How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
#197374 - 06/04/2008 09:16 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 06-02-2007
Posts: 17
Loc: Tulsa, OK USA
Offline |
|
My GSD ears are looking a little dirty inside. What is the safest, most effective way to keep them clean, free of ear mites and allergens? I have heard to use a mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. I usually just wipe them with a damp cloth, but he has so many little grooves and hiding spots down there! Thanks a bunch!
|
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Tracy Lacy ]
#197378 - 06/04/2008 10:15 AM |
Webboard User
![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
Offline |
|
There are any number of homemade recipes on the net and probably most of those won't do any harm. Some people swear by apple cider vinegar and witch hazel for ear cleaning. I prefer to use a solution specially formulated for routine maintanance of a dog's ears which can be picked up at your vet's office or at a pet store.
I flush the ear, massage it for a minute or two to work it down into the ear canal, then use cotton balls to wipe up the dislodged dirt and gunk.
The only thing, IMO, you should be careful of is overcleaning the ears. Frequent flushing can upset the delicate balance of the ear and lead to the very problem you want to avoid...an infection.
True
![an image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc225/MorrissmPhotos/sig2-1.jpg) |
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Sarah Morris ]
#197407 - 06/04/2008 02:35 PM |
Webboard User
![](https://leerburg.com/webboard/images/avatars/paw.png)
![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline |
|
I clean ears as needed but no more than once a month. The ear creates a natural wax that protects the ear from debris entering the ear canal, kind of like fly paper.....frequent cleaning destroys this wax layer and can cause infections and also if anything were to enter the canal, it can damage the ear drum possibly causing permanent deafness.....
I also use the cotton that the beauty shops use as you can take a length of it to wipe the ear out. I used to use cotton balls but have heard of instances where more than one at a time was used and they have broke loose and lodged in the ear.
The beauty shop cotton is also cheaper and lasts for a few years.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter |
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#197452 - 06/04/2008 06:04 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 06-02-2007
Posts: 17
Loc: Tulsa, OK USA
Offline |
|
So you just use this cotton dry, without a liquid cleaning solution? Thanks a bunch!
|
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Tracy Lacy ]
#197454 - 06/04/2008 06:15 PM |
Webboard User
![](https://leerburg.com/webboard/images/avatars/paw.png)
![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline |
|
Oh, no, sorry, I do use a mild solution that I get at the pet store I shop at....not sure of the name of it right now, but it has no harsh chemicals or anything.....just a basic solution.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter |
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#197475 - 06/04/2008 09:35 PM |
Webboard User
![](https://www.leerburg.com/forums/images/avatars/default/79.jpg)
![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 01-09-2007
Posts: 556
Loc: Upstate NY
Offline |
|
Apple cider vinegar diluted half and half with water works great. Just need a few drops in each ear and wipe with cotton.
Thanks for the tip on the beauty store cotton Carol.
Katie
SG S'Eliana vom Kraftwerk IPO3,AD,CGC,KKL1
Jaya von der Olgameister AD, CGC
Pierre, the Poodle! |
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Katie O'Connor ]
#197482 - 06/04/2008 10:02 PM |
Webboard User
![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 08-30-2007
Posts: 3283
Loc:
Offline |
|
Me, I start with three men and a boy to help!
She's such a sweet looking thing, don't ya think?
|
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: randy allen ]
#197487 - 06/04/2008 10:48 PM |
Webboard User
![](https://leerburg.com/webboard/images/avatars/paw.png)
![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 4 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline |
|
Me, I start with three men and a boy to help!
Hee hee, I used to do it that way too....until I started warming the solution in a bowl of hot water and found the bags of Zuke's soft treats (any flavor) and my Bloodhound actually LOVES to have his ears cleaned.
She's such a sweet looking thing, don't ya think?
Very sweet looking Randy, and beautiful to boot.....whatta Girl!!!
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter |
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#197663 - 06/05/2008 11:24 PM |
Webboard User
![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 12-02-2005
Posts: 341
Loc: NYC
Offline |
|
I use Equss Anti-Itch spray, spritz a little in, swish around, adn wipe clean with cotton balls. I do this very rarely. Two dogs always stay clean, one needs attention every few months.
|
Top
|
Re: How do I clean inside my dogs ears?
[Re: Carol Boche ]
#197665 - 06/05/2008 11:25 PM |
Webboard User
![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png) ![User Rating: 3 stars](images/star.png)
Reg: 12-02-2005
Posts: 341
Loc: NYC
Offline |
|
I use Equss Anti-Itch spray, spritz a little in, swish around, adn wipe clean with cotton balls. I do this very rarely. Two dogs always stay clean, one needs attention every few months.
|
Top
|
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.