Instructions for Ear Cleaning and Administering Ear Medication in Dogs

Ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s grooming needs. Some dogs need more frequent ear cleaning than others. Dogs who are prone to ear infections often benefit from more frequent ear cleanings.

Why is it important?

The structure of the dog’s ear canal makes it difficult for material trapped deep within the horizontal canal to be expelled without the assistance of cleanings. This material can lead to itchiness and ear infections if not removed.

Do I need to use an ear cleaner?

It is highly recommended to use a good quality ear cleaner. Cleaners with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol can cause irritation within the ear canal, especially if the canal is inflamed or ulcerated. Some ear cleaners have antibacterial or antifungal ingredients to help prevent ear infections. Certain cleaners are also better at removing wax build-up. Your veterinarian can help you decide which ear cleaning solution is best for your pet.

What do I need to clean my dog’s ears?

Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require any special equipment. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog are all that is needed. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®), due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal. In addition, the use of cotton tip applicators can push debris further into the ear canal.

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. However, it is recommended to clean your dog’s ears if you notice discharge or an odor when examining the ear. Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your dog’s ears should be cleaned. If your dog’s ears are red, inflamed, or painful, consult with your veterinarian prior to cleaning. Your dog may have an ear infection or a ruptured ear drum.

Step-by-Step Guide for Ear Cleaning

1. Sit on the floor and have your dog sit in front of you with his rear end positioned between your legs. If you have a large breed dog, position him so he is sitting with his rear end in the corner of a room, with his one side against the wall. Stand on his other side.
2. Grasp one ear and hold the ear flap (pinna) up vertically to expose straighten out the ear canal.
3. While holding your dog’s ear flap, gently but firmly with one hand, hold the ear cleaning solution in your other hand.
4. Squeeze some ear cleaning solution into your dog’s ear. Use enough cleaner to completely fill the ear canal. It is fine if some of the cleaner spills out of the ear canal. Do not put the tip of the bottle into the ear. If the tip of the bottle touches your dog’s ear, wipe the tip off with a clean cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.
5. Continue to hold the ear flap up vertically with one hand and gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds with the other hand. This allows the cleaning solution to break up the debris that is in the ear canal. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaning solution moves around in the horizontal part of the ear canal.
6. While still holding up the ear flap , wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap and the upper ear canal using a cotton ball or gauze.
7. Allow your dog to shake his head. This allows the remaining ear cleaning solution and debris from the ear canal to move out of the canal to the outer opening of the ear.
8. Once again, hold the ear flap up, and remove the loosened debris and cleaning solution from the outer opening of the ear canal using a cotton ball or gauze.
9. Remove any debris and remaining cleaning solution from the ear canal with a cotton ball or gauze – only go into the ear canal as far as your finger will reach. Never use a cotton-tipped applicator (Q-tip®) to remove the solution from the ear canal. Doing so can damage the ear canal and/or ear drum or push debris further into the ear canal.
10. Praise your dog and provide treats.
11. Repeat the same process with the other ear.
12. If your dog appears to be in pain during the cleaning process, stop and consult your veterinarian. Repeat the cleaning procedure as often as is recommended by your veterinarian. If your dog has an ear infection and requires medication to be applied to the ears, clean the ears first and then apply the medication.

Step-by-Step Guide for Medication Application

Medication can often be applied immediately after cleaning your dog’s ears. Your veterinarian will provide further information about how often the medication is to be applied and how many drops are needed.

1. Gently but firmly, grasp the tip of the ear and pull the ear flap straight up to expose and straighten out the ear canal.
2. Administer the number of drops of medication that your veterinarian has prescribed. Do not put the tip of the bottle into the ear. If the tip of the bottle touches your dog’s ear, wipe the tip off with a clean cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.
3. Continue to hold the ear flap up vertically and gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds. This allows the medication to coat the entire ear canal. You should again hear a squishing sound in the ear as the medication coats the horizontal part of the ear canal.
4. If the inner part of the ear flap is involved with the infection, place the prescribed amount of medication on the infected part of the ear flap. Spread the medication around with your finger (preferably while wearing a glove).
5. Repeat this process with the other ear, as needed.
6. If debris or medication accumulates on the flap part of the ear, it can be wiped away with a cotton ball soaked in ear cleaning solution.