How to Clean Your Dog's Ears - Page 1

txt-vet-approved-articles.jpg Search All Articles

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears
By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Cleaning your dog's ears may look easy but it is more difficult than you think. There are a number or products on the market to help you clean them. Use only products used or recommended for cleaning dog ears.

Dogs have long ear canals and improper cleaning can result in a ruptured eardrum, pain or lacerations of the canal. If the ears are severely infected, they may be too painful for you to clean at home, and you should consider having a veterinarian clean the ears, possibly even under sedation.

However, you can perform routine cleaning safely and easily if you follow these steps:

  • Restrain your dog. Start by wrapping your small dog in a large thick towel with just her head exposed or having someone help hold the body and legs of a larger dog.

  • Clean the ear lobe. Using a cotton ball, paper towel or gauze sponges moistened with water, gently rub the large pieces of dirt, wax and debris off the ear lobe. Repeat on the opposite ear.

  • Clean the cartilage of the ear. After most of the debris has been removed with the moistened cotton ball, use a cotton tip applicator (Q-Tip®), moistened with water, to gently remove the pieces of debris trapped within the cartilage of the ear. Be very careful not to place the Q-tip down the ear canal. This will stimulate head shaking and can lead to ear trauma.

    It is safest to clean only the parts of the ear you can see. If there is significant wax just inside the ear canal, you can briefly place the tip of the Q-tip into the ear canal to remove the debris. However, this is important: You should ALWAYS be able to see the cotton tip of the Q-tip.

    After cleaning ears, it is a good idea to offer a treat. This will help make the next ear cleaning session a little smoother.


  • Related Articles

    Search Over 15.000 Vet Approved Articles

    Top 10 Dogs Topics

    1 Dog Health

    2 Puppies

    3 Dog Breeds

    4 Adult Dogs

    5 Senior Dogs

    6 Dog Training

    7 Dog Adoption

    8 Pictures of Dogs

    9 Dog Videos

    10 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

    Pet Photos

    Friendly Dogs


    » View Slideshow

    Cute Puppies


    » View Slideshow

    Cute Dogs


    » View Slideshow

     

    Additional Resources

    If you found this article useful, sign up for free exclusive access to useful pet information, health tips, photos and more, delivered right to your inbox. Just fill out the form below:
    I have a Dog - I have a Cat Instant Access We respect your privacy. Privacy Policy
    Thank you for joining. You should be receiving an email from us in a few minutes.