How to Clean Dog Ears at Home Naturally

How to Clean your dog's ears naturally is essential for maintaining their health and hygiene, without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive products. Many effective methods utilize ingredients found right in your home, like vinegar, witch hazel, and olive oil. This article will guide you through natural dog ear cleaning techniques and shed light on spotting ear infections when seeking professional help becomes necessary."
how to clear up a dog's ear infection at home

Why You Should Clean Your Dog's Ears

Dogs have a different ear structure than humans. Their ear canal is longer and more curved, which makes it more prone to accumulating dirt, wax, and moisture. These can create a favorable environment for bacteria, yeast, and parasites to grow and cause infections. Ear infections can be very painful and uncomfortable for your dog, and can lead to hearing loss or other complications if left untreated.

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have ear problems than others. For example, dogs with floppy ears, such as spaniels, basset hounds, and retrievers, have less air circulation and more moisture in their ears, which increases the risk of infection. Dogs with hairy ears, such as poodles, schnauzers, and terriers, have more wax and debris trapped in their ears, which can also lead to irritation and inflammation. Therefore, these breeds may need more frequent ear cleaning than others.

However, any dog can benefit from regular ear cleaning, as it can prevent ear problems and keep your dog’s ears healthy and fresh. Cleaning your dog’s ears can also help you detect any signs of infection or injury early, and seek veterinary care if needed.



How Often You Should Clean Your Dog's Ears

There is no definitive answer to how often you should clean your dog’s ears, as it depends on several factors, such as your dog’s breed, lifestyle, health, and ear condition. Some dogs may need weekly ear cleaning, while others may only need it once a month or less.

A good rule of thumb is to inspect your dog’s ears at least once a week, and clean them if they look dirty, smelly, or irritated. You can also check your dog’s ears after they swim, play in the mud, or get groomed, as these activities can introduce water, dirt, or foreign objects into their ears.

You should also pay attention to your dog’s behavior and body language, as they can indicate if your dog has an ear problem. Some signs that your dog may need ear cleaning or veterinary attention are:


  • Head shaking or tilting
  • Pawing, rubbing, or scratching ears
  • Ears are hot to the touch
  • Smelly ears
  • Waxy discharge
  • Irritated ear flap that’s red or even scabby

If you notice any of these signs, you should clean your dog’s ears as soon as possible, and consult your vet if the symptoms persist or worsen.

how to clean a dog's ears home remedy

Why You Should Clean Your Dog's Ears

One of the most common and effective natural remedies for cleaning your dog’s ears is vinegar. Vinegar has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help remove dirt, wax, and infection-causing agents from your dog’s ears. Vinegar can also balance the pH level of your dog’s ears, which can prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.

 

There are two types of vinegar that you can use to clean your dog’s ears: white vinegar and apple cider vinegar (ACV). Both have similar benefits, but ACV may be gentler and more soothing for your dog’s ears, especially if they are inflamed or injured. However, you should always dilute vinegar with water before using it on your dog’s ears, as pure vinegar can be too acidic and irritate your dog’s skin.

Here is how to clean dog ears with vinegar:

  • Take half a cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and mix it with half a cup of water. If your dog's ears are inflamed or injured, you can reduce the concentration of vinegar in the water.
  • Soak a cotton ball or gauze in the vinegar solution and squeeze out the excess liquid.
  • Gently wipe the outer part of your dog's ear with the cotton ball or gauze, removing any dirt, wax, or debris. Do not insert anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can damage their eardrum or push the dirt further in.
  • Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze for each ear, and repeat the process until the cotton ball or gauze comes out clean.
  • To clean the inner part of your dog's ear, you can use a dropper or syringe to squirt some vinegar solution into the ear canal. Hold your dog's ear still and massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, to help the solution reach the deeper parts of the ear canal. Then, let your dog shake their head to loosen any wax or debris inside the ear.
  • Use a clean, dry cotton ball or gauze to wipe out any excess liquid or dirt from the ear. Do not use a hair dryer or towel to dry your dog's ears, as this can cause irritation or infection.
  • Reward your dog with praise and treats for being a good patient.

Bonus Tip

You can use this method once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your dog's ears clean and healthy. However, if your dog has an ear infection, you should consult your vet before using vinegar, as it may not be enough to treat the infection, and may even worsen it in some cases. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories to treat the infection, depending on the cause and severity.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears with Witch Hazel

Another natural remedy that you can use to clean your dog’s ears is witch hazel. Witch hazel is a plant extract that has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which can help reduce swelling, pain, and infection in your dog’s ears. Witch hazel can also dissolve wax and dirt, and dry out any excess moisture in your dog’s ears, which can prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast.

 

Witch hazel is generally safe and gentle for your dog’s ears, but you should make sure to use an organic and alcohol-free product, as alcohol can dry out and irritate your dog’s skin. You should also dilute witch hazel with water before using it on your dog’s ears, as pure witch hazel can be too strong and sting your dog’s ears.

Here is how to clean dog ears with witch hazel:

  • Take half a cup of organic and alcohol-free witch hazel and mix it with half a cup of water.
  • Soak a cotton ball or gauze in the witch hazel solution and squeeze out the excess liquid.
  • Gently wipe the outer part of your dog's ear with the cotton ball or gauze, removing any dirt, wax, or debris. Do not insert anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can damage their eardrum or push the dirt further in.
  • Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze for each ear, and repeat the process until the cotton ball or gauze comes out clean.
  • To clean the inner part of your dog's ear, you can use a dropper or syringe to squirt some witch hazel solution into the ear canal. Hold your dog's ear still and massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, to help the solution reach the deeper parts of the ear canal. Then, let your dog shake their head to loosen any wax or debris inside the ear.
  • Use a clean, dry cotton ball or gauze to wipe out any excess liquid or dirt from the ear. Do not use a hair dryer or towel to dry your dog's ears, as this can cause irritation or infection.

Bonus Tip

You can use this method once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your dog's ears clean and healthy. However, if your dog has an ear infection, you should consult your vet before using witch hazel, as it may not be enough to treat the infection, and may even worsen it in some cases. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories to treat the infection, depending on the cause and severity.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears with Olive Oil

Another natural remedy that you can use to clean your dog’s ears is olive oil. Olive oil is a natural lubricant that can help soften and remove wax and dirt from your dog’s ears. Olive oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent and treat infections in your dog’s ears. Olive oil can also moisturize and soothe your dog’s skin, and protect it from irritation and inflammation.

 

Olive oil is generally safe and gentle for your dog’s ears, but you should make sure to use an organic and cold-pressed product, as refined or heated oils can lose their beneficial properties and contain harmful additives. You should also warm up the olive oil slightly before using it on your dog’s ears, as cold oil can be uncomfortable and shock your dog’s ears.

Here is how to clean dog ears with olive oil:

  • Take a few tablespoons of organic and cold-pressed olive oil and warm it up slightly in a microwave or a water bath. Do not overheat the oil, as it can burn your dog's ears. The oil should be lukewarm, not hot.
  • Gently wipe the outer part of your dog's ear with the cotton ball or gauze, removing any dirt, wax, or debris. Do not insert anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can damage their eardrum or push the dirt further in.
  • Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze for each ear, and repeat the process until the cotton ball or gauze comes out clean.
  • To clean the inner part of your dog's ear, you can use a dropper or syringe to squirt some olive oil into the ear canal. Hold your dog's ear still and massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, to help the oil reach the deeper parts of the ear canal. Then, let your dog shake their head to loosen any wax or debris inside the ear.
  • Use a clean, dry cotton ball or gauze to wipe out any excess oil or dirt from the ear. Do not use a hair dryer or towel to dry your dog's ears, as this can cause irritation or infection.
How to Clean Your Dog's Ears with Olive Oil

Bonus Tip

You can use this method once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your dog's ears clean and healthy. However, if your dog has an ear infection, you should consult your vet before using olive oil, as it may not be enough to treat the infection, and may even worsen it in some cases.

Other Natural Remedies for Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Besides vinegar, witch hazel, and olive oil, there are other natural remedies that you can use to clean your dog's ears at home. Some of them are:

Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent and treat infections in your dog's ears. Coconut oil can also moisturize and soothe your dog's skin, and protect it from irritation and inflammation. You can use coconut oil in the same way as olive oil, but make sure to melt it first, as it is solid at room temperature.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria and yeast in your dog's ears. Hydrogen peroxide can also bubble and fizz, which can help loosen and remove wax and dirt from your dog's ears. However, hydrogen peroxide can be harsh and irritating for your dog's ears, so you should use it sparingly and with caution. You should dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before using it on your dog's ears, and use it only once a week or less. You should also avoid using hydrogen peroxide if your dog has an ear infection, as it can damage the tissues and delay healing.

Chamomile tea has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and heal your dog's ears. Chamomile tea can also help reduce itching and irritation in your dog's ears. You can use chamomile tea in the same way as vinegar or witch hazel, but make sure to cool it down before using it on your dog's ears.

Aloe vera gel has healing and moisturizing properties, which can help repair and protect your dog's ears. Aloe vera gel can also help reduce inflammation and pain in your dog's ears. You can use aloe vera gel in the same way as olive oil or coconut oil, but make sure to use a pure and organic product, as some aloe vera products may contain additives that can harm your dog's ears.

These are some of the natural remedies that you can use to clean your dog’s ears at home. However, you should always consult your vet before using any of these remedies, as they may not be suitable for your dog’s specific ear condition. You should also monitor your dog’s ears for any signs of infection or irritation, and seek veterinary care if needed.

 

Conclusion

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of their grooming routine, as it can prevent ear problems and keep your dog’s ears healthy and fresh. However, you don’t need to use harsh chemicals or expensive products to do so. There are many natural and effective ways to clean your dog’s ears at home, using simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen or bathroom. In this article, we showed you how to clean dog ears at home naturally with vinegar, witch hazel, olive oil, and other natural remedies. We also told you how to spot signs of ear infections and when to see a vet.

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FAQ'S

What is the best home remedy to clean dogs ears?

The best home remedy to clean a dog's ears is a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. This natural solution effectively removes dirt and debris while helping to maintain the pH balance of the ear canal, reducing the risk of infections.

Why is it important to clean my dog's ears?

Cleaning your dog's ears regularly is important for their ear health. It helps prevent infections, removes wax buildup, and reduces the risk of ear-related issues.

How often should I clean my dog's ears at home naturally?

The frequency of ear cleaning depends on your dog's breed, activity level, and ear shape. Generally, cleaning once a month is a good routine to follow. However, dogs prone to ear problems may require more frequent cleaning.

Can I use household items to clean my dog's ears naturally?

Yes, you can use natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or a saline solution to clean your dog's ears. These options are gentle and effective at removing dirt and debris without causing irritation.

How do I know if my dog's ears need cleaning?

Signs that your dog's ears need cleaning include excessive scratching, redness, foul odor, discharge, or shaking of the head. Regularly inspecting your dog's ears can help you identify when they need attention.