Instructions
Restrain your dog. Dogs generally do not like having their ears cleaned so, if possible, have a second person available for assistance. Depending on the size of your dog, this is accomplished by placing the animal on an elevated, flat surface, like a table, or by sitting next to your dog as the animal is lying on one side on the floor. In either scenario, position your pet so that both legs are aimed away from your body. This is to prevent your dog from having the leverage to push off you and get free. If you are right-handed, place your left arm across the dog's shoulder and firmly grasp the elbow of the leg closest to the flat surface. To prevent injury, never grab your dog's feet or toes. Keep your elbow close to your pet's neck and lean into the body if the animal tries to wriggle or get up. Use your available hand to work with the ear.
Squeeze a dropper full of ear wash solution into the ear canal. There are many commercial ear cleaners available at pet stores or from your veterinarian. You can also use a homemade version, such as a vinegar rinse made with 1 part apple cider or white vinegar and two 2 parts water. This will be effective for waxy buildup, but should not be used for inflamed or irritated ears as it can cause discomfort. A baking soda solution is an alternative, made by dissolving 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of hot water. Be sure to let the mixture cool to room temperature before applying it to the ear. Oils are another effective cleaning solution and are also soothing, especially when administered when warmed slightly. Be careful not to tightly force the tip of the bottle, or dropper, into the ear canal, as forceful squeezing can cause the ear drum to rupture.
Gently massage the ear with thumb and forefinger. This will distribute the solution throughout the ear, including the ear flap.
Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to wipe upwards from the opening of the ear canal toward the outer ear to remove wax, dirt and debris. Q-tips may also be used for the inner side of the ear flap, but they should never go inside the ear canal. Doing so can actually pack wax and other debris deeper into the ear, causing further discomfort.
Apply any ointment or home remedy designed to treat ear mites. There are many commercial varieties which are available at pet stores and through your veterinarian, as well as home remedies. Yellow dock, almond or olive oil with 400 international units of vitamin E are just a few homemade examples. It is important to be sure all of the wax and debris has been completely removed, as any treatment applied to dirty ears will not be effective.
How to Clean Wax Buildup From the Outer Ears on a Canine With Ear Mites
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that particularly like the dark, moist environment of the ear canal. Typically ear mites will go undetected until symptoms occur, such as redness, discharge, odor, head-shaking, ear-scratching, or rubbing of the ears on other surfaces. As the condition progresses, a dirty, waxy buildup will form on the dog's outer ear. Although most dogs dislike having their ears cleaned, this is an important step in the treatment process for ear mites.