Ear infections among canines is a common occurrence, affecting both adults and puppies alike. Along with applying medications, ear infections are typically resolved with daily cleanings to remove the discharge in the canal. Doing so allows the medication to properly reach the affected areas. Puppies that do not have ear infections can also benefit from routine ear cleanings to remove excess wax and prevent future infections. Finding an ear cleaner that is effective, yet gentle enough to use on a puppy, however, is a challenge for many pet owners. Many cleaners contain harsh ingredients, such as alcohol or boric acid, which can irritate a puppy's ears. Fortunately, there are a few gentle and effective cleansers that are easy to make.
Things You'll Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Squirt bottle
- Cotton ball or square
- Almond oil
- Glass
- Bowl
- Dropper
Instructions
Vinegar-Based Cleaner
Pour one-third part apple cider vinegar into a squirt bottle, along with two-thirds part water. Shake the bottle to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Lift the puppy's ear flap and gently insert the tip of the bottle into the canal. Squeeze the bottle to administer cleaner into the canal. Do so until the cleaner starts to come back out.
Insert a large cotton ball or square gently into the puppy's ear canal to wipe out the debris and discharge inside. Complete this process until the cotton comes out clean.
Almond Oil
Pour a small amount of almond oil into a glass. Place the glass in a bowl of hot water to gently heat the oil. Do not allow any water from the bowl to enter the glass and make contact with the oil.
Lift the puppy's ear flap and straighten the canal by gently pulling upwards on the flap. Use a dropper to collect the almond oil and squeeze a few drops inside the canal.
Leave the oil inside the ear for about five seconds to allow it to break up any discharge inside. Place your fingers on the bottom of the canal and gently massage it, to disperse the oil around the canal. When done correctly, you should hear a squishing sound.
Insert a cotton square or ball inside the ear canal to remove any discharge. Repeat this process until the ear canal is clean.