Ear infections are common in pets, and if your pet is prone to these painful issues, they can benefit from regular ear cleaning. Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team knows cleaning your pet’s ears can be daunting, and we explain why the procedure is necessary and provide tips you can follow to help make the process easier.

Ear infections in pets

In contrast to people’s straight ear canals, pets have L-shaped ear canals that allow wax and other debris to accumulate. Bacteria and fungi that normally inhabit your pet’s ear canal feed on this material, allowing them to multiply and cause infection. Not all pets are prone to ear infections, but factors that increase your four-legged friend’s risk include:

  • Long floppy ears — Pets with long floppy ears, such as cocker spaniels and bloodhounds, have an increased ear infection risk because their ear structure inhibits drainage.
  • Hairy ears — Pets who have a lot of hair inside their ear canals, such as poodles and shih tzus, are predisposed to ear infections because debris accumulates in the hair, attracting pathogens.
  • Narrowed ears — Pets with narrow ear canals, such as shar-peis, have a higher ear infection risk because the narrowed structure inhibits drainage.
  • Allergic pets — Pets affected by environmental or food allergies have a higher ear infection risk because the skin barrier is defective.
  • Water-loving pets — Moisture inside the ear provides an excellent environment for fungi and yeast, and pets who enjoy swimming often get ear infections if their ears aren’t properly dried after taking a dip.

Ear infection signs include ear discharge and odor, pawing at the ear, and head shaking. Severe or chronic ear infections can spread to the middle or inner ear, causing issues such as neurologic signs and hearing loss. 

Pet ear cleaning

Cleaning your pet’s ears regularly can help prevent ear infections. Ask our team how often your pet’s ears should be cleaned because cleaning their ears too frequently can lead to irritation. To clean your pet’s ears correctly, follow these tips:

  • Choose an appropriate ear cleaning solution — Only use a veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution. Using water, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol in your pet’s ears can be harmful to the sensitive ear tissue.
  • Gather your supplies — Before corralling your pet, gather your supplies. You will need a veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, a clean, dry towel, and treats. Never use cotton-tipped swabs to clean your pet’s ears because they can push debris further into your pet’s ear and possibly cause trauma to the ear’s inner structures.
  • Restrain your pet — Find the best way to restrain your pet. If your pet is small, you can place them on a table or hold them in your lap. You may need someone to hold a large pet for you while you clean their ears.
  • Examine your pet’s ears — Examine your pet’s ears for odor, discharge, or redness. If you notice any of these signs, your pet may have an ear infection, so forgo the cleaning session, and contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team because cleaning your pet’s infected ear can cause significant damage.
  • Administer the ear cleaning solution — If your pet’s ears seem healthy, you can proceed with the ear cleaning session. Gently extend your pet’s ear flap and fill the ear canal with the ear cleaning solution. Massage the base of their ear for about 30 seconds to help break up wax and debris.
  • Take cover — Have the towel handy so you can take cover when your pet shakes their head, dislodging the solution and debris.
  • Wipe away debris — Use cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe away the remaining solution and debris from your pet’s ear canals. Continue until the cotton comes away clean. 
  • Treat your pet — Give your pet a high-value treat to help them make a positive association with the ear cleaning experience.
  • Repeat — Repeat the process on your pet’s other ear.

If you are concerned about your pet’s ear health or want an ear cleaning demonstration, contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team.