You clean your ears with a Q-tip every time you get out of the shower, but how often are you cleaning your dog’s ears? We often forget that just like humans, dogs require constant grooming attention, and ear-cleaning is a very important part of a canine’s proper hygiene. The ears are a very sensitive place, however, and it’s important to treat the area with extra care. Not sure how to start? Continue reading for more tips and tricks on keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy.

1. Before starting to clean your dog’s ears, first inspect the ear for any signs of trauma or excessive drainage. If you see a thick, waxy material, clear or brown drainage, or any scratches, scabs or wounds, do not continue with the cleaning. These are signs of a serious medical condition, and poking around can lead to further damage. Instead, contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed. If you see any parasites in the ears, such as mites or ticks, you can first attempt to very gently remove them yourself, but if you find you are having trouble, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Mites, ticks and fleas are all parasites that can be treated with topical medication from your vet.
2. If your dog’s ears are free from any discharge or parasites, then continue on to cleaning. You can use a store-bought solution for cleaning dog ears, or you can make your own at home.

• To make your own ear cleaning solution, mix several tablespoons of vinegar with an equal amount of rubbing alcohol. Be sure that your liquids are room temperature. The ears are a very sensitive area, and nobody likes something too hot or too cold on their body.
• If you feel more comfortable purchasing a commercial cleaner, talk with your veterinarian about the best product for your furry friend. There are many options available on the market.

3. To begin cleaning, dip a cotton ball into the cleaning solution and squeeze it out so that it is not dripping. For dogs with smaller ears, consider tearing a cotton ball in half. Gently swab the inside of the ear, and remember to be very gentle. A dog’s ear can easily scratch or tear, and the solution will sting on cuts and scrapes. Clean out the dirt and wax from the crevices of the ear. For most dogs, this will take several cotton balls to achieve a clean ear. It is very important that you stay toward the front of the hearing canal. When you were younger, your mom always warned you about sticking a Q-tip too far into your ears because you could go deaf. The same goes for your furry friend. You don’t want to damage the ear canal, so just be sure that you aren’t going too deep into the ear.
4. If your dog’s ears are very full of wax and gunk, your vet may recommend that you irrigate the ears to remove the debris. Only do so if recommended by a veterinarian, as this can be very uncomfortable for your dog, and dangerous if not done correctly. To do so, position the tip of an ear cleaner bottle right at the opening to the ear canal inside the ear flap. Squeeze the bottle to drench the ear canal with fluid. Gently rub the base of the ear and massage gently for 60 seconds. Then, use gauze or cotton to clean out the gunk that comes out of the ear. You will most likely have to do this several times if your dog’s ears are very dirty.
5. When you are finished cleaning, allow your dog to shake out his ears. It is natural for him to want to do so, but just be sure that you don’t get any of the liquid in your eyes or mouth while he is shaking. When he is done, go back and lightly give the ears another wipe with a clean cotton ball to remove any of the excess gunk that your dog may have removed while shaking.
6. Cleaning your dog’s ears can be a scary experience, and so be sure to reward your pup at the end of the cleaning with some extra love and attention, or maybe his favorite treat. Try and clean your furry friend’s ears once a week. Keeping a schedule will help with familiarizing your dog with the experience, and will keep his ears clean and healthy!

If at any point you are unsure or uncomfortable with the cleaning, don’t hesitate to stop and call your vet, or contact your local groomer for advice. You may feel that you’d be more comfortable with a professional handling your dog’s delicate ears, and that’s perfectly okay. We are here whenever you need help or advice keeping your pup groomed and gorgeous.