How to Remove a Dog's Earwax

Excessive amounts of earwax in a dog's ear can cause extreme discomfort and possibly even an infection. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a small amount of brownish wax in the vertical canal is normal, but large amounts of wax in the ear canal could be a symptom of illness or injury. Learning how to properly clean and remove earwax from your dog's ear is essential if you want to keep your dog healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Ear wash solution
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip the dog's earflap over and squirt several drops of the ear wash solution into the ear. The ear wash solution will soften the wax and make it easier to remove. You can purchase ear wash solution at pet stores.

    • 2

      Release the dog's earflap and gently massage the base of the ear for a few minutes. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, massaging the base of the ear will help distribute the ear wash solution throughout the ear canal.

    • 3

      Flip the dog's earflap back over and use cotton balls to clean the earwax from the dog's ear. Gently wipe the earwax away from the ear in an upward and outward motion to prevent pushing it deeper into the ear canal.

    • 4

      Keep your dog's ears cleaned on a regular basis to prevent future wax buildup. You can clean your dog's ears yourself or have your veterinarian or groomer complete the task instead.