Getting Rid of Ear Gunk

Our four-legged friends are susceptible to a variety of outer ear problems classified as otitis externa. Without proper and regular ear cleaning, dirty ears can soon become infected ears.

Droopy or thickly furred ears are especially prone to holding in warmth and moisture. With a build up of dirt, ear wax and soap or water, the ear canal becomes an incubator for bacteria and yeast to grow.

Unchecked this can lead to painful, red, inflamed ears. Your dog will be in pain, shaking his head, scratching and may even wince and cry if you touch his ears. If you’ve reached this point, seek veterinary treatment right away. Even before the painful and obviously infected stage you should notice a foul or yeasty odor that signals an ear infection is brewing. If your dog’s ears smell gross, you’re overdue on cleaning.

There are many ear cleaners available over the counter and at your vet’s office. A pet care professional can help with your selection and offer tips on how to flush debris out of the ears. You can also make a home solution mixing a one-to-one ratio of lukewarm water and white vinegar.

Working one ear at a time, administer a small amount of solution into the ear. You can also moisten a cotton pad and squeeze out the solution into the ear. Allow it to drip down into the ear canal, then massage the base of ear to loosen up debris. Chances are your dog will do some vigorous head shaking so be prepared when the gunk comes flying out. Wipe out the ears with cotton pads and Q-tips, being careful not to push gunk further down. Be patient and gentle; ear cleaning takes practice.

Some pet owners have gotten good results flushing the cleaning solution out of the ear canal with a soft stream

of lukewarm water in a rubber bulb. It can also be used to gently suck out any lingering debris and water. If the ears are really dirty this process may have to repeated. Wait a day or two and repeat.

Infected ears that are bleeding, painful, slimy with pus or discharge require veterinary treatment options which may include antibiotic ointments or a single dose in-office treatment.

As part of your pet’s hygiene routine, make a habit of checking ears and clean as needed. Do it yourself or schedule it as part of your dog’s regular grooming appointment.

How often should you clean? It could be once or twice a month. If your dog spends a lot of time in and out of the pool or ocean check more often. Over cleaning can have negative consequences too, so ask for your vet’s recommendation.