How to Clean the Inside of Dog Ears

Routine ear care is an essential part of the grooming process with any breed of dog. By cleaning and examining your dog's ears on a regular basis you can detect ear issues before they become serious problems, as well as preventing problems associated with wax and debris buildup. The Humane Society of the United States notes that ear neglect can lead to potentially dangerous infections. There are many ear cleaning solutions on the market today that are specially made for dogs. These solutions make the cleaning process simpler by breaking up the ear wax and allowing for easy removal.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft towel
  • Dog ear wash solution
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult a veterinarian to determine how often to clean your dog's ears and what type of ear cleaning solution to use. Different breeds have different requirements.

    • 2

      Check your dog's ears for any signs of infection before beginning. Look for excessive wax buildup, inflamed skin, odor or discharge. If any of these signs are present, do not attempt to clean the dog's ears and seek veterinary care immediately.

    • 3

      Wash your hands well to avoid introducing any foreign contaminants into your dog's ears.

    • 4

      Place a clean, soft towel either on a flat, even surface or across your lap, depending on where you plan to hold your dog while cleaning his ears. The towel will lie beneath the dog's head.

    • 5

      Restrain the dog by laying her on her side and holding her head in place. If the dog struggles, drape your arm across her neck while firmly grasping her bottom leg above the elbow.

    • 6

      Pull back the dog's ear flap to reveal the interior portion of the ear. Wipe away any visible dirt or debris that is around the dog's ear.

    • 7

      Squeeze ear wash solution into your dog's ear canal, taking care not to force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal itself.

    • 8

      Gently massage the base of the dog's ear for approximately 30 seconds to distribute the solution through the ear canal.

    • 9

      Use a cotton ball to soak up any excess solution that remains in the dog's ear.

    • 10

      Release your hold on the dog, and allow her to shake her head. This will help to loosen the remaining wax and dirt.

    • 11

      Regain your hold on the dog, and use a cotton ball to gently wipe the interior of the dog's ear. Do not force the cotton ball into the dog's ear canal.

    • 12

      Continue with this process until the dog's ear is free of visible wax and debris, replacing the cotton balls as they become soiled. Dispose of the cotton balls before moving on to the other ear.

    • 13

      Repeat the process on the other ear.