Did you know that dirty dog ears can cause anywhere from infections to discomfort and even hearing loss?
You see, cleaning your dog’s ears is an essential aspect of their overall health and well-being. And a lack of it creates the perfect conditions for germs and parasites to breed.
Now, speaking of dogs ear wash, a lot of pet parents I know resort to expensive grooming sessions.
But what if I told you that you can save both time and money by doing this yourself at home.
Yes, a dog ear wash DIY is possible and you need not be an expert to do it. All you need is the right ear cleaning solution and you’re all set.
Read on, as I’ve walked you through a step-by-step ear cleaning process along with my own take as a dog wash expert in Memphis.
Why is ear cleaning important for dogs?
First thing first, let me address the one obvious question you might have, i.e., why is dogs ear wash so important.
As you’d have noticed, your pup’s ear canal is more vertical than yours. And this forms an L-shape that can easily trap debris, moisture, and wax.
Moreover, if you don’t clean their ears regularly, this buildup can lead to bacterial or yeast infections.
The result: Your dog can experience symptoms ranging from minor discomfort and complete loss of hearing in some cases.
As such, regular cleaning goes a long way to prevent infections by removing debris and moisture reducing the risk of bacterial and yeast overgrowth.
Dog ear wash DIY: Here’s how to wash dogs ears
When it comes to maintaining your dog’s overall health and hygiene, regular ear cleaning is simply non-negotiable.
Thankfully, not only is there a home remedy dog ear wash but you can also DIY it to prevent infections, manage ear odor, and keep your dog’s ears healthy.
All in all, here’s how you can go about dog ear wash DIY safely and efficiently:
Get the necessary ear cleaning materials
Before you can start cleaning your furry buddy’s ears, there are a few essential cleaning materials that you’ll need to purchase, including:
- Ear cleaning solution: A cleaning solution is the most important of all, and I suggest you buy a natural ear wash for dogs which is specifically formulated using natural ingredients. Also, you can make your own homemade ear wash for dogs using a mixture of half water and half vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar).
Note: If your dog has sensitive skin or ear issues, you can consult your vet and get a medicated ear wash for dogs instead.
- Cotton balls or gauze: You’ll need these to wipe away dirt and debris from the outer ear canal.
Note: My advice is to avoid using cotton swabs (Q-tips) as they can push debris further into the ear, leading to injury or infection.
- Treats: Get your pup’s favorite treat to offer them after cleaning as it will help your dog associate ear cleaning with positive experiences and anxiety during future cleanings.
- Towel: You’ll lay this down to protect your floors or furniture from a mess. Also, it will help you manage any liquid or debris that might fall while cleaning.
Follow the right steps to wash dogs ears
Now that you’ve procured all the ear cleaning essentials, it’s time you can actually start out with dog ear wash DIY.
And to do so, here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1. Prepare the space
To begin with, I suggest you choose a quiet and comfortable spot in your home. And this could be anywhere from your living room to your dog’s rest area to a dedicated DIY dog wash tub.
You see, a calm environment makes your dog feel less stressed. This, in turn, makes the cleaning process easier for you.
Moving ahead, you can lay down a towel or old sheet to protect home interiors from any liquid or wax that might drip or spill.
Also, this is when you’ll gather all cleaning materials in one place including the cleaning solution, cotton balls, treats, and a towel.
Step 2. Restrain your dog
When I talk about restraining your pup, I don’t mean tying them up or causing any discomfort to them. Instead, you can gently hold them still to make sure you’re able to perform the cleaning safely and without sudden movements.
To that end, you can also get assistance from another person to hold the dog you’re cleaning, more so if your pet is squirmy or anxious.
Think of this as when you measure your dog for clothes with the help of a friend or family member for accurate sizing.
What’s more?
You can also use positive reinforcement, where before you start, you’ll let your dog know that you’re about to perform a task that will require them to sit still. And you can do this by reassuring them with calm words and petting.
Step 3. Inspect the ear
Before you wash, you should check your dog’s ear for signs of infection or injury. That’s because washing an infected ear can make the situation worse.
I suggest you look for the following:
- Redness or swelling: If the ear looks inflamed or swollen, there might be an infection. And if there’s odor and excessive wax buildup too, you should consult a vet on priority.
- Foreign objects: Sometimes debris like grass, dirt, or even insects can get trapped inside your dog’s ear. And if you spot any such foreign objects, avoid attempting to remove them yourself unless you can do so safely.
- Discharge: Any unusual discharge, including yellow, brown, or black fluid, could indicate an ear infection or mite infestation.
Step 4. Apply the cleaning solution
It is the ear cleaning solution that will break down wax and debris and make it easier for you to remove them.
So, once you’ve inspected the ears, you should now apply the solution. Here’s how
- Hold the ear flap upright: Gently lift your dog’s ear flap upwards to expose the ear canal. This creates space for the solution to enter and be absorbed by the wax and debris.
- Apply the solution: Pour a small amount of the ear cleaner into the ear canal. Be sure not to insert the tip of the bottle directly into the ear, as this can cause injury or infection.
Note: You don’t need to flood the ear with solution. Instead, a few drops, depending on the size of your dog’s ear, should do.
Step 5. Massage the ear base
A gentle ear massage helps the cleaning solution break down wax and debris and ensures the solution penetrates the entire ear canal.
Here, you can use your fingers to gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. And if your dog seems to be uncomfortable, stop, check their response, and try again once they’ve calmed down.
Note:
Step 6. Let your dog shake their head
After you’ve massaged the ears, let your dog shake their head. This is a natural behavior that helps remove excess moisture and debris from their ears.
However, it is essential that you are watchful for over-shaking since this could indicate irritation or that the ear has not been cleaned properly.
Step 7. Wipe away debris
You can use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the inner part of the ear flap and the outer ear canal.
Start from the base of the ear and work your way up toward the tip as this helps remove the loosened wax and dirt efficiently.
Pro tip: You should avoid pushing too deep into the ear canal to prevent injury to the eardrum.
Step 8. Repeat the same for the other ear
Follow the Same Steps: Repeat all the previous steps for the second ear. And as you do so, use a new cotton ball or gauze for each ear to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 9. Reward your dog
After the ear cleaning is complete, reward your dog with praise and some treats. This positive reinforcement will help them associate ear cleaning with something enjoyable.
Dog ear wash DIY: Dos and Don’ts
Here are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind while cleaning your dog’s ears:
Do
1. Stick to vet-approved medicated ear wash for dogs or gentle DIY solutions like diluted vinegar or olive oil.
2. Inspect your dog’s ears before cleaning.
3. Clean once every few weeks or as needed.
4. Stick to cotton balls or gauze for safe wiping.
Don’t
1. Rub alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can be too harsh and cause irritation or dryness.
2. Clean the ears if there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, foul odor, discharge).
3. Use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal as they push debris further in and risk injury.
3 Mistakes to avoid during dogs ear wash
Mistakes can happen as you wash your pup’s ears. And although you can’t avoid some obvious errors, here are a few mistakes that can worsen the situation:
Mistake 1: Washing an infected ear.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong cleaning solution including human ear cleaners, alcohol, or overly strong solutions.
Mistake 3: Not drying the ears properly.
Bonus: You can make a DIY homemade ear wash for dogs, here’s how
Complicated as it might seem, making your own dog ear cleaner at home is both simple and cost-effective.
Moreover, I love the idea of creating a home remedy dog ear wash because it lets me control the ingredients, and make sure they’re safe and natural for my dog.
The best part: You don’t need fancy equipment at all, just a few common ingredients and you’re good to go. And this includes:
1. Ear wash for dogs with vinegar
One of the most popular recipes, this involves a combination of vinegar and water. And to make this, you can mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water.
Now, use this mixture with a cotton ball to gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear.
2. Medicated ear wash with boric acid and alcohol
Another option you’ve got is a solution made from boric acid and alcohol. You can create this solution by mixing a small amount of boric acid powder with alcohol.
The only catch here is to dilute alcohol in order to prevent irritation. A good ratio is one part boric acid to three parts alcohol, with a little added water to make it gentle.
3. Brewed green tea (yes it works!)
If you want something soothing, green tea is yet another excellent choice. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm irritated ears.
All you’ve got to do is brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and then use it as an ear rinse. This is gentle, has many benefits, and even vets recommend it for regular ear care.
FAQs about dog ear wash DIY
How often should you clean your dog’s ears?
The frequency of cleaning your dog’s ears largely depends on factors like breed, activity level, and ear health.
For instance, dogs with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, tend to need more frequent cleaning, typically once a week or every other week. That’s because their ears trap moisture and debris.
On the other hand, upright-eared dogs, like German Shepherds and Huskies, usually require ear cleaning less often, such as once a month or as needed.
Can you use baby wipes to clean your dog’s ears?
While you can use baby wipes to clean your dog’s ears, make sure the wipes are unscented and alcohol-free to avoid irritation.
Also, it goes without saying that baby wipes are not as effective as liquid ear cleaners, as they don’t properly clean the ear canal.
Not to mention, you even need to check that these wipes don’t leave moisture behind.
What if your dog hates ear cleaning?
If your dog dislikes having their ears cleaned, try to make the experience more positive.
You can use treats and gentle praise to reward your dog after each step of the process. This will help them associate ear cleaning with good things.
Also, take it slow and don’t force the procedure. Instead, break it up into several short sessions over time.
Can you use coconut oil in your dog’s ears?
Yes, organic coconut oil can be used in your dog’s ears as it has antifungal and moisturizing properties. It’s effective for softening earwax and soothing the ear canal.
But, even though coconut oil can be a helpful addition to your dog’s ear care routine, it’s not a replacement for a proper ear cleaning solution.
What should you do if your dog’s ears are red and itchy?
If your dog’s ears are red and itchy, or if they are shaking their head excessively, these could be signs of an infection or an allergy.
In such cases, it’s important not to clean the ears until you’ve consulted with a veterinarian. That’s because cleaning an infected or irritated ear can make the situation worse and cause more discomfort for your dog.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to ear infections?
Yes, some dog breeds are more prone to ear infections due to the structure of their ears.
For instance, breeds with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Basset Hounds, are at higher risk because their ears trap moisture and debris.
Similarly, breeds with hair in their ears, such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Schnauzers, can also develop wax buildup more easily.
Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean your dog’s ears?
Yes, ear wash for dogs with vinegar made with apple cider is good, but it should always be diluted. A mixture of half vinegar and half water is a common ratio used for mild ear cleaning.
However, it’s important not to use apple cider vinegar on ears that are already irritated or have open sores.
How do you know if your dog has an ear infection?
Signs of an ear infection in dogs include a strong or foul odor coming from the ear, redness or swelling inside the ear, discharge (brown, yellow, or black).
In some cases, your dog might also show signs of pain or discomfort when you touch their ears.
You might also want to read: 6 Benefits Of Mobile Dog Grooming.
Final words
By now, you know how you can go ahead with a complete dog ear wash DIY. Also, you know which materials you need for ear wash and how you can use them.
Got more questions or need dog grooming packages instead?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than just a leading pet apparel store. We bring top-notch dog grooming and wash specialists to Memphis and beyond.
Simply put, we’ve got all your dog’s cleaning and care needs covered on a budget.
