Use a dog-specific ear cleaner in the ear canal and be sure not to insert it too far. Start by massaging the base of the ear. It will help the cleanser to pass into the ear canal. Wipe the cleaner with damp cotton.
“Certain cleaners are also better at removing wax build-up.” If your dog doesn't have an ear infection and only needs to have their ear flap cleaned, Dr. Nelson tells Rover that a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar is a good at-home option.
What can I clean my dog's ears with? A proper veterinary cleaner should be used. These can be bought over the counter and are a cost effective alternative to pet-shop bought products. An ear cleaner should; dissolve and lift debris from the ear canal, pH balance the ear canal and then dry quickly.
Normal saline can be used and is very safe. This includes products like Virbac's Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner. Epi-Otic has a low pH of 2.2 and contains no chlorhexidine or alcohol. Other popular, safe options include Zymox cleanser with bio-active enzymes and ear wipes like these.
There are various types of ear cleaners, but the most important thing is that you only use a good quality dog ear cleaner. Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog's ear.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
Natural Remedies to Try
It's worth noting that while natural remedies work well in some cases, a vet visit is still necessary in others. One remedy that has been successful is a homemade saline solution. Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently flush your dog's ears with the mixture.
Some popular options include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. However, it's important to note that these remedies may not work for every dog, and it's always best to consult with a vet if you're unsure about treatment options.
You can easily manage ear infections like otitis externa with natural ear infection remedies including mullein drops, green tea, apple cider vinegar and calendula. For deeper ear issues (otitis media and interna), you may need to ask your holistic vet if you're not sure which type of infection your dog has.
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.
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.
If you examine the discharge under a microscope or magnifying glass, you may see tiny white specks moving about in the debris. These are live ear mites. They are very hard to see and also may not appear in the discharge sample you look at, that's why you'll always want your vet to confirm a diagnosis.
Home remedies such as baking soda, green tea, or olive oil may seem like an easy alternative to treatment for ear mites in your dog. However, they are not proven to work and may even prolong the problem or cause other issues. Consult a veterinarian for a complete treatment and prevention plan.
Ear mites under a microscope.
They are barely visible to the human eye. An infestation produces brownish ear wax, similar in appearance to coffee grounds. Ear mites are contagious and can travel from the ears of an infected dog to any other dogs in close contact.
Olive oil, mineral oil or coconut oil—oils are relatively safe to use, and olive oil can kill ear mites by smothering them though it takes many weeks to clear ear mites with this method. However, as before, if your pet has a serious ear infection, she needs proper medication to resolve the infection.
The following are some of the best products that kills mites on dogs instantly: OUT! Natural Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment Spray. SynergyLabs Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs.
Your dog can get ear mites from just spending time outdoors. When outside, ear mites can be found in areas with a lot of trees or grasses. When your dog unknowingly passes by the mites, they cling to your dog and climb up to the ear. It's also possible for ear mites to pass from pet to pet.
The best way to help itchy ears is to see the vet. Home remedies or over-the-counter “cures” typically don't help, and may even make the situation worse. Your veterinary team will examine your dog's ears, check their eardrum for damage, and take an ear swab to examine under a microscope.
If ear mites are found, an oral or topical treatment will be prescribed. We don't recommend some of the natural remedies found on the Internet, such as drowning the mites in oil or using eucalyptus or tea tree oil. It would take a lot of oil to drown mites and could further clog up your pet's ear.
As for topical products that go behind the pet's shoulders, there are many parasite control products that can be used. Active ingredients such as selamectin, moxidectin, flurilaner, and saralaner typically remove an ear mite infection after a single dose.