Can I Use Water To Clean My Dog’s Ears?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Don’t use water to clean your dog’s ears

. This can actually cause more debris to get trapped and doesn’t break down wax like a good ear cleaning product does.

Can you use salt water to clean dog’s ears?


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.

What can I wash my dog’s ears with?

Use

an over-the-counter ear cleaner or normal saline

. Irrigation can be done without stressing out your dog. Hold the ear flap upright and fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. To fill the canal, squeeze the bottle directly into the canal for about 5 seconds.

How do you make saline solution for dog ears?


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!

How do I clean my dog’s stinky ears?


Squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dog’s ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds

. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Don’t let the tip of the applicator touch your dog’s ear, as this can introduce bacteria.

Can I wash my dog’s ears out with warm water?

Gently does it

A range of ear cleaning products are available for dogs, but

warm water will do the job in most cases

. Use cotton wool balls – don’t be tempted to use Q-tips as these can damage a dog’s ear. Dip the cotton wool into the liquid and work your way from the outside of the ear inwards.

Is there a home remedy for dog ear infection?


Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog’s ears

; it is an effective cleanser. Apple cider vinegar and equal parts water can be used to clean the ears against infection, but do not use this if the ear tissue is raw.

How can I treat my dog’s ear infection without going to the vet?


Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria

. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.

What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?

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.

How often should you clean your dog’s ears?

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.

Can I put apple cider vinegar in my dog’s ears?


Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog’s ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections

. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog’s ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.

Can salt water help an ear infection?


The warm salt will help draw out the fluid from the ear and reduce pain and swelling

.

How can I soothe my dog’s itchy ears?

  1. Calendula lotion.
  2. Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
  3. Hydrocortisone ointment.
  4. Mullein oil.
  5. Antihistamines.

Will dog ear infection go away on its own?


In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own

. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.

Why is my dog shaking his head and scratching his ear?

Common Reasons Dogs Shake Their Heads


Itchiness due to skin allergies

. Irritant trapped in their ear such as grass seeds, water or insects. Bacterial or yeast infection. Inflammation of ear canal.

How do I know if my dogs ears are infected?

  1. Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
  2. Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
  3. Odor in the ear.
  4. Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
  5. Hair loss around the ear.
  6. Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
  7. Head shaking or head tilt.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.