The Best Way to Clean Doggie Ears

Dogs can have ear infections just like people do. They also have other issues, such as ear mites. Both infections and mites can have long-term serious impacts on your dog if they are left untreated. Most groomers will include ear inspection and cleanings when you take your pet to be groomed, but it is important to clean your dog's ears at home, too.

  1. Problems and Symptoms

    • If you do not inspect your dog's ear on a regular basis at home, he may develop something that will cause permanent hearing loss. The ear canal is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and parasites because of the warm, moist environment it provides. A dog that swims a lot increases its risks of infections, since water can become trapped. Ear mites also wreak havoc on dogs. They are small parasites that look like tiny white spiders. They live off the ear wax and skin in the dog's ear. They cause extreme pain and itching.

      If left untreated, mites or ear infections can cause complete hearing loss. Infections and mites will cause red spots and sometimes small lesions. Certain breeds of dogs with long, floppy ears, such as basset hounds, beagles and cocker spaniels, are more prone to infections since their ears do not allow for air flow. If you have a breed of dog that is more likely to develop infections, it is even more important to be dedicated to a weekly ear-cleaning ritual.

    At-Home Cleaning

    • There are many over-the-counter ear-cleaning solutions that clean and dry. You can buy them at a pet store or at your veterinarian's office. Make sure that the ear cleaner you choose has a low alcohol content, to avoid over-drying your dog's ears. Gather all your supplies together beforehand. If your dog is nervous, you may want to have a helper to distract your dog. Lift your dog's ear and make sure there are no signs of infection or mites.

      Assuming there are no signs of a problem, it is time to remove the dirt and excess ear wax. You can use either the commercial cleaner or mineral oils on a cotton ball to wipe around the inside of the ear. Be sure not to penetrate more than half an inch inside the ear canal, and never use cotton swabs. If you feel resistance, it is time to stop. Make sure you have thoroughly cleaned the ear flap as well, changing to a clean cotton ball as needed.

      After cleaning both ears, make sure you give your pet plenty of praise. If you have not set up an ear-cleaning ritual, it may take some time to make your dog comfortable with the procedure, especially if you have an older dog, so be patient. You should check and clean your dog's ears once a week. If you find any indication that there is a problem, contact your veterinarian immediately.