Your dog's ears should always be clean and dry to prevent any type of infection from developing. For dog breeds with drooping ears, whatever forms or goes in the ear will likely stay inside. Routine ear cleaning is essential for maintaining the health of your dog, especially if you smell an unpleasant odor in its ears. Fortunately, there are plenty of home remedies for cleaning a dog's ears.
-
Vinegar
-
To make a vinegar solution, dilute some vinegar with an equal portion of water. This makes a safe homeopathic remedy that can be used to eliminate the excess debris found in your dog's ear. Simply place a few drops of the vinegar solution in your dog's ear and allow the dog to shake its head. This will actually help loosen up the wax inside the ear, making it easier to remove. Use a cotton swab to remove the debris that has surfaced. Repeat the process until the ear is completely clean. Do not apply the vinegar solution if there are open sores in your dog's ears.
Garlic, Vitamin E and Cod Liver Oil
-
Another alternative is to use a garlic pod that has soaked in olive oil overnight. Use the garlic-infused oil and place five to six drops of it in your dog's ear, two times a day for seven to 10 days. You can also use vitamin E or cod liver oil as ear drops to relieve irritation inside the ear. The oils can be warmed a little before you place them in the ear.
Cotton Swabs and Plucking Hairs
-
Cotton swabs are the handiest tools you can use for cleaning ears. Keep in mind, however, that they can be very dangerous too. If used too deep inside the ear or if too much pressure is applied, it can cause a rupture in the eardrum. Only use cotton swabs on the outside of the ear and not in the area of the ear canal.
To help prevent and treat ear infections, you can also increase the air flow inside the ear canal by plucking the hair inside your dog's ear canal opening.
Rubbing Alcohol Mix
-
To create another cleaning solution, you can combine equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Shake the mixture well before applying it in your dog's ears. Another alternative cleaning solution can be made by mixing 4 oz. of rubbing alcohol with 2 tbsp. of boric acid and a tablespoon of glycerin. Shake well before using.
-