Cleaning A Dog's Ears - Veterinary Training, by AnimalCareTV on YouTube. 5 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet spot and have someone hold your dog steady. Set out the ear cleaner, cotton balls or gauze, a towel and a few treats within reach.
Check both ears before you start. Look for redness, swelling, dark discharge or a bad smell, and do not clean if you find them.
Lift the ear flap gently and look into the canal. Only clean the parts you can actually see.
Squeeze a few drops of vet-approved cleaner into the ear canal. Follow the dose on the label.
Massage the base of the ear for about 20 seconds. You should hear a soft squelching sound.
Let your dog shake its head. Stand back or drape the towel over its head to catch the spray.
Wipe the inside of the flap and the visible canal with a cotton ball or gauze. Use a fresh piece for each swipe.
Never push a cotton swab into the canal. It packs wax deeper and can damage the eardrum.
Give your dog a treat, then repeat the whole process on the other ear with clean cotton.
Clean the ears about once a month, or as often as your vet advises for your dog.
Tips and common mistakes
Stop if your dog yelps or guards the ear, since pain usually means an infection that needs a vet.
Do not use vinegar, alcohol or home remedies unless your vet recommends them.
Hair growing inside the canal traps wax, so ask your vet about trimming it.
Dry the ears well after swimming or a bath to help prevent infections.
Questions
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
Once a month suits most dogs. Dogs prone to infections may need it weekly, so follow your vet's advice.
Can I use cotton swabs?
No. Use them only on the outer flap. Swabs pushed into the canal pack wax in and can injure the eardrum.
What if my dog's ears smell bad?
A bad smell with discharge or redness often means an infection. See your vet before you clean them.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
