Your dog's ears give it a keen sense of hearing, one of its most developed senses. Unfortunately, because a dog's ear canal tapers downward and then angles inward toward the eardrum, it may suffer from the presence of pollen, dust, grass or other airborne objects that make their way into its ear. Your dog's hearing is important and rinsing out its ears occasionally may help prevent irritation, itching and an ear infection. Use only lukewarm tap water, mineral oil or a solution prescribed by your veterinarian.
Things You'll Need
- Ear cleaning solution (or plain water)
- Small plastic bottle with squeeze tip
- Mineral oil (optional)
- Sterile cotton balls (not swabs)
Instructions
Check your dog's ears for buildup of wax or an accumulation of dirt or debris. A thin coating of yellowish wax is normal and helps trap airborne dust and pollen that may get in your dog's ears. However, if your dog has unusually dirty ears, rinsing them out may reduce the risk of an ear infection.
Put a small amount of lukewarm tap water or ear cleaning solution into the squeeze bottle. You may add a small amount of mineral oil to the water if your dog has thick ear wax deposits. Avoid using vinegar or rubbing alcohol, both of which may burn or irritate a dog's sensitive ear canal.
Hold your dog and secure its head with your arm or your legs. Most dogs don't enjoy the feeling of liquid running into their ears and will resist your efforts. Recruiting an assistant can help if your dog is highly agitated.
Lift your dog's earflap and insert the tip of the plastic bottle just inside the opening of the ear canal. Be careful not to insert it any deeper.
Squeeze a small amount of liquid into the dog's ear. A small dog may require only ½ tsp. of liquid, while a large dog may require more. Squeeze the liquid gently, not with force. It should trickle down into the dog's ear canal.
Allow your dog to shake its head. This is its natural reaction and it will expel dirt and dust along with excess liquid. Repeat the procedure with the other ear.
Wipe away loosened dirt and earwax with the cotton balls. The inside of your dog's ears are tender so use only light pressure. Do not insert the cotton ball into the inner ear canal where it angles inward toward the center of your dog's head.
Rinse your dog's ears after it plays outside if it has allergies to dust and pollen that may result in an ear infection.