Homemade Puppy Ear-Cleaning Solutions

Ear infections can be a problem for any dog, particularly those with droopy ears. The long ear canal creates the perfect environment for the growth of yeast or invasion of parasites, such as ear mites. Ear wash is simple and inexpensive to make, and regular cleaning of your puppy's ears will go a long way toward preventing problems.

  1. Almond or Olive Oil

    • An almond- or olive-oil ear cleaner is mild and often recommended by veterinarians for the treatment of wax buildup. You can create your own by placing 1 tbsp. of either oil into a cup. To warm the oil, immerse the cup in a bowl of hot water for two minutes. Using an eye dropper, carefully place 1/2 tsp. of the oil inside the puppy's ear canal, allowing it to remain there for five seconds. Massage the ear gently. Use a piece of gauze or other soft cloth to remove any remaining oil.

    Vinegar Rinse

    • For a normal, frequent cleaning, try a vinegar rinse. This ear wash can be used weekly and is helpful for dogs who like to swim. Combine 1/3 cup of an organic cider vinegar with 2/3 cup of water. Hold the flap of the puppy's ear while introducing a dropper of the liquid into the ear canal. Flush the ear repeatedly until you have used the entire solution. Allow your pet to shake out the excess liquid before gently drying the ears with a cotton ball or a soft cloth.

    White Vinegar and Isopropyl Alcohol

    • Make certain there are no open cuts or any sign of inflammation inside the ears before using this approach. A once-a-month vinegar and rubbing alcohol ear wash is handy as a preventative for yeast growth. Mix 1/3 cup purified water, 1/3 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and place in a container with lid. Shake well. Use an an eye dropper or ear applicator to squirt a small amount into the puppy's ear canal and massage gently. Allow the pup to shake out the excess liquid and dry carefully with a soft cloth.

    Essential Oils

    • For odorous ears, create a soothing wash from a mixture of essential oils found at health-food stores. This formula will cleanse, destroy bacteria and prevent wax buildup. Add one drop each of tea tree oil, lavender oil and chamomile oil to 1 tsp. of warm olive oil in a container with lid and mix. Using an eye dropper, place two to four drops into the puppy's ear canal and massage the ear for one to two minutes. Gently remove all excess oil with cotton balls. Make a fresh batch every time; do not use the leftover oil.