Cleaning Your Pets' Ears

To Clean or Not to Clean

Depending upon your dog's breed, cleaning their ears at home may be necessary. Typically, cats are good at cleaning themselves. You only need to clean your cat's ears if wax buildup seems to be making them uncomfortable. During your next veterinary visit, ask how frequently you should clean your pet's ears.

Cleaning your pets ears can significantly reduce the likelihood of ear infections.

Ear Cleaning - Step-by-Step

Below are instructions to make home ear cleaning a little easier.

PETFIRST TIP Warm the ear
cleaning solution to
room temperature
before applying to
your pets' ears

Use an ear wash formulated for ear cleaning.
Apply the ear wash to your pet's ears.
- • For dogs, soak a cotton ball thoroughly in the ear wash. Squeeze out excess solution. Place the cotton ball in her ear and gently rub up and down.
- • For cats, put a drop or two of the liquid in the round opening of the ear canal gently massaging the base of the ear for a minute to distribute the liquid.
Allow your dog or cat to shake off the excess moisture and dirt. This is important to prevent ear infections.
Complete the cleaning process
- • For dogs, soak the tip of a cotton swab in the ear wash and run it along the nooks and crannies of her ears. Do not put the swab down your dog's ear canal.
- • For cats, use a clean cotton ball to wipe away the excess cleaner from her ear

Ear Mites

A common problem for both dogs and cats is ear mites. The primary symptoms of ear mites are scratching at the ears, shaking of the head and a dark discharge. These are also symptoms of other ear problems, so an accurate diagnosis is important. Be sure to visit your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and do not attempt to treat at home.