Cleaning a dog's ears can seem a daunting and sensitive task if you don't know how. Maybe even a little yucky for some. But we shall not be concentrating on solving that aspect here today. What we shall be doing instead, is talking about the correct method and the right way of cleaning the ears. It is a really important task because it prevents canine ear infection and diseases and is thus essential for maintaining your dog's health.

Natural Ways of Cleaning Ears

Cleaning a dog's ears is important and essential. But one has to be careful in doing it. Here are some easy ways of how to go about this process.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Cleaning the ears with hydrogen peroxide has proved to be a very effective method for success. To do this...
  1. Take a little amount of hydrogen peroxide and pour it in a container to let it come down to room temperature.
  2. This is necessary because hydrogen peroxide is cold and might hurt the ears.
  3. Once it's warm, use a dropper and put about 3-4 drops inside the dog's ear.
  4. Make sure that it does not go into the ear canal.
  5. Now fold the ear over and massage well.
  6. Take a cotton ball and dab the excess and dirty peroxide and then with a swab, clean the outer parts of the ear.
  7. Now let the dog shake off.
Vinegar and Water
Cleaning a dog's ears with vinegar and water is another effective method of cleaning his ears. For this:
  1. Make a solution of vinegar, water and peroxide in a 1:1:1 ratio in a container.
  2. Now hold the dog's snout so he doesn't move. Make sure that the grip is firm yet gentle.
  3. Dip a cotton in the solution and clean the inside of the ear.
  4. Then using a cotton swab clean the earwax buildup from around the ear.
  5. Be extremely careful and gentle when you clean the ear, such that it does not go deep into the ear canal and damage the eardrum.
  6. Now take a dry cotton swab and clean off the excess solution.
  7. One can also use a dish cloth or cotton cloth to clean the ears.
Alcohol
Cleaning the ears with alcohol is also a very effective way of going about it. For this:
  1. Make a solution of rubbing alcohol, vinegar and water in equal proportions (about 1/3)
  2. Transfer this in a dipper bottle.
  3. Hold your dog's head on the side and squirt 6-8 drops inside the dog's ear.
  4. Let sit for a minute.
  5. Then let the dog shake it off.
  6. Now take a cotton and wipe off the excess solution.
  7. Then using a cotton swab, clean the outer portion of the ear.
Oils
One can use different oils like tea tree oil or olive oil for cleaning the ears as well. If your dog has ear mites, this really helps. For this:
  1. Take some oil and heat it slightly so that it is lukewarm.
  2. Now pour about 4-6 drops inside the dog's ear with a dipper.
  3. Make sure that the dog's head is held securely on the side.
  4. After the oil has been poured in the dog's ears, let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. This will help to soften the hard crusts inside the ear.
  5. Now take a damp cotton swab and clean the ears till they are clear off any debris. One can also use a wet cloth for this.
  6. Now take a dry cloth and wipe the ear dry.
  7. Make sure that the oil does not get in the fur or you'll have to bathe your dog to get rid of it.
Mouthwash
Another method of cleaning ears is using a mouthwash.
  1. Pour some mouthwash in a container and let sit so it warms up to room temperature.
  2. Then pour about 2-3 drops in and let sit for a minute.
  3. Then take a make up removal pad and pat it dry.
  4. Next, use a little amount of rubbing alcohol and squirt on a cotton ball.
  5. Now swipe it all over the ear to dry it off quickly and disinfect it further.
Other Options
Here are some other options that you can use.
  • One can also make a solution using rubbing alcohol (4 ounces), glycerin (1 tbs), boric acid (2 tbs) and then following the same procedure as is mentioned in the methods above.
  • Use baby wipes for cleaning the ears. Simply wipe the ears with them. This helps because they have antibacterial properties.
  • One can also buy a commercial ear wash solution, which are readily available in the market.
Always be very gently when you take a cotton bud to your dog's ear 'coz it can damage their eardrums. These were some of the best methods of cleaning the dog's ears. Clean your dog's ears once a month as a part of dog care. Be very careful when you're doing it. And you'll have a happy dog, thanking you for it! All the best and take care of your pet.