Good hearing is essential to keeping pets alert to danger and is integral to communication. Keeping your pet’s ears clean is necessary for their overall health and to prevent infection and other ear problems. Unfortunately, many pet owners find the task daunting, often resulting in stress for the pet and the owner. Cleaning your pet’s ears can be a simple and stress-free task when you use the right approach and techniques. Our Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic team describes how to clean your pet’s ears effectively while minimizing anxiety.

The importance of pet ear cleaning

When your pet’s ear canal is dirty, it’s prone to several problems. Pets, especially those with floppy ears or hairy ear canals, are susceptible to ear infections because of wax, dirt, and moisture buildup. Regular cleaning helps prevent infections and keeps your pet’s ears healthy and free from discomfort.

Pet ear cleaning tips

Always use a veterinarian-approved, gentle cleaning solution to clean your pet’s ears. Gather your supplies, including a towel or clean cloth, cotton balls, and ear cleaning solution. Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs, as they can be inserted too deep and damage the delicate structures of the ear canal. After gathering your supplies, follow these tips for successful pet ear cleaning:

  • Go to a quiet area — Find a quiet, well-lit area to clean your pet’s ears comfortably. Lay down a towel to catch any excess solution or debris. If your pet is particularly squirmy, you may choose to use a nonskid mat or other stable surface. Ensure that the place you choose is a quiet area, to help prevent your pet from being distracted and becoming anxious. Having another person gently restrain your pet or give them encouraging words and tasty treats during the ear cleaning can also be helpful. 
  • Gently examine the ears — Before beginning the cleaning process, inspect your pet’s ears for cuts, bruises, redness, swelling, odor, or discharge. The ears should appear clean, pink, and free from any unpleasant smell. If you notice any abnormalities, consult our Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic veterinary team before proceeding with cleaning. 
  • Apply the ear cleaning solution — You can apply the ear solution in two ways. The first method is to hold the ear cleaning solution bottle in one hand and gently lift your pet’s ear flap with the other hand to expose the ear canal. Carefully pour a small amount of the solution into the ear canal, ensuring it doesn’t overflow. The other option is to place a cotton ball soaked in the cleaning solution into your pet’s ear, dispensing the fluid into the ear canal by squeezing it out of the cotton ball. 
  • Massage the base of the ear — With the ear flap still lifted, massage the base of your pet’s ear for 20 to 30 seconds. Massaging the ear base helps the cleaning solution break up wax and debris inside the ear canal. 
  • Allow your pet to shake their head — After having their ear massaged with cleaning solution, your pet will likely want to shake their head a few times to remove excess solution and debris. Shaking should be encouraged as the motion helps dislodge remaining fluids, which if left in, can lead to infection. Allow your pet to “shake it off” before completing the cleaning.
  • Wipe away the debris — Use cotton balls and clean cloths to gently wipe away visible debris from the inner ear flap and the ear canal opening. Ensure you dry your pet’s ears thoroughly and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, such as a cotton swab, which can cause injury. Dry ears are healthy ears! 
  • Repeat the process if your pet’s ears remain dirty — If your pet’s ears are still waxy or dirty, repeat the process. Of course, remember to note any unusual signs accompanying ear wax, such as an unpleasant odor or abnormal discharge. 
  • Reward your pet — Finally, the most important part—reward your pet for their patience and good behavior. Treats and verbal praise create positive associations with the ear cleaning task. By rewarding your four-legged friend, you instill positive feelings about having their ears cleaned, and they will be more cooperative next time. You can also have a helper distract your pet with treats during the cleaning. 

Cleaning your pet’s ears doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for you or your furry friend. You can keep your pet’s ears clean and healthy with minimal fuss by following these simple tips and using the proper techniques and supplies. Are you reluctant to clean your pet’s ears? We can help! Contact our team at Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic for guidance on cleaning your pet’s ears, or to have us do it for you.