Common materials used to clean the ears are cotton balls and gauze. You should avoid harsh materials such as rags or paper towels, as they can add to the irritation.
So the short answer is no, you should not use baby wipes or other human wipes on your dog. Luckily, there are many dog safe alternatives for baby wipes you can use. Plus, dog wipes are available with specific blends for specific use cases, like dog ear wipes.
Nelson tells Rover that a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar is a good at-home option. This maintenance treatment can help prevent infection in an otherwise healthy ear, she says.
Hold a towel over his head to prevent solution from flying everywhere. Use a cotton ball or a cotton pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog's ear canal and outer ear. Use a cotton swab only if necessary and only on the visible portion of your dog's ear.
Damp cloth
A very simple and safe way to clean ears is to wet a paper towel or cloth with lukewarm water. Wring out any excess moisture and then use the cloth to gently clean the outer areas of your ear, not forgetting behind your ears.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Mix 1 part white vinegar (5% acetic acid), and 1 part saline (0.9% NaCl). Fill the ear canal with the solution, and massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. Your pet will probably shake his/her head when you release the ear – watch out for flying cleaner and ear debris!
Olive oil works as a cleaner for dog's ears; do not use an excessive amount. Put a few drops in the ear while massaging it and then use a cotton ball to remove the debris. Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog's ears; it is an effective cleanser.
The Ear Cleaning Process
Medicated Ear Powder: Some professionals will also use a deodorizer powder. Ear Cleaning Solution: There is a different assortment of solutions; some organic and some made with Aloe Vera. Cotton Balls: Groomers use sterile medical grade cotton wool for best results.
To start, dry off your dog's ears. We recommend using The Absorber®, its drying ear cleaner for dogs, it is both super soft and absorbent to help you get the job done. You will want to gently dry off the top of the ear, as well as the underside of the ear.
Wondering how often your dog's ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup's ears.
Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog's ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.
Clean the Outside Too
To do this, just use warm water and a little bit of mild dish soap to clean the fur on the shell of the ear. Do not allow water or dish soap to get into your dog's ear at all.
Yeast and bacteria like warm and damp environments, so the ear is a perfect haven for them to create madness. Vinegar (with or without water) as an ear cleaner prevents the ear from actually drying by adding moisture to the ear, creating a perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to multiply.
Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently flush your dog's ears with the mixture. Another option is to use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties. Apply a few drops to your pup's ear canal, and gently massage it to help it spread.
Signs and symptoms of ear mites in dogs
Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
Ear mites cause intense scratching. If you look in your dog's ears and see dark brown debris that resembles coffee grounds, then your dog most likely has ear mites. This parasite can be shared with cats, dogs and other animals (like the family ferret).
For example, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This solution is suitable for flushing dirt out of a dog's ears and cleaning the more visible parts.
Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal. Use warm water. After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal.
Ear-Cleaning Supplies
Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips) or anything with a pointed tip. These tools can shove dirt and debris deeper into your dog's ears, causing infections, and can even lead to trauma to the inner structures of the ear itself.
Dogs can be prone to a number of ear problems from ear mites to ear infection. Some dogs succumb to chronic yeast infection or other infections of the ear.