How to safely clean your dog’s ears

Step 1: lift the ear flap (if your dog has floppy ears) and start with a quick check for infection around the ear.

Step 2: gently fill your dog’s ear canal with a pet-formulated cleaning solution. If your dog initially finds this uncomfortable, start with a saturated cotton ball and squeeze this into the ear.

Step 3: massage the solution into the ear, rubbing gently at the base. Listen for a ‘squelchy’ sound.

Step 4: allow your dog to shake its head. Shaking may dislodge wax and dirt as well as the ear cleaning solution.

Step 5: clean the ear with a cotton pad or cotton ball. Stay within the depth of your first knuckle.

Do not use a cotton bud for cleaning. Cotton buds push dirt further into the ear or damage the ear structure.

Whether your dog’s ears are long and floppy or stand pointed, add weekly ear checks into your dogs’ grooming routine, you only need to clean your dog’s ears once every two weeks if the ears are clean.

If you notice any of the following signs, discuss these with your vet:
·  Pain around the ears, when the ears are touched, pawing or rubbing at the ear.
·  Any redness or swelling; ears may be warm to the touch.
·  Skin changes if the skin has a scaly appearance.
·  An unpleasant or yeasty smell
·  Itchiness.
·  Brown or yellow discharge from the ears
·  Dirt (resembles coffee grounds) around the ear canal.