How to Flush a Dogs' Ears With a Bulb

Dogs' ears have a delicate structure, with a vertical canal connected to a horizontal canal that leads to the ear drum. Wax, dirt and other detritus accumulate where the vertical and horizontal canals meet. If your dog develops smelly or itchy ears, it may be time to flush them with a bulb syringe.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • Newspapers
  • Bulb syringe
  • Water
  • Ear cleaning solution
  • Cotton pads
  • Tissues
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit beside your dog. For best results, flush the ears in a location where the dog feels safe. If you're concerned about making a mess, cover the area with towels or newspapers.

    • 2

      Squeeze the bulb syringe, and place it in the water or ear cleaning solution. If you're using solution, use the amount indicated in the directions. Release the bulb to draw fluid into the syringe.

    • 3

      Grasp your dog's ear, and flip it back. Hold it firmly so that the dog can't pull away or shake its head.

    • 4

      Hold the bulb syringe vertically over the ear so that it's going straight down. Squeeze the bulb so that a gentle stream flows into the canal. Either flush until the solution spills out of the canal or until the bulb is empty.

    • 5

      Wipe the ear clean of debris and solution, with a cotton pad or tissue.

    • 6

      Allow the dog to shake its head. Afterward, make sure the ear is dry. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 with the other ear.