To clean your dog’s ears at home, you’ll need to select a gentle, pet-formulated, ear cleanser. Hold your dog’s ear flap upright, and dribble a small amount of the cleansing solution into the ear canal. As the cleanser seeps down into the canal, use your fingers to massage the base of the ear for around 15-20 seconds.
What can I use to clean my dogs ears at home?
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. This maintenance treatment can help prevent infection in an otherwise healthy ear, she says.
What is best to clean dog ears?
Ear Cleaning Tools
It’s best to use
cotton balls or your finger wrapped in soft gauze
as the only objects going into your dog’s ears. Use an ear rinse that is safe to use for a dog (when in doubt, ask your vet) that has no antibiotics, steroids, alcohol, or toxic materials.
How do I keep my dogs ears clean longer?
Hold the ear flap and massage the ear base for around 20 to 30 seconds
. This is how the ear wash breaks up wax and other debris inside your dog’s ear. Wipe away debris. After you’ve massaged your dog’s ears, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to remove any debris from the inside of the flap and the upper canal of the ear.
How do you get brown gunk out of a dog’s ear?
Instead, simply
wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball
. Continue to inspect your dog’s ears regularly. If you notice any brown discharge starting to appear, apply a bit of vet-approved canine ear cleaning solution, available at any pet supply store.
How do you get black gunk out of a dog’s ear?
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.
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.
How often should dog’s ears be cleaned?
Helpful Dog Ear Care Tips
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.
Should I clean inside my dog’s ears?
Do all dogs need to have their ears cleaned?
No. While it is important to clean your dog’s ears when needed, over-cleaning may cause irritation in the ear canal and this can lead to infection
. Some dogs that have healthy, clean ears may never need to have their ears cleaned.
Is dog Ear wax black?
Earwax ranges from yellowish to light brown to even black
—all of which can be associated with an ear infection. Ideally, your dog’s ear should be a healthy pink color and be free of redness, discharge, and odors.
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.
Why are my dogs ears turning black?
Causes such as skin allergy in dogs, scratching, skin infection due to bacteria, skin inflammation due to skin parasites, and self-trauma by dogs with activities such as scratching, rubbing, licking, and biting at their own skin are commonly seen in dogs with skin problems. These all can lead to hyperpigmentation.
How often should you clean dog’s ears with apple cider vinegar?
If your dog has smelly earwax and you want to try the vinegar before taking him in to the veterinarian, clean the ears then apply a few drops of the apple cider vinegar to each ear
once a day
. Ear infections are hard to clear up so try this at least two weeks before giving up.
