How to clean your dog’s ears

Have you ever wondered how to clean your dog’s ears from home? In today’s blog and video, we’ll hear from April, one of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Registered Veterinary Technicians, as she demonstrates how to properly clean your dog’s ears!

Check out the video for a visual guide to follow along:  

Note:

Before you clean your dog’s ears, it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian. Seek medical advice if their ears are red, painful, contain discharge, have a very heavy and dark brown/black wax, or a strong, foul odour.  

Your veterinarian may suggest to NOT clean the ears prior to the appointment for accurate assessment and diagnosis. 

Supplies you’ll need: 

• Quality ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian 
• Cotton balls (Not swabs or Q-Tips as they can damage the ear canal) 

• 1-2 large towels  
• Latex/nitrile gloves  
• High value dog treats 

Follow this step-by- step guide:  

Step 1: Put gloves on and have treats/toys ready. Have your dog sit in front of you with his rear end in between your legs.  

Step 2: Gently grasp one ear and hold the ear flap. Gently lift ear up vertically to expose the ear canal. The ear cleaning solution should be in your other hand and make sure it is at room temperature.   

Step 3: Squeeze some ear cleaning solution into your dog’s ear. Use enough cleaner until you can just see it in the top of the ear canal.  

Step 4: Continue to hold the ear flap upward with one hand and massage the base of ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds, allowing the solution to break up any debris.  

Step 5: While still holding the ear flap up, wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap “up and away” using a cotton ball or gauze. 

Step 6: Allow your dog to shake his head so the remaining ear cleaning solution and debris can move out of the canal. Tip: hold up a towel while he shakes to contain any solution that your dog shakes out. 

Step 7: Remove the debris and cleaning solution from the outer opening of the ear canal using a cotton ball or gauze.  

With these tips, your dog will have squeaky clean ears in no time! 

Remember, if you have any concerns about the health of your animal, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. 

Find out more about why your dog has itchy ears here!