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?
- Grasp the flap of the ear and gently pull up while filling with pet safe ear cleaner such as Vet Basics® General Ear Cleanser. 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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 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.
LEARN MORE:
Ear Infection in Dogs and Cats
How do I treat my dog's ear infection? What are the signs of an ear infection in a dog or cat? Learn cat and dog ear infection symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.
Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs
How do you get rid of ear mites in dogs and cats? Ear mites are responsible for more than 50 percent of all feline ear infections. Learn the symptoms and treatment of ear mites in cats and dogs.
Fly Bites on Dog’s Ears
When flies bite the edge of a dog's ears, they can attract flies in the area to the ear. Learn more about treatment for fly bites and how to keep them off.
Tear Stains on Dogs and Cats
Why is my dog suddenly getting tear stains? Tear stains can cause infections, discomfort and facial irritation for dogs and cats. Learn the causes of tear stains and how to treat and prevent them.
Written by: Donald Bramlage, DVM
Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine for 30+ years and is known for his work in managing parvovirus. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985. He served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.