How to clean dogs’ ears or apply medication for an infection
If you own a dog or have cared for one for any length of time, you probably know that their ears need an occasional cleaning. If you’re new to this, your dog may be overdue for an ear cleaning.
Your dog’s ears may need cleaning for a number of reasons, including earwax buildup, hair growth, and general dirt and grime.
In dogs, earwax buildup can cause health problems, including itching and ear infections, according to Veterinary Centers of America Hospitals.
How to clean dog ears
Gather your supplies first. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, here’s what you need:
- ear cleaner
- cotton balls or gauze pads
- tweezers
- A towel
- treats
Do not use hydrogen peroxide as an ear cleaner. According to the American Kennel Club, it can irritate healthy skin cells. Instead, use a vet-approved product made specifically for your dog’s ears.
After you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these simple steps, according to The Spruce Pets.
1. Add ear cleaner.
To perform this step, hold your dog’s earflap and squirt a few drops of ear cleaner near the ear opening so that it runs into the ear. Next, you can gently insert the tip of the bottle. While holding the bottle in your dog’s ear, you can add more liquid cleaner.
2. Massage the ear.
Your dog may try to shake his head, but don’t let him do it just yet. First massage the base of your dog’s ears. If you can feel your dog’s ear cartilage near the jaw, you’re in the right place.
After massaging your dog’s ear for a few seconds, you can let him shake. To minimize the mess, you can hold a towel near his head.
3. Wipe the ear canal.
Dampen cotton or gauze with the ear cleaner and wipe dirt and grime out of the ear canal. Tweezers can also be used to grab visible debris or excess hair. You can repeat this process until the ear is cleaned, but stop if the ear becomes red or seems painful.
When you’re done cleaning and wiping away dirt, be sure to dry your dog’s head and reward him with a treat.
How often should you clean a dog’s ears
You should only clean your dog’s ears when they are dirty. According to VCA Hospitals, any excessive cleaning can irritate the ear canal. Different dogs may require different levels of attention given to their ears.
A healthy and clean dog ear should be pink, odorless, and not dirty or inflamed. If it has an odor, especially yeast, it’s probably time for a cleaning, according to the AKC.
If your dog shakes his head more than normal, this could be another sign that it’s time for a clean.
The AKC emphasizes that cleaning a dog’s ears can prevent, but not treat, an infection. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, fleas, ear mites, or any type of allergic reaction, it’s time to see a vet.
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How to administer ear medication for dogs
If your vet prescribes an ear remedy for your dog, you will likely need to use it yourself.
According to VMA Hospitals, you should administer the prescribed amount of ear drops while holding your dog’s ear straight to ensure it flows through his ear canal as intended. Just as with using ear cleaning liquid, you should massage the base of your dog’s ear to distribute the medication down the ear canal.
Try not to let the tip of the bottle of medication touch your dog’s ear, as VMA hospitals say it could be exposed to bacteria and reintroduce an infection if used differently.
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