Would It Hurt to Wash a Dog's Ear Out With Water?

Plain water is not recommended to clean a dog's sensitive ears. Washing them out with water can result in irritation from liquid dripping into the ear canal, causing infection or damage to the ear canal or ear drum. You can use water to make a solution that will do the job, though.

  1. A Dog's Ears

    • The canine ear is a fragile structure. The shape of the canine ear canal allows it to collect water if it drips into the ear. If you're washing the ear out with water, it can pool in the dog's ear canal and result in a condition similar to swimmer's ear. Once water has entered the dog's ear canal, there is no way for it to get out, even when your dog shakes his head. Insert a cotton ball into the ear to protect it before bathing your dog or allowing him to swim.

    Use a Water Solution

    • Mix a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to one part water to clean your dog's ears. The acid in the vinegar prevents yeast from growing and inhibits bacteria as well. Dampen a cotton ball in the mix and gently swab out your dog's ears. Be careful not to push too far into the ear canal. Make sure the cotton ball isn't wet enough to drip into the ear. Dry the ear with a fresh cotton ball after cleaning.

    Other Options

    • Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean your dog's ears. Alcohol helps to remove ear wax. Use it alone on a cotton ball or mix a small amount with water and vinegar and swab gently inside the ear, drying once you're finished. Mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide can be used as ear cleaners as well. You can also purchase various premade canine ear cleaners at pet stores or your vet's office.

    A Little Goes a Long Way

    • Have your dog examined by the vet if you suspect ear issues.

      Avoid getting your dog's ears wet or cleaning them too often. Check the dog's ears weekly when you groom him and clean if the ear has dirt or debris inside. Dogs with long, floppy ears or those with allergies should be checked more frequently. If your dog's ears smell, have discharge, or if he frequently shakes his head or scratches his ears, have your vet check him for infection or ear mites.

    Be Cautious

    • If you notice that your dog's ear flaps or ear canals are red, inflamed, smelly, crusty or gooey, your dog could have an ear infection. Do not use any ear cleaning solutions until you seek veterinary care, because some infections can compromise a dog's ear drum and ear cleaning solutions can make your dog worse. Only a veterinarian can tell if your dog's ear drum is healthy, and he can recommend appropriate ear cleaners for your pooch.