How to Clean a Dog’s Ears

Here’s a step-by-step guide that explains how to clean a dog’s ears –

Step 1 – Supplies

Get a vet-approved, good-quality ear-cleaning solution followed by cotton balls or gauze and a towel.

Step 2 – Get Seated

Make your dog sit in front of you between your legs with the back facing you. In the case of a big dog, make it sit in a corner of the room facing you.

Step 3 – Hold the Ear

Take one ear, hold the flap (pinna) and pull it up vertically exposing the ear canal.

Step 4 – Solution

Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. Alternatively, you can squeeze some solution on a cotton ball and insert it in the ear. It’s okay if some solution comes out of the ear. The only thing to take care of here is the tip of the bottle not touching the ear. If it does touch, it is advised to clean it with an alcohol-based solution to avoid the spread of bacteria or yeast.

Step 5 – Massage

While continuing to hold the ear up, take the other hand and massage the base of the ear below the opening for about 30 seconds. This helps in breaking the debris in the ear.

Step 6 – Wipe

Next, you need to take a cotton ball or gauze and wipe the inner and upper parts of the ear flap. Your dog may shake its head here and that’s completely okay. It will help the remaining solution and debris from the ear canal to move out. Make sure you clean the ear again with the cotton ball.

Step 7 - Go Deeper

You may now insert your finger in the ear along with the cotton ball or gauze and remove the solution or any debris from the inside. Only go as far as your fingers can reach. Do not use any Q-tip. It can damage the ear canal or ear drums or even push the debris deeper. You can repeat this unless the cotton ball comes out clean.

Step 8 – Repeat

Repeat the same with the other ear.

Step 9 – Praise

It’s time to enjoy some tasty treats for the both of you; for your dog for being patient and obedient and for you for doing a great job and ensuring good health for your buddy.

How to Clean Dog Ears at Home Naturally

If you want to learn how to clean a dog’s ears naturally, our provider of dog insurance plans is here to help! If you’re looking for natural solutions to clean your dog’s ears, coconut oil is one of the best options out there. You can pour a few drops of coconut oil into your dog’s ears and massage around the area as indicated in ‘step 5’ above. This will help to clean out excess wax from your dog’s ears.

One more option for you is olive oil. It works in the same way as coconut oil for your dog’s ears and hence becomes a good natural ear cleaner for them.

How to Clean Dog Ears Without Solution

For those of you who don’t want to use any synthetic solution, there are other options available. But cleaning your dog’s ears with only cotton wouldn’t be as effective. You can use apple cider vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of lukewarm water. Use this mixture to clean the debris with a cotton ball.

Garlic oil is also an option for you. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and hence can also help with ear infections. To create a mixture, crush a couple of garlic cloves, add a bit of olive oil to it and let it stay overnight. You can then remove the garlic and use the oil as a cleanser.

Surprisingly, green tea is also a good option to use as a cleanser for your dog’s ears. Steep some green tea in a cup of water and let it cool down to room temperature. Take a cotton ball, dip it in the tea and use it to massage your dog’s ears gently. Do this daily for about 4 weeks and it will help reduce any kind of inflammation in the ears or any infections.

How to Clean Dog Ears with Hydrogen Peroxide

Well, the method here would be the same as for all other solutions. But the real question here would be is Hydrogen Peroxide safe for your dog’s ears? And the answer here would be ‘No’. It can damage your dog’s ears and irritate them. It can harm healthy skin cells and some sensitive ear tissues as well. It would be recommended to use only vet-recommended ear cleaning solutions or any of the above natural cleansers.

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including; broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote. 

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