Top tips to clean your pet’s ears with confidence
Do you struggle to clean your pet’s ears? You’re not alone! Many owners find themselves splattered in ear cleaner or chasing their pets around the house in a valiant effort to keep their friend’s ears wax-free.
With a few expert tips, though, you can get the job done without the stress and mess. Use these tricks of the trade to clean your pet’s ears like a pro:
- Choose a high-quality ear cleaner. Some cleaners have antibacterial or antifungal ingredients; others are better at removing wax. Your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your pet.
- Skip the Q-tip! Cotton-tip applicators like Q-tips can push wax into the ear canal and potentially even cause damage to the eardrum. Stick to cotton balls and gauze.
- Have all your supplies ready to go. This way you can keep a hand on your pet to prevent a potential escape attempt.
- Try the no-pour technique. Some pets may be fine having the cleaner gently poured into their ear, but others may spook at the feel (and sound!) of it. Instead, soak a cotton ball with the cleaner, place it in the opening of the ear and then massage the base of the ear. This will squish the liquid out of the cotton ball, releasing it into the ear canal in a slower and less intimidating way.
- Massage, massage, massage. Massaging the base of the ear works the cleaner in and helps break up wax. Plus, it feels good! Most pets love their massage, leaning in for more.
- Protect your eyes. As soon as you stop massaging and let go of your pet’s ear, you can bet that they’ll shake their head. Be prepared for the spray.
- Remove wax only if you can see it. Use a cotton ball or gauze (never a Q-tip!) to wipe away the wax, but never put these deep into the ear canal. The rule of thumb is that you should never try to clean beyond what you can see.
- Pay attention for any signs of pain. If your pet seems extremely agitated or in pain by the process, stop and consult your veterinarian.
- Don’t skimp on the treats. Make this a fun and positive experience for your pet!
Browse our selection of veterinarian-curated ear cleaners. >>
