DIY Pet Ear Cleaner

Dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs have sensitive ears that encounter dirt and debris every day. Whether furry, floppy, pointy or perky, your pet's ears require regular care to avoid problems like wax buildup, mites or infection. These can be painful conditions for your pet, so cleaning the ears is an important part of grooming and should be done weekly. There are commercial solutions available for doing the job of getting down in the ear canal, but you can also make your own at a much lower cost and it is just as safe and effective.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic squeeze bottle with applicator tip
  • 6 ounces isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered boric acid
  • 2 ounces white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Povidone iodine
  • Cotton balls
  • Old towels
  • Apron or old shirt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash and dry a plastic squeeze bottle that has a narrow long-tipped applicator top, commonly found at beauty supply or grocery stores.

    • 2

      Pour the alcohol into the bottle, then add the boric acid. Place the cap on and shake well until the boric acid is dissolved. Boric acid is available at most larger pharmacies.

    • 3

      Remove the cap and add the vinegar and iodine. Cap and shake well again. The liquid should be an amber color.

    • 4

      Warm the solution by placing the bottle in a cup of hot water. Make sure the solution is warm, not hot. A too cold or too hot liquid will be painful for your pet.

    • 5

      Wear and apron or old shirt when doing the cleaning, as your pet will shake its head and the fluid may splatter. The iodine will stain any fabric it contacts. Examine your pet's ear for any serious issues such as mites, infection or injuries. Wipe off any excess wax on the outer portion of the ear with a cotton ball.

    • 6

      Hold the animal's head firmly, or have someone help you. For a cat or guinea pig you can wrap it securely in a towel to keep it from moving. For a dog, placing the head on your lap is a good way to do this step. Dribble solution into the ear canal, taking care not to insert the tip of the bottle down into the canal. Fold the ear flap back down and massage the ear gently for a minute or so.

    • 7

      Turn the animal's head downward over an old towel and allow the fluid to drain out. Wipe away the excess if possible, then release them. When you let go, your pet will likely shake its head vigorously.

    • 8

      Open the ear flap and wipe away and excess fluid or debris with a cotton ball. Do not place anything into the ear canal deeper than 1/2 inch. Clean the surface area gently, then repeat the process for the second ear.