a suitable remedy for cleaning a pet’s ears. However, the solution can cause damage. While hydrogen peroxide can fight infection and dry up bacteria, it can also harm healthy skin cells when applied to your dog’s outer ears or inside the canal.

Cleaning your dog's ears at home is a fairly straightforward procedure. It's always best to clean your dog's ears when your pet feels relaxed and calm. This ensures the solution will stay in your puppy's ears long enough to do its job, and it makes the overall process easier. If necessary, give your dog a treat or toy to help encourage a positive state of mind. When your dog is ready, follow these steps:

1. 1. Assemble the cleaning supplies. Certain cleaning solution bottles come equipped with built-in applicators, while others require the use of a bulb syringe. Gather a towel to absorb extra solution, wax, and debris flushed from the ear canal. You'll also need cotton balls or sterile gauze.
2. 2. Apply the solution. Fill your dog's ear canal with the recommended amount of ear cleaning solution. Allow the solution to remain in the ear canal for at least 30 seconds. During this time, gently massage the base of the ear. You can determine if the solution is working by listening for squishing sounds.
3. 3. Wait. Allow your dog to shake its head after thirty seconds, or the recommended time, has passed. Hold the towel close to its head to soak up the solution and debris that drains from the ear.
4. 4. Use the cotton ball or gauze pad. Gently clean inside the ear canal to remove any remaining wax or debris. Only insert the cotton or gauze at a depth that's equivalent to one knuckle. You can also use cotton swabs to gently clean around the outer ear but avoid inserting them into the ear canal.

After the ear cleaning procedure, monitor your dog for pain or discomfort. If your dog is excessively scratching or attempting to bite the affected area, contact a veterinarian for follow-up advice. Additionally, if you find it difficult to clean your pet's ears at home, dog grooming services often offer ear cleaning, as long as your dog doesn't have an ear infection.

It's important to regularly monitor your dog's ears to check for wax buildup and signs of infection or blockages. In addition to earwax buildup, all dog breeds are susceptible to ear mites—microscopic parasites that enter the ear canal and feed on wax and organic matter. Ear mites cause significant pain in dogs, and the condition requires veterinary intervention. Common signs of buildup and a possible ear infection and/or ear mites include:

1. 1. Dog’s behavior: You dog may scratch more around the ears than usual or they may shake or tilt its head. Your dog’s balance might also be slightly off.
2. 2. Odor: There may be an unpleasant odor emitting from your dog’s ear.
3. 3. Appearance of the ear: There may be redness or swelling of the ears or around the ear canal. You might also see blood or colored discharge leaking from the ear. Another thing you want to watch out for is hair loss around the ear or scabs around the outer and inner ears.

A small amount of discharge coming from your dog's ears is a good indicator that the ear wax is doing its job by collecting debris and eliminating it naturally. However, if the ear wax smells or is unusually dark (healthy earwax in dogs is yellow to brown in color), schedule an exam with your dog's veterinarian in case an infection is present.

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