For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with dogs. I currently have a precious pup, who I absolutely adore. However, there are a handful of aspects of being a dog owner I don’t love. My main issue is I really don’t enjoy cleaning my dog’s ears. That being said, I force myself to put on a brave face and clean out her adorable little ears, so that she won’t get an infection. 

If you are also intimidated to clean your dog’s ears, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips on how to get those ears squeaky clean. (Just a quick disclaimer: be sure to consult with your vet before going forward with any of these methods).

Take A Peek At Your Pup’s Ears 

Dr. Mike Ontiveros, DMV, shared in a 2009 YouTube video that pup parents “need to get into the habit of looking into [their] pets ears.” 

“We need to determine what is normal so that if we see changes, such as wax, or debris, or inflammation, or even an abnormal smell,” explained the vet. “These may be signs of an infection. If your pet does have an infection, your veterinarian will actually prescribe a very specific treatment plan, and maybe even a specific cleaner for you to go home and use as a maintenance. If there is no infection, go ahead and work with a routine cleaning, this is really simple.”

Gather Your Supplies 

You’ll need to gather some supplies before you can start cleaning out your pup's ears. First off, you will have to purchase an ear cleaning solution that has been approved by your dog’s vet. You also need some cotton balls. If you are a little grossed out by this endeavor, consider grabbing some gloves and a towel. 

Get Your Dog Used To Cleaning Tools

Most dogs are not cool with people messing with their ears. For this reason, it is in everyone’s best interest to prepare your canine companion for some poking and prodding before the actual ear cleaning. In a May 2017 YouTube video, professional dog trainer Zak George recommended that dog owners gently place the cotton balls and ear cleaner bottle on your puppy's paws and under their chin while feeding them a tasty treat.

“I want to do everything I can to have her associate getting her ears cleaned with getting great treats. I want her to think of them as one in the same,” shared George. 

Proceed With The Cleaning Process 

Gather all your supplies and place your towel on the ground. If you have a larger dog, you may want to have another person restrain your pup while you clean their ears. 

In a 2017 YouTube video, Dr. Clayton Greenway explained that your pup’s “canal is very deep and it bends in toward the head, almost like a L-shape,” meaning that “the debris and the stuff you are trying to get out is way down at the bottom of it and it will float up to the top to that column of fluid to where we can pull it out.” He suggested to gingerly “pull the ear upwards” and gently squirt the ear cleaning solution in the dog’s ear canal. Dr. Greenway explained that the next step is massaging the base of the ear, which “will break up that material down at the bottom of the canal.” He then recommended molding the cotton ball to your index finger and “put[ting] it down into the canal” with a slight twisting motion. 

“You want to continue to push the cotton down and remove some of that wax until that cotton ball comes out clean,” shared Dr. Greenway.