What is the best way to clean out your dog's ears?

The best way to clean your dog's ears is to use a general-purpose ear cleanser that does not contain any alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. Wait until your dog is calm and relaxed before attempting to clean their ears. Then, turn them on their side and hold their ear open. Fill their ear with the gentle cleansing liquid until you can see the fluid, then pinch the ear shut to keep the cleansing liquid in. Massage the base of the ear gently for about 30 seconds, listening for the sound of the fluid swishing around. Thereafter, allow your dog to shake their head to loosen the debris. Use a cotton ball or gauze to remove the debris from their ear, not going deeper into the canal than one knuckle. Be sure to wipe all the liquid from your dogs face if any fluid ended up there after your dog's shake. To clean your dog’s ears once they’re relaxed: Hold their ear open while on their side and fill the exposed ear canal with cleanser.

The Dog Ear Flush Procedure Administering an ear flush for your dog can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward process: Find a quiet space where your dog feels comfortable. Gather all the necessary supplies, including the ear flush solution, cotton balls, and treats. Hold your dog’s ear flap up and carefully squeeze the ear flush solution into the ear canal. Allow the solution to fill the ear canal. Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for 20-30 seconds. After your dog shakes, use a cotton ball to gently wipe away any remaining solution and debris from the ear flap and opening. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push debris further into the ear canal.

To clean your dog's ears, get into position, with your dog sitting and you standing or sitting beside them, depending on their size. Hold the ear cleaning solution in your dominant hand. With your other hand, gently but firmly grasp the tip of the ear and pull the ear flap straight up to expose the ear and straighten the ear canal. Squeeze some ear cleaning solution into your dog’s ear, using enough cleaner to completely fill the ear canal. Continue to hold the ear flap straight up with one hand and gently massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for about 30 seconds with the other hand. 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. Allow your dog to shake his head, then 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. Remove any debris and remaining cleaning solution from inside 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 to remove the solution from the ear canal, as this can damage the ear canal and/or ear drum or push debris further into the ear canal. Repeat the same process with the other ear.

To clean your dog's ears at home, fill the ear canal with ear cleaning solution. If your dog does not tolerate ear solution directly into the ear, try saturating cotton pads or balls with the ear cleaning solution instead. Gently massage the base of the ear. Use cotton pads or cotton balls to gently wipe away debris, starting from the inside of the ear and working your way to the outside ear flap. Avoid using cotton swabs to prevent pushing debris deeper into the ear canal. If your dog seems to be in pain during an ear cleaning, stop and consult with your veterinarian. The frequency of cleaning your dog’s ears will depend on whether it is for treatment of an infection, which could be up to daily to start, or maintenance, which could be every 1-2 weeks. Many types of ear cleaning solutions are available and some may be better for certain types of infections, removal of waxy buildup, or routine maintenance cleaning. In general, avoid anything with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in the solution.