A dog ear wash can be used in regular ear care or to treat a canine ear infection. Too much cleaning can be damaging so check with your veterinarian about what products to use and how often they can be administered.
- If your dog is calm in your lap you can apply the ear wash while sitting with him. If you need to restrain him, lay him on a table and place your arm across his body and hold his muzzle down. It may help to lay the dog on his side.
- Use your left arm to keep the dog down while holding his leg near the elbow. Gently but firmly hold his head down with your arm.
- Lift back the ear flap. The ear wash should be applied to the inside of the ear flap and also in the ear canal.
- Insert the dropper a few millimeters into the ear canal. Be careful not to stick the bottle too far into the ear or you may rupture the ear drum. Massage the base of the ear to allow the medication to pass through the canal.
- Wipe the inside of the ear flap with cotton balls or a Q-tip to clean up any discharge. Don't stick the Q-tip far into the ear canal or you may damage the ear drum or push wax into the ear and prevent the ear wash from distributing evenly.
- Comfort and praise your dog after applying drops to his ears and give him a treat.