Doug Collins
Gather your tools
Be prepared for resistance from your dog during the ear cleaning process, have towels, cotton balls, ear wash solution, and tweezers ready if necessary.
Start with grooming
Hairy ears, consider trimming the hair before cleaning to improve accessibility. Remove mats, clean around the ear canal and flap, and if necessary, pluck some hair for better airflow.
Restrain your dog
Securely position your dog on a table or have them lie down while gently restraining them for ear cleaning. Ensure their comfort and safety by using your arm and gentle grasp techniques.
Apply ear wash solution
Fill your dog's inner ear by using their ear flap as a funnel, being careful not to insert the bottle tip directly into the ear. Use enough ear wash solution for it to flow out naturally.
Massage the ears
Hold the ear flap and massage the base for 20-30 seconds to help the ear wash break up wax and debris inside your dog's ear.
Wipe away debris
Use a cotton ball or gauze pad to clean debris from inside the ear flap and upper canal after massaging your dog's ears.
Let your dog shake
Allow your dog to shake their head to remove excess ear wash and debris. Clean the ear flap again using a cotton ball or gauze pad, avoiding penetrating the ear canal too deeply.
Give your dog a treat
Reward your pet with a treat, repeat the process on the other ear, and offer another treat as a reward for completing the cleaning.