Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

How to Use Ear Cleansing Solution on Dogs

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

How to use ear solution

Using ear cleanser or ear medication
Don't squirt the solution into your dog's ears! Most dogs hate this. Instead:

  • Soak a cotton ball with cleaner or medication
  • Put the cotton ball into the ear
  • Close the ear flap, and gently massage

Take your time and work when your dog has exercised and welcomes the opportunity to sit quietly. Give a big reward—we recommend Blue Buffalo Stix —after medicating.
Your pet appreciates receiving ear medications at body temperature. Warm ear medications that are required to be kept in the refrigerator. Use a hot water bath rather than a microwave, or leave the medication out until it reaches room temperature.

 

Cautions when cleaning your dog's ears
Cleaning your dog's ears is a very important part of your dog's overall health, and gentleness is the key:

  • Do not massage firmly and do not rub the ear firmly
  • Do not let your pet scratch or rub their ear firmly either

Why not? The 7th (Facial) and 8th (Vestibulocochlear) cranial nerves travel together and are easily damaged. When these nerves are stretched, or irritated by rubbing, your pet can lose hearing and equilibrium. Some pets, especially cats, develop Horner's syndrome: the pupil of the eye constricts, the 3rd eyelid elevates, the upper lid drops. Other pets lose their balance, become ataxic (uncoordinated), circle, and fall over. Fortunately, these symptoms are preventable if you dont't rub or massage too firmly.

 

Recommended pet medications for cleaning your dog's ears
 
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.1 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
$5 to $20 Off with code PETS
$3.42
$3.60
$7.91 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
$5 to $20 Off with code PETS
$12.13
$12.77
$18.24 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
$5 to $20 Off with code PETS
$22.31
$23.48
$33.54 Reg Price
Shop now