Ear infections are a common health problem in pets that can cause pain and discomfort. Keeping your pet’s ears clean will prevent the buildup of wax and other debris, minimizing the risk of ear infections.
Most cats are excellent self-groomers and will rarely need their ears cleaned. However, some cats groom themselves infrequently and are prone to ear infections. All dogs will benefit from routine cleanings as debris can easily accumulate in their ear canals.
Ask your veterinarian how often you should clean your pet’s ears. Pets that are prone to ear infections will need more regular cleanings, but it is important not to clean ears too frequently as this can irritate the inner ear and lead to health problems.
Signs your pet’s ears need cleaning include odor from the ears and a buildup of wax, dirt, or debris. If you suspect your pet has an ear infection, avoid attempting to clean their ears at home and visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Common symptoms of an ear infection include discharge from the ears, a strong odor, head shaking or tilting, scratching of the ears, and inflammation or swelling.
Ear Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning your pet’s ears is a simple procedure that can be performed at home with the following supplies.
Cotton balls or gauze
Do not use cotton-tipped applicators (Q-tips) as these can push debris further into the ear canal and potentially damage your pet’s sensitive inner ear.
Ear cleaning solution
We recommend MalAcetic Ultra, a gentle solution that cleanses, degreases, prevents overgrowth of yeast and bacteria and reduces itchiness and inflammation. Your veterinarian may also recommend other products if your pet is prone to excessive wax buildup in the ears.
Towels
Lay down towels to minimize mess and cleanup. Some pet owners find it useful to wrap their pet in a towel to keep them calm while their ears are being cleaned.
Treats
Most pets do not like having their ears cleaned, so it’s important to encourage them throughout the procedure. Provide treats after each ear has been cleaned and make sure to praise your pet for good behavior.
Ear Cleaning Instructions
Please refer to the following step-by-step instructions when cleaning your pet’s ears.
- Choose a suitable location to perform the procedure. Cleaning your pet’s ears in the bathtub or outside is a good way to minimize the mess.
- Position your pet on the floor or on your lap. Wrapping your pet in a towel may help keep them calm during the procedure.
- Tilt your pet’s head downwards and gently lift one ear flap to expose the ear canal.
- Inspect your pet’s ears and groom excess hair if necessary. If there is a lot of hair blocking the ear canal, it’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian to remove the hair before cleaning your pet’s ears.
- Squirt ear cleaning solution into your pet’s ear canal until it is full. Do not allow the sterile end of the bottle to touch the ear.
- Massage the base of your pet’s ear gently for a few seconds to allow the solution to break up debris in the ear canal.
- Standback and allow your pet to shake their head. This will help dislodge debris in the ear canal.
- Wipe up debris and ear cleaning solution with a cotton ball or piece of gauze.
- Provide praise and treats, then repeat the process with your pet’s other ear.
Cleaning your pet’s ears is a simple procedure which should not cause any pain. Please visit your veterinarian if your pet experiences pain during a routine ear cleaning as this can indicate an ear infection or other underlying health issues
