Clean cotton balls, or cotton wipes are recommended for ear cleanings. Cotton swabs should never be used because they can push wax down into the ear canal, making it harder to dislodge the build-up. In certain situations, cotton swabs could also potentially cause damage to the eardrum.
Damp cotton wool or cotton wool pads. Ear cleaner (must be a dog specific, never use products intended for human use). A clean towel. A second pair of hands (especially useful if your dog is not used to having their ears handled).
Yes, you can use human antibacterial wipes on dogs, but you should check with your veterinarian before doing so.
Common materials used to clean the ears are cotton balls and gauze. You should avoid harsh materials such as rags or paper towels, as they can add to the irritation.
Clean Thoroughly Using Cotton Balls (NOT Swabs)
Using a Q-tip to clean a dog's ears is not advisable, Wolff says. Opt for a cotton ball, instead. Wolff suggests the following steps for a safe, efficient cleaning: Use a cotton ball (Large cotton balls work better for bigger breeds.)
One easy recipe is using hydrogen peroxide and water in a 1:1 ratio. After mixing them together, soak a cotton ball or swab into the solution and wipe inside your dog's ears gently. This method is great for both cleaning ears and treating mild infections.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently flush your dog's ears with the mixture. Another option is to use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties. Apply a few drops to your pup's ear canal, and gently massage it to help it spread.
Mix 1 part white vinegar (5% acetic acid), and 1 part saline (0.9% NaCl). Fill the ear canal with the solution, and massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. Your pet will probably shake his/her head when you release the ear – watch out for flying cleaner and ear debris!
Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part filtered or spring water. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Make sure you get the liquid into the ear canal by holding your dog's ear still. You can pour or squirt the liquid (at least one dropper full each time) into the ear canal.
Wondering how often your dog's ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup's ears.
Wipe your doggo's ears dry. Use a cotton ball or two to wipe the entrance of the ear canal. You don't need to go very far in, just get what you can. Repeat this process with the other ear.
Signs and symptoms of ear mites in dogs
Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
Clean, healthy dog ears are pink, odorless, debris-free, and not inflamed, according to the American Kennel Club. If you get a whiff of a mild odor, spot some discharge, or notice that your pup is shaking his or her head more than usual, a cleaning is likely in order.
Ear mites are tiny mites, barely visible to the human eye, that live on the surface of ear canal skin in dogs and cats. An infestation produces tiny black specks, similar to coffee grounds. How will ear mites affect my dog? Ear mite infestation is usually detected by the dog scratching at an irritation in the ear.
If you notice any brown gunk or any other kind of discharge coming out of your dog's ears, clean the outer ear using a cotton ball. However, before you begin cleaning your ear's canals, you should know that brown/blackish earwax can be a symptom of an ear infection or another medical problem.
Professional groomers never use alcohol or Q-Tips (cotton swabs) and often begin by lifting the dog's ear and exposing the inside flap so that it faces him. Any hair that is in the way is removed around the opening of the external ear canal and a small amount of medicated ear powder is placed in each ear.
Dogs can be prone to a number of ear problems from ear mites to ear infection. Some dogs succumb to chronic yeast infection or other infections of the ear.
Keeping a dog's ears clean and dry helps to ward off ear infections – one of the most common reasons dogs go to the veterinarian.
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Ear mites are tiny animals and are a fairly common parasite in both cats and dogs. They look like tiny white dots, but can barely be seen with the naked eye. Ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oils. An adult normally lives for around two months, but they can multiply quickly.
Healthy dog earwax tends to range from pale yellow to light brown, whereas darker colours tend to be associated with infections and should be observed by a veterinarian.
Contact with other dogs or cats with ear mites is typically what causes ear mites to be transmitted in dogs. Ear mite infestations are more common in puppies than older dogs. When one puppy or dog is infested, the mites can get onto bedding or transfer directly from dog to dog through play and socialising.
Ear mites are tiny skin parasites that cause intensely itchy ears and often lead to ear infections. Any dog can catch ear mites but they are most common in puppies. The most common way for a dog to catch ear mites is from another dog, but they can also be picked up from the home, garden and environment.