The second method works well for the dogs who don't like the feeling of ear wash going into their ears. Instead of pouring the cleaner into the ear canal, apply a generous amount of the ear wash to a cotton ball. Then insert the cotton ball into the ear directly.
If your pet doesn't like having his ears cleaned or shows signs of fear or stress, go slowly and offer rewards each step of the way. Start by having your dog come to you and handle his ear. Don't do anything other than pick up the ear. Praise and treat generously for this behavior.
If your dog's first experience with ear care is during a painful infection, he may learn that the smell and sight of ear cleaners and medicine predict pain. Dogs frequently develop inflammatory conditions of the ears, so it is essential to train your dog to allow handling of his ears from an early age.
Gently warming ear cleaners may help make the process more comfortable for your pet; just make sure they are not too warm. Try to make your handling as gentle as possible. Avoid pulling too firmly on the ear flap or poking the ear canal with the applicator tip of medication bottles.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
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).
Ear mites live in the ear canal and on the surrounding skin. 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.
Some dogs are particularly prone to having sore ears or eyes and may need treatment regularly. If you're concerned about your dog's ears or eyes, speak to your vet. Never use human ear or eye drops on your dog, unless prescribed by a vet.
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.
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. Reward your pup with another treat and then repeat these steps for the other ear.
Green tea is a natural antiseptic that will get rid of mites. It'll also help remove the “coffee grounds” debris. Massage your dog's ears gently (she should love this!)
Dog ear mites and yeast infections have similar symptoms such as itching, discharge, and redness. However, a distinctive characteristic of ear mites is the presence of dark granules resembling coffee grounds in your dog's ears, which are not present in yeast infections.
The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a surface mite that lives on cats, dogs, rabbits, and ferrets. It is usually found in the ear canal but it can also live on the skin surface. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal.
Ear Cleaning Advice
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Bacterial and Yeast Infections in the Ear
Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads. If you lift up the flap of your dog's ear(s) and see redness, swelling, or discharge, an infection is likely.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of itching in dogs, just behind flea allergy dermatitis. These allergies may also result in ear and body scratching, ear and skin infections and foot licking.
Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog's ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog's ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast. If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers.
Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your dog's ears using a cotton ball. Another natural remedy is tea tree oil — but be warned, it is potent and should be diluted before use.
If your dog has a yeast infection, it's crucial to clean their ears before applying any ear medication. Using an ear-cleaning solution containing ketoconazole can help fight the infection.
Normal saline can be used and is very safe. This includes products like Virbac's Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner. Epi-Otic has a low pH of 2.2 and contains no chlorhexidine or alcohol. Other popular, safe options include Zymox cleanser with bio-active enzymes and ear wipes like these.