You will need a gentle veterinary ear cleaning solution and gauze squares or cotton balls (no cotton swabs!). We do not recommend the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and further exacerbate infections.
Can I put cotton balls in my dog’s ears?
Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require any special equipment. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog are all that is needed. DO NOT use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips) due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal.
How do I keep my dogs ears dry?
Use cotton balls in your dog’s ears to prevent moisture from seeping in. Doggie snoods or hoods can work like bathing caps to protect from stray water if your dog tolerates wearing one. Dry your dog’s ears with cotton balls after he swims.
How can I treat my dogs ear infection without going to the vet?
If you’ve search online, you may find home remedies for dog ear infections like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. These are all bad ideas, because they can irritate the inside of the ear and invite more infection. Sure, the acid in vinegar might kill yeast, but vinegar is mostly water.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
How do you make homemade dog ear cleaner?
If your dog doesn’t have an ear infection and only needs to have their ear flap cleaned, Dr. Nelson tells Rover that a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar is a good at-home option. This maintenance treatment can help prevent infection in an otherwise healthy ear, she says.
How can I clean my dog’s ears naturally?
Remember to see your veterinarian for medication such as antibiotics as well as an ear cleaning solution that will help the ears heal quickly. You can make ear cleaning solutions at home using apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water. Apple cider vinegar will help kill yeast or bacteria.
Is it safe to clean your dog’s ears with apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog’s ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog’s ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.
When should you clean your dog’s ears?
Wondering how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears.
How do you get rid of a yeast infection in a dog’s ear?
For yeast infection, I frequently recommend an ear-cleaning product that contains ketoconazole. Alternatively, for mild yeast infections I will recommend a homemade mixture of 1- part white vinegar to 2-parts warm water as a nice cleaning solution.
Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my dog’s ear?
We do not recommend the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and further exacerbate infections.