Use cotton pads or cotton balls to gently wipe away debris. Start from the inside of the ear, only as far as your finger can easily fit, which is about one knuckle in, and work your way to the outside ear flap. Avoid using cotton swabs to prevent pushing debris deeper into the ear canal.
To make apple cider vinegar solution, you'll need a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, a ½ cup of distilled water, and a ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antifungal solution, which makes it great for cleaning a dog's ears.
Dark brown earwax may simply be a build-up of healthy wax. Your dog's ear may just need cleaning. Gently wipe away the dirt and debris with a warm, damp cloth and dry afterward. Yeast infections (candida or Malassezia spp) commonly cause earwax to turn greasy, dark brown or reddish-brown.
Head shaking and ear scratching in dogs typically indicate ear irritation, often from infections or allergies. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discomfort without discharge or odor. Treatment involves cleaning the ear with vet-approved solutions and possibly prescribing antibiotics or antifungal medications.
An example of a recommended vet-approved ear cleaner is Virbac Epi-Otic® Advanced Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats. When you clean your pup's ears, use clean cotton balls or cotton wipes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Apply a small amount to the ear with a cotton ball and massage the base of the ear. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that can help fight infection. Coconut Oil: Apply a few drops of coconut oil to the ear.
Only use a soft baby wipe; don't stick your fingers in your dog's ear either – it'll only hurt them. Wipe away excess wax or dirt from the inner ear using gentle strokes of the baby wipe until it's clean.
Ear mites can cause several signs, including a black discharge, scratching, and head shaking.
An ear mite infection will cause your dog's ears to itch, which often results in them shaking their head excessively, or scratching at their ears with their paws. Ear mites can also cause your dog's ears to: produce wax. become irritated, causing them to look red and inflamed.
Dog Ear Cleaning: 6 Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy, Happy Ears
Common and usually normal, brown earwax may indicate the presence of dirt or debris. If it turns dark brown–or when foul odor is paired with brown discharge, dog ear infection may not be far behind. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal.
End-of-life signs in dogs include behavioral changes like lethargy, confusion, anxiety, or increased clinginess, alongside physical declines such as labored breathing, loss of appetite/thirst, decreased mobility, and incontinence, indicating organ shutdown, pain, or general system failure, with some seeking comfort while others withdraw; it's crucial to monitor these signs and consult your veterinarian for guidance on comfort and quality of life.
One teaspoon of salt per half a cup of warm water is all you need for this natural wax removal remedy. Once all of the salt has dissolved, tilt one ear upward and use a cotton swab to gently rub the solution around your ear, allowing water to drip inside your ear canal.
If this is a simple case of ear wax build up and there are no signs of an ear infection, then cleaning your dog's ears with a vet-approved ear cleanser is often the next step. Just be sure to only use cotton balls or gauze, as Q-tips can cause serious damage to their ear canal.
Consider supplementing your dog's diet with antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, Coenzyme Q-10, or any number of the culinary herbs, including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Origanum vulgare).
How do I clean my dog's ears at home?
The best way to get rid of your dog's yeast infection in their ear will depend upon the underlying cause and may include:
Our Vet Pick: Best-in-Show Dog Ear Cleaner
Our vet panel agrees Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced is a great option for routine ear cleanings. Additionally, it offers anti-odor agents to help with ear stink and is also ideal for pups with sensitive ears.
Does your dog get itchy skin, sore ears, or lick their paws constantly? They may have allergic skin disease. Spring and early summer tend to be the worst time for allergic skin disease in dogs as there are high pollen levels in the air.
10 Remedies for Itchy Ears That Actually Work
Regular use of Vet's Best® Ear Relief Finger Wipes will help to safely & gently remove wax buildup, dirt and discharge which can cause odor. This specially designed product allows the pet owner to be guided by their own touch when cleaning their pet's ears.
Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs
However, ear inflammation can cause yeast levels to rise and cause a brown, greasy discharge within the ear canal and around the inside flap of your dog's ear. This discharge can be itchy and smelly for your dog.
Use a piece of Kleenex, gauze, or paper towel and wrap it around your index finger (or pinky if the ear is smaller) to gently wipe the visible part of your pup's ear canal and outer ear. Do this a few times if you feel necessary.