Should you remove dog ear wax?
Elouise Oberbrunner
2025-10-19 05:26:21
Count answers
: 20
Ear cleaning helps decrease debris, bacteria and yeast inside the ear. When a dog has an ear infection, excessive, abnormal debris is often present, making it difficult for the topical medications to reach the infection. Bacteria and yeast can easily hide inside layers of debris inside the ear canal and, if left behind after the treatment course has been completed, lead to reinfection of the ear. Certain types of ear discharge, such as purulent discharge, can even inactivate certain medications, preventing them from working. If debris is packed deep into the ear canal, it can prevent the medication from reaching the deeper parts of the ear closer to the eardrum. 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. 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.
Thurman McLaughlin
2025-10-09 16:20:09
Count answers
: 26
Should I remove ear wax from a dog's ears?
No.
While it’s important to check a dog’s ears regularly, you shouldn’t remove healthy levels of earwax for no reason.
Cleaning a dog’s ears too much can cause itching and irritation, which in turn can result in infections.
Dogs that are more prone to ear infections and build ups of earwax may need to have their ears cleaned more regularly, but it’s important to contact a veterinarian before removing a dog’s earwax at home.
To keep a dog’s ears healthy, you can:
Contact a veterinarian for ear-cleaning solutions.
Kade Bogan
2025-10-02 20:40:21
Count answers
: 20
Regular ear cleanings are a great way to help keep your dog’s ears clear from disease and infection.
To clean normal ears, choose a mild ear cleaner specifically designed to be used on pets.
Some cleaners are designed to break up wax while others are meant to dry the ear canal.
You may also opt for combination products, which are designed to do a bit of both.
Heavy, matted, moist ear flaps, surrounding hair, and excessively hairy ear canals will decrease air flow to the ear canal, making it possible for wax and other debris to build up, potentially leading to infection.
In some dogs, excess hair may need to be gently removed from inside the ear canal; note, this must be done carefully to avoid damaging the ear canal and minimize discomfort to your pet.
Use clean cotton balls to gently wipe out and up the canal, removing any wax or cleaning solution you see.
The regularity with which you clean your dog’s ears depends on your pet's breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production.
We recommend that most dogs with normal ears have cleanings at least once a month.
Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet.
Jaclyn Frami
2025-09-23 16:41:38
Count answers
: 16
The structure of the dog’s ear canal makes it difficult for material trapped deep within the horizontal canal to be expelled without the assistance of cleanings.
This material can lead to itchiness and ear infections if not removed.
While it is important to clean your dog’s ears when needed, over-cleaning may cause irritation in the ear canal, which can lead to infection.
Some dogs that have healthy, clean ears may never need to have their ears cleaned.
However, it is recommended to clean your dog’s ears if you notice discharge or an odor when examining the ear.
Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your dog’s ears should be cleaned.
If your dog’s ears are red, inflamed, or painful, consult with your veterinarian prior to cleaning.
Your dog may have an ear infection or a ruptured ear drum.
Certain cleaners are also better at removing wax build-up.
Read also
- What is the best way to clean out your dog's ears?
- How do you get the brown stuff out of a dog's ear?
- How often should a dog's ears be cleaned?
- How to clean wax out of dog ears at home?
- How can I clean my dog's ears at home without solution?
- Is it normal for dogs to have brown ear wax?
- How do I clean my dog's ears at home?
- How do you get deep wax out of a dog's ear?
- How often should you clean a dog's ears at home?
- What causes excessive earwax buildup?
- What does brown ear wax mean in dogs?
- What is a natural ear wax remover for dogs?
- Can dogs get wax build up in their ears?