Step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog's ears

Haley Force, RVT

How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

What You’ll Need

  • A veterinary-recommended ear cleanser (bottle design may vary)
  • Cotton balls, tissues, or soft absorbent material
  • Treats (to make the experience positive!)

Step-by-Step Ear Cleaning

1. Apply the Ear Cleanser

  1. Lift your dog's affected ear to expose the ear canal.
  2. Take the nozzle of the ear cleanser bottle and gently place it into the ear canal.
  3. Angle the nozzle slightly toward the nose (to match the shape of the canal).
  4. Squeeze the bottle to release the solution into the ear.

2. Massage the Ear

Once you’ve added the cleanser:

  • Use your fingers to gently rub just under and slightly in front of the ear.
  • This helps work the solution into the horizontal part of the L-shaped ear canal, allowing it to loosen debris.

3. Wipe Away Debris

After massaging, use a soft, absorbent material to wipe away any loosened debris:

  • Insert a cotton ball, tissue, or soft paper towel gently into the ear.
  • Wipe up any visible dirt or wax that has surfaced.
  • Repeat a few times as needed until the ear appears clean.

4. Repeat if Necessary

Depending on how dirty the ear is:

  • You may need to repeat the process one or two more times with the cleanser.
  • Continue wiping until the cotton ball comes out clean.

And that's it! Once the wipes come out clean, your dog's ear is properly cleaned.

If you ever have trouble with your pet, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Green Valley Veterinary Care! Please give us a call at the office at (937) 358-8142, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!

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