Jan 16, 2024
Key Points
Table of Contents
- This article will review how to clean dog ears safely and effectively.
- Your dog’s ears should be cleaned if your dog gets wet or as directed by your veterinarian especially when your dog has a history of ear infections.
- Only use dog-specific ear cleaning solutions because hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can be harmful to the ears.
How To Tell When a Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning
Most dogs do not need to have regular ear cleanings. Dogs that do not have a history of ear infections and do not go swimming or get wet often do not typically need maintenance ear cleaning. If your dog is prone to ear infections, it would be a good idea to clean the ears out every 2 to 4 weeks. Dogs that swim or get wet often should also get their ears cleaned regularly especially after the ears get wet.
If your dog is scratching at the ears a lot or has excessive ear debris and foul odor coming from the ears, it is possible they may have an ear infection. To read more about the signs and treatments for dog ear infections, check out this article on dog ear infections. If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it would be smart to first make an appointment with your veterinarian prior to attempting cleaning the ears at home. Dog ear infections often will not improve with just cleaning alone and will many times need prescription ear medication to treat the ear infection.
What Can I Use To Clean My Dog’s Ears at Home?
I recommend purchasing a dog-specific ear cleaner if you would like to clean your dog’s ears at home. Dog ear cleaners are not expensive and are much safer for use in the ear than common household products. I do not recommend using vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or any other household product in your pet’s ear.
The ear cleaners I most often recommend to pet owners include:
Top Products for Canine Ear Drops
Give your canine companions the care they deserve with our selection of top products for canine ear drops. Canine ear health is crucial for their overall well-being, and our curated list features highly effective ear drops designed to address common issues such as ear infections, itching, and wax buildup.
9.4
- Effectively treats acute and chronic otitis externa due to bacterial, fungal and yeast infections. This liquid solution acts as both a cleaner and a treatment, in just one easy application daily.
- Contains three active enzymes that have shown to be antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
- Hydrocortisone helps to provide relief from itching and inflammation.
- Three-point enzyme system destroys antibiotic resistant microorganisms, including Staphylococcus.
- Made in the USA.
9.4
Vetnique Oticbliss Ear Flush for Dogs & Cats, Antiseptic Flush for Dog Ear Infections with Chlorhexi
- Made with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole to help combat ear infections, bacteria, yeast, and fungus.
- Helps cleanse and deodorize ears, while Aloe Vera Leaf Juice helps alleviate itchiness and redness.
- Paw-fect for canine companions and feline friends of all ages and sizes.
- Helps ward off scaly irritation and helps restore balance to your fur-iend’s ears.
- Made in the USA.
9.4
- This daily ear cleaner is formulated to promote healthy ear canals.
- Helps breakdown buildup that may cause foul odors and itching, scratching or head shaking.
- Non-irritating, alcohol-free formula is suitable for sensitive ears and gentle enough for frequent use.
- Paw-fect for dogs, cats and other small animals ages 12 weeks and older.
- Comes in a pleasant, light scent that paw-rents and pets can enjoy.
9.4
- Gentle, yet effective non-staining ear cleaning solution is the perfect way to protect your pup's ears.
- Made with a low pH, and completely without antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Perfect as a grooming aid to be used at least once a week to help keep the ears clean and reduce odor.
- Removes ear wax, keeps ear clean, and greatly reduces odors.
- Can be applied freely to the ear before or after bathing or swimming.
9.4
- 100% natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals, antibiotics, cortisone, steroids or enzymes.
- Aids in the treatment of acute and chronic odor, itching and discharge.
- Renders ears uninhabitable to bacteria, fungus, yeast and mite species that cause most common ear infections.
- Provides relief in 24 to 48 hours with a 93.7% success rate using safe ingredients.
- Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Dog Ears?
No, you should not use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog ears. There are many other inexpensive, safe, and effective dog ear cleaners available online or at your veterinary clinic. Hydrogen peroxide is not safe for use deep in the ears, and I do not recommend using it in dog’s ears.
How to Clean Dog Ears: 4 Easy Steps
Cleaning dog ears is a relatively simple procedure if your pet doesn’t mind its ears being touched. Follow these 4 easy steps to safely and effectively clean your dog’s ears. These images are of me cleaning my greyhound Mabel’s ears! Even though she is a bit of a princess, she graciously allowed me to demonstrate these steps for you.
Ear Cleaning Supplies & Solutions
Before you start the process of ear cleaning, you will need to gather your supplies. As this is a messy process, I recommend getting a dry towel to set under your dog. Gather your other supplies including veterinary-approved ear cleaner and something to dry the ear such as a cotton ball, small washcloth, or gauze.
Supplies needed:
- Towel
- Veterinary-approved ear cleaner
- Cotton ball, small washcloth, or gauze to dry out the ear
Step 1: Fold Back the Ear
The first step of ear cleaning is to gently fold back the ear to expose the ear canal. If your dog cries out in pain or begins to growl or snarl at you, I recommend stopping here and consulting with your veterinarian. It is possible that your dog has an ear infection if the ear is painful or if they don’t want their ears manipulated.
Step 2: Fill the Ear Canal with Cleaner
The second step of ear cleaning is to fill the ear canal with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner. You want to fill the ear canal until there is liquid spilling out of the ear. This will ensure there are adequate amounts of ear cleaner in your dog’s ear.
Step 3 Massage the Base of the Ear Canal
The third step of the process is to massage the base of the ear with your thumb and forefinger. This will break up any debris deep in the ear and work the cleaner around in the ear to ensure that it can do its job.
Step 4: Gently Dry the Ear
The final step is to dry the ear. First, let your dog shake their head after you massage the ear so they can remove any large amounts of ear cleaner from their ears. This is the messy part, so you may want to step back from your dog as they shake their head so you don’t get covered in ear cleaner. After they shake their head, gently dry the outside of the ear canal with a cotton ball, small washcloth, or gauze. I do not recommend using q-tips or placing other objects deep into the ear as this can damage the sensitive internal structures of the ear.
Repeat this process on the other side, and then you are all done! Be sure to reward your sweet pup after the cleaning with an all-natural tasty treat or a fun, bouncy fish toy to play with.
More Resources for Dog Ear Cleaning
If you want to see these 4 dog ear cleaning steps in action, check out this YouTube video produced by AnimalCareTV:
In addition, your veterinarian can be another good resource if you have questions about the ear cleaning process. They will likely be able to demonstrate the process for you and recommend an ear cleaner most appropriate for your dog.
A Few Final Suggestions
Dog ear cleaning can be done safely and effectively if you follow the steps described above. Be sure that you are using a safe dog ear cleaner to clean out the ears. If you find that the ear canal is quickly getting stinky and filling with debris shortly after cleaning the ears, it is possible that your dog may have an ear infection. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian if you notice debris, redness, or foul odor in the ear that is persistent or recurrent.
