How to Clean and Disinfect a Dog's Ears

Just like humans, dogs need their ears cleaned on occasion. Cleaning your dog's ears on a regular basis will prevent wax and debris from building up and the formation of potentially serious infection. Dog owners are able to buy commercial products that will help break up the wax and clean their dog's ears. You can easily find these at pet stores or your veterinarian's office. Talk to your veterinarian about how often you should clean your dog's ears since each breed is different.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog ear wash
  • Towel
  • Cotton balls
  • Mineral Oil
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your hands before cleaning your dog's ears.

    • 2

      Place a clean towel on a flat surface, such as a table, or you can place it across your lap if the dog is well-behaved.

    • 3

      Hold your dog so his head is on the towel. Gently restrain the dog with your arm or get another person to help if the dog struggles. Another method is to place your dog on a table on a towel. Stand on the side of the dog next to the ear you're going to treat. Place your arm across the dog to restrain him. Lean your upper body across the dog if he tries to stand.

    • 4

      Moisten a cotton ball with a small amount of mineral oil. Pull back the ear flap, or pinna, and wipe away any external wax or dirt with a cotton ball.

    • 5

      Following the directions included on the bottle, squeeze ear cleaning solution into the dog's ear canal if you are using drops. If using ointment, place the neck of the tube slightly into the ear canal and squeeze out the amount of ointment indicated on the directions.

    • 6

      Massage the base of the ear to work the medicine down. Clean any excess solution outside of the dog's ear with cotton ball.

    • 7

      Let the dog go. He will shake his head and loosen up the wax inside his ear. Have a towel nearby to clean up any potential mess.

    • 8

      Restrain the dog again, and clean out the solution and wax with a cotton ball as it oozes out of the ear.

    • 9

      Repeat this process with the other ear.