Dog Ear Cleaning...Videos?

11 years ago

My youngest dog, a Beagle, is going on 3, and I've had her since she was a puppy. The breeder, a friend, said that I would need to keep up with making sure my dog's ears are kept clean. Since bringing her home as a puppy she has had a problem with her right ear getting dirty. The vet said it's normal and just check it and keep it clean. So I've been wrapping a tissue around my index finger and cleaning the ear every so often. She has not had an ear infection. My friend the breeder says he doesn't clean his dog's ears because his Beagles lick each other and take care of it themselves. The vet didn't offer any instruction on how to clean the ears either.

Does anyone know of a Youtube video or other site that shows or explains the "proper" way of cleaning dog ears? Im attaching a photo of me and Mona. She's taking care of me after I got home from back surgery.

Featured Answer

User

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

sushipup1,

"solution used by breeders is a bottle of 99% rubbing alcohol and a tablespoon of powdered boric acid"

Not this experienced breeder!

I use Oti-Clens - others use Epi-Otic, or Zymox or similar. I do not see Alcohol listed as an ingredient in any of these.

I did search on using alcohol and boric acid and do find some advocating their use for the cleaning of ears. I respectfully disagree with this advice.

The commercial medicated products are mild, effective, and cheap.

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Comments (8)

User
11 years ago
Awww! So cute!

Dog ears should be rinsed generoulsy with ear cleaning solution. This cleans the gunk out and usually causes the dog to shake their head vigorously, which further dislodges the dirt and "stuff" from the canals.

I then use a cotton ball to clean the exterior and interior, as much and as gently as I can.

Dogs licking each other's ears isn't going to clean the ear canals, where bacterial and yeast infections can fester.

If you find your dog's ears need constant cleaning, and get brown "potatoes" as I call them, you should have your vet test for bacteria and yeast. Both are easily treated with medication.

Of course, you need to watch for ear scratching, rubbing and sensitivity, too.

Beagles, unfortunately, are prone to ear infections.

FTR, I use Zymox.

http://www.zymox.com/products#earCare
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What mimipadv said.

I use Oti-Clens and cotton balls and makeup pads.
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sushipup1
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Homemade ear-cleaning solution used by breeders is a bottle of 99% rubbing alcohol and a tablespoon of powdered boric acid. Add one more T. boric acid until you get to point where it won't dissolve, usually about 4 tablespoons total. This article has a recipe that also adds Gentain Violet, but I've never bothered with that. I use the round cotton pads that come in a tube-shaped package.
2beachlovers
11 years ago
What a cute couple you two make! Wow, if your vet doesn't tell you how to keep the ears clean, maybe you need another vet? Sushipup1 offered a great inexpensive recipe. On YouTube, simply type in "cleaning beagle's ears" and you'll get number of options that should help. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.
annzgw
11 years ago
Ditto what SaltiDawg & mimi said. One would need to be absolutely sure there are no raw areas in ear before adding alcohol and I don't see how that would be possible?
IMO, avoiding alcohol altogether would be best.
maxmom96
11 years ago
My vet told me to use vinegar and water 50-50%. No problems so far. I use cotton balls and I lift the ear tip high so that I can get my finger down into the ear. My dog is a prick-ear variety so it's easy to inspect and keep clean. A dog with long hanging ears should be frequently and closely inspected.
User
11 years ago
maxmom96...I'll add, smelled. You'll KNOW if there's something wrong just with your nose.