What can I use to clean my dogs ears at home? Do I need to clean my cat’s ears? Regular cat and dog ear cleaning is crucial for ear health and can help prevent ear disease, ear infection and ear mites.

How Do I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

1. Grasp the flap of the ear and gently pull up while filling with pet safe ear cleaner such as Vet Basics^® Ear Cleansing Solution. Fill the dog or cat’s ear until it is coming out of the ear; you can never put too much ear cleanser in the ear. Be aware that they may shake their head as the cleanser is going into their ear canal.
2. Massage at the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds to get the cleanser deep down in the ear. Massage the debris loose from the wall of the ear canal; allow the animal to shake its head to remove excess fluid. You may want to go outside to clean ears or hold a towel up to catch flying cleaner when they shake!
3. Take a cotton ball and wipe the loose debris and excess fluid out of the ear. Continue this process until the cotton ball comes out clean.
4. You will need to put the ear cleanser in the ear more than once the first few times to get all the junk out.

If your dog or cat needs ear medication, wait at least one hour before applying it. This allows the ear to properly dry and ensures the treatment is more effective.

If you have more questions on cat or dog ear cleaning or are looking for more tips on keeping your pet’s ears healthy, call us at 800.786.4751.