How To Properly Clean Your Dogs Ears

Ears of all shapes and sizes must be cleaned regularly as part of your dog’s grooming.. Every dog is different when determining how often they need their ears cleaned. Long, floppy ears need to be cleaned more often as they can be prone to ear infections, while others rarely require cleaning. If your dog visits a professional groomer regularly, you should check with them to verify that your dog’s ears are getting cleaned. All dog owners should know how to clean their dog’s ears properly. Dogs with short ears and not a lot of hair may only need to have their ears wiped out occasionally when they begin to look dirty. Dogs with long, floppy ears and those with a lot of hair around their ears should have a more thorough inspection and have them cleaned at least every other week to prevent any infections or irritations. Here is everything you need to know, from supplies to steps:

Supplies Needed to Clean Your Dog’s Ears:

• Ear Cleaner: Look for a veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution. If you’re unsure whether something is okay to use on your dog, ask your vet or the Experts at your local Feeds’n Needs. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for an ear-dry solution with aloe vera by Professional Pet Products. It is a routine ear cleaning, drying and odour control product. Be sure to follow the recommended directions on the ear cleaner you are using.
• Cotton Balls or Pads: Swab your dog’s ears with a cotton ball or pads. Be careful not to go too deep. A rule of thumb to remember is to not go past skull depth to avoid causing hearing damage. Wipe the inside of the ear flap and ridges of the outer ear as well.
• Tweezers: It’s a good idea to have a pair of tweezers dedicated to your dog’s ear.
• A Towel: This is recommended for containing potential messes, especially if your dog is prone to shaking its head when something gets in its ears.
• Treats: You’ll want to reward your dog when you’re all done.

Steps on How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Before you begin, take a moment to inspect your dog’s ears. If they appear red or inflamed, they smell bad, or your dog shows signs that their ears itch, contact your vet as they may have an infection that needs to be treated. For dogs who have a lot of hair, use tweezers to clear the hair out of the ear canal. If everything appears normal, follow this step-by-step process on how to clean their ears:

1. Get your pup to sit, reward them with a treat and then let them inspect the bottle of ear cleaner.
2. If your pup has long, floppy ears, hold their ear flap upright and carefully fill the ear canal with a cleaning solution.
3. Keep the ear flap out of the way and gently massage the base of the ear with your fingers for about 20 seconds. 
4. Allow your dog to shake their head if they desire. Hold a towel over their head to prevent the solution from flying everywhere.
5. Use a cotton ball or pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog’s ear canal and outer ear. 
6. Reward your pup with another treat and repeat these steps for their other ear.

Tips and Tricks to Make it Easier

Here are a few tips that will help it go easier for both you and your pup:

• Wear old clothing that won’t get ruined if the cleaning solution gets on them.
• Follow directions on the cleaning solution bottle.
• If the ears still appear dirty when you’re done, go ahead and repeat the process, and stop immediately if you notice redness or bleeding or if your dog show signs of discomfort.

Knowing how to clean dog ears is fundamental to their health. Make sure cleaning is done regularly to help protect their hearing and ensure that your pup’s ears stay healthy throughout their life.

Sources: How to Clean Dog Ears | Hill’s Pet (hillspet.com)
24Petwatch: How to Properly Clean Your Pet’s Ears