What home products to use to clean the inside of the dogs ears?

by Iris Miller
(Bristol, CT USA)

Happy Tuffy pup

I was watching "Dr.OZ" on TV and he was showing products at home to use. One demonstration was a drop of baby oil in the ear to float the wax out (on a human).

Can this be used for a dog? What is the best way to clean the dogs ears without buying expensive products that may be harmful? I also want to know why the groomers pull the hair out of the dogs inner ear and doesn't it hurt? . Is it necessary?

Comments for What home products to use to clean the inside of the dogs ears?

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 02, 2010
Rating

Otiderm
by: Karla

My brother recommended OTIDERM to me. He's got a cocker spaniel. I tried it and it works great. You just squirt a little bit in each ear, rub the ear, and that's it. My Bambi's ears don't smell or anything. I only do this once a month when I give her a bath.

Jul 27, 2010
Rating

Ear cleaning solution, thanks Gale
by: IRIS

Hi Gale,
Thanks for the advice, I will try that. I heard that vinegar has antibiotic properties also. Do you actually pull the hairs out of your dog's ears or clip them? I don't have the heart to pluck them out, I remember the groomer at petsmart put powder,
maybe cornstarch ? on the inner ear hairs , twisted the hairs with her fingers and yanked them out. I nearly fainted!
How are you handling this?
hugs, Iris and Tuffy (happy dog)

Jul 27, 2010
Rating

Coton de Tulear ear cleaning
by: Gale

Tuffy sure is a happy looking dog. According to my Vet and a book I use frequently for my dog's skin allergies (Solution to your dog's skin problems) a good solution for dog ear cleaning is:

Use a cotton ball soaked in a solution of 1⁄2 cup water to 1⁄2 cup of vinegar. Gently clean the inside of the ear without letting the cotton swab slip down into ear canal. Some dogs only need this once a month, but long eared dogs like the Coton should get this treatment once per week.

Because Luc has ear problems as a result of his allergies, I mostly use prescribed ear cleaners from the Vet. You'll have to let us know if the "homemade" solution really works.

Because Cotons are susceptible to ear problems due to their floppy ears it's especially important to trim the hair in their ears otherwise they can collect dirt, debris, and moisture which could cause an ear infection. That's much more painful than trimming the hair.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Coton de Tulear Grooming FAQs.