DIY Dog Ear Cleaner

Having a dog is a lot of work and they need a lot of love and care in order to stay happy and healthy. From walks, baths, training, feeding, and more, Sit Means Sit knows we all have to make sure we are working to meet our dog’s needs, and their ears are no exception.

Dog’s ears need regular cleaning and care to keep them wax-free and healthy. Ear cleaning is important to keep them from getting ear infections. Here is an article to help you determine if your dog has an ear infection. However, ear infections are easily prevented with regular ear cleaning.

If you don’t want to take your dog to the groomer to get their ears cleaned, there are simple ways to clean them at home.

Common Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs

When an infection finds its way into your dog’s ear canal, it can be incredibly uncomfortable for your pup. Getting early treatment for ear infections could save you both a lot of pain by preventing more symptoms and reducing the chance of further complications. Book an examination as soon as you notice any of these symptoms which are common with an ear infection:

• Ear pain
• Head tilt with ear down
• Your pet shaking their head excessively
• Scratching and digging at their ear with their paw
• Redness on the inside of the ear flap
• Black waxy discharge or even pus coming from their ear
• Bad smell coming from the ear

Irritated ears are your first sign of an infection, so don’t wait!

Ingredients for Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions

Boric acid

Boric acid is a topical treatment for yeast infections in both humans and canines. This powder is widely known as an effective ear-cleaning solution due to its antiseptic properties and drying capabilities. Combine a small amount of boric acid with some water to create a solution.

Vinegar

You can use any kind of vinegar (distilled, apple cider, etc…) in your dog’s ear canals to dissolve built-up earwax and other debris while protecting against bacteria and yeast at the same time. Never use straight vinegar, but always dilute it with water or another appropriate liquid to protect your dog’s delicate skin from irritation.

Alcohol

Let’s be clear. We’re talking about rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), not the kind of alcohol you drink. Rubbing alcohol is a powerful protectant against bacterial, yeasts, viruses, and fungi. It’s a fast-acting disinfectant with drying properties that help your dog keep their ears healthy. As with vinegar, it’s important to dilute rubbing alcohol with water, green tea, aloe vera, or other appropriate liquids, because it can be painful when it’s at full strength.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is an extract that’s designed to be skin-friendly. It can be kept in the home and used for ear rinses when the need arises. Do be aware that some commercial brands put alcohol in their Witch Hazel which can cause irritation to inflamed skin under some circumstances. This is another liquid you should dilute.

Green Tea

Green tea comes from the leaves and buds of Camellia Sinensis, which is known for being an antioxidant and for its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a cup of tea by pouring boiling water over a teabag and letting it cool. You can also use a teaspoon of the green tea herb, and if you do that, make sure you strain the liquid before applying it.

Aloe Vera Juice or Gel

Aloe Vera gels and juices are among the most common topical solutions for burns and skin irritations. It helps maintain a healthy ear environment by soothing, healing, and protecting. This is one of the few solutions you can use without diluting! Simply squeeze and go.

Glycerin

Glycerin isn’t something you’ll apply on its own, but it is something that you’ll see included in many dog ear cleaners. It’s almost always gentle on the skin while keeping it supple and comfortable. Though you won’t be applying this on your own, it’s good to be aware of the different ingredients in common cleaners.

Ingredients That Should Not Be Used in Dog’s Ears

You do not want to see or put hydrogen peroxide in your dog’s ear cleaners! It is a disinfectant and an antiseptic, and it comes diluted to 3% when you buy it at the store, but it’s still not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide can cause burning, stinging, and discomfort for your dog unless it is heavily diluted, and by then, you might as well use something gentler.

Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner Recipe

The recipe for making your own homemade dog ear cleaner is super simple! The ingredients are:

• Olive Oil

Seriously, that’s it! Olive oil is a ready-made dog ear cleaner. You can also use plain vegetable oil if you have that on hand. Avoid using avocado or grape seed oil as they can cause irritation.

What Tools Do You Need to Clean a Dog’s Ears?

Using the right tools to clean your dog’s ears will help the process go smoothly and prevent mishaps. Here is a list of things you should have on hand before beginning the cleaning process.

• Ear cleaner
• Cotton Swabs
• Treats
• Cotton ball
• Exam Gloves (optional)

The good thing about this list is that you probably have all of these items in your home already. That means you can start cleaning your dog’s ears today!

How to Clean Dog Ears

Once you’ve whipped up your ear-cleaning concoction of just olive oil, the steps of cleaning your dog’s ears are simple.

First, since olive oil can be messy, we recommend putting the oil into a squeeze bottle for more precise application. Then, gently squeeze some of the oil into your dog’s ear and massage it around. Once you’ve done that, use a clean cotton ball to wipe away excess oil and any dissolved wax.

While olive oil is safe to be used in a pinch, contact your vet before cleaning your pet’s ears to get their recommendation on what to do as they may have a store-bought cleaner they would prefer you to use based on your dog’s breed or other factors. Certain dog breeds need different products or more regular ear cleaning. Here is a list of dog breeds that may need their ears cleaned more often.

Regular cleaning should keep Fido healthy and happy while staying infection-free!

Which Dog Breeds Get The Most Ear Infections?

Dog breeds with floppy ears are the most susceptible to ear infections. This is because the ear folds down on itself and creates the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses. If your dog has floppy ears, pay special attention to the symptoms listed above!

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

There’s a balance that comes with ear cleaning. Some breeds (like those with floppy ears) will require more cleaning than other breeds that have healthy, self-regulating ears. Dogs with long hair around their ears will require more cleaning than dogs with short hair. It’s somewhat unique to your dog.

Also note that cleaning your dog’s ears too often can lead to irritation and even infection, in some cases. Find what works best for you and your dog. Ideally, you will have a routine that keeps your dog healthy and happy and isn’t too much strain on either of you.