What can I use to clean my dogs ears?

Question

Is it necessary to buy ear cleaner from the store to clean a dogs ears? My dog needs this done and just wondering what other's use. Thanks!

Answer 1

Don't just use water...too much could cause an ear infection. Ask the vet to recommend a product for you! When I first got my puppies, I washed them and got too much water in their ears and it was down hill from there!

Answer 2

I would take your dog to the vet first of all, to find out why the ears are dirty to begin with and to make sure there is not an infection. Once you get the infection under control the vet can recommend a good cleaner. A previous person answered with a home remedy that I have used myself with good success (the one with the apple cider vinegar). There is a thin celaphane like layer of tissue that protects the inner ear called the tympanic membrane. If that is damaged from infection or has a hole in it and you pour some liquids into the ear you risk damaging the dogs ears permanently even resulting in head tilts or loss of hearing. Better to be safe then sorry. Let the vet look in the ear to make sure the tympanic membrane is intact and proceed from there. Once you get the right rinse you can clean them periodically from then on and avoid any further problems. I have a lab with chronic ear problems and I still have them checked once in a while. Good luck :o))

Answer 3

You will notice the thumbs on anyone that said a swab or Q-tip, that was me. You are not a Vet. and it is very easy to injure the ear drum. My Vet. told me that in no uncertain terms. I got an Ear/Skin cleanser from the Vet. that did not cost a lot. It is good for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, if you happen to have any. Just soak cotton balls with it and go into the ear as far as you can to clean. The Vet. even said don't worry if you lose the Cotton in there as the head shaking will throw it out. What I got is called MalAcetic Otic from DermaPet. It was really cheap compared to the bills I had for a terrible ear infection my Beagle had. The bottle will probably last for years. I check their ears all the time and if not dirty I don't clean them.

Answer 4

I have used an ear cleaner bought from the vet that is safe to put down inside the ear, and it worked really well, but I have also used tea tree oil on her ears, and was very pleased with the results. I didn't actually put it down into the ear, as I wasn't sure if I should, but she has large ears (a golden retriever), so there was plenty to clean just inside to the ear. I have used Q-tips for the tight spots, and a flat make-up remover pad to reach down inside.

Answer 5

cotten wool and ear cleaner from the vets or pet shop. I tried the wipes but did not think much of them

Answer 6

You can buy ear wash and cotton balls. Just squirt some ear wash in the ear and rub it with the cotton ball.

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Answer 7

A few drops of mineral oil works great. It also works good for humans too. Its safer than using Q-tips.

Answer 8

I use rubbing alcohol, That dries out the ear. But mine are really prone to ear infection you can also use, which might be better in your cercomstace, white vinegar and water in equal parts. It works well.

Answer 9

dog soup and water

Answer 10

cotton pieces with some water