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how to treat dog ear infections
Has your dog been diagnosed with an ear infection or ear mites?
We’ve got some easy tips on dog ear cleaning and applying dog ear infection medicine.
What you need for dog ears
- Vet-recommended ear cleaner
- Vet-prescribed topical ear medication
- Cotton balls
- A clean towel
- A cup of warm water
- Dog treats
How to help your dog’s course of treatment
Important! Always ask your vet before putting anything in your dog’s ear! Many home “remedies” are just not safe for your pet — and cause pain, balance problems, and hearing loss if they have a ruptured eardrum.
How often should you clean your dog’s ears?
Depending on their lifestyle, your dog’s ears usually don’t need regular cleaning unless your veterinarian diagnoses an ear infection or ear mites. Once diagnosed, follow your vet’s instructions. This is usually a two-step process: first you clean out the affected ears, then you apply the prescription meds.
Dog ear cleaning and applying ear infection medication
What you need: Your vet-recommended ear cleaner, your dog’s prescribed ear meds, cotton balls, a towel for cleanup, and a cup of warm water. (A few small treats for your dog afterwards will probably also be appreciated.)
What you should never use: Cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or witch hazel. Cotton swabs can damage your dog’s ear if they startle and may push goop and wax down into their ear canal even if they’re still.
Cleaning and medicating your pet’s ears can be a bit messy. Be prepared for splatter!
- Get settled with your pup
Pick a safe place, like a room with a door, where you can easily and safely contain your pet (and where you don’t mind getting flecked with flying ear cleaner). Make sure you have everything you need within easy reach.
Want to give your dog a bit of a spa experience? Stand the bottle of ear cleaning solution in a bowl of warm water, which can help reduce the shock of cold liquid in their ears.
Pets can get really fidgety when you want them to stay still. Consider asking a friend to help safely hold and soothe your doggo, or loop their leash over your wrist.
Don’t force it — if your dog simply won’t cooperate, your veterinary team may have recommendations that can help.
- Apply, massage, and blot the cleaner
When you and your pup are ready, gently lift their ear flap up and slightly back (because a dog’s ear canal is L-shaped, this will make it easier for the ear-cleaning solution to flow into the canal).
Ooze, squeeze, or drip the required amount of ear cleaning solution into their ear canal. Don’t let the tip of the bottle touch your pet.
Next, use your thumb and index finger to gently massage the base of your dog’s ear. Aim for 30 seconds of massage to loosen up wax and debris. Then allow your dog to shake their head. Be prepared for flying ear cleaner!
After your dog has had a good shake, wipe the entrance of your doggo’s ear canal dry with a few clean cotton balls. You don’t need to go very far in. Just get what you can up top.
- Wait 30 minutes, then apply the meds
Applying prescription topical ear meds is very similar to applying ear cleaner. Gently lift your dog’s ear flap up and back and apply the prescribed amount of medication.
Massage the base of their ear for 30 seconds. Then allow your dog to shake their head (more splatter!).
All done! Consider rewarding your very good dog with a small treat.
Mentioned in this article
Ear yeast infections in dogs
Yeast in dog ears can cause a big problem.
Treating dog ear infections without a vet
What to know about popular home remedies.
Does your dog have ear mites?
What "coffee grounds" in ears might mean.
Worried about your pet? Ping Pet Chat™!
Whether it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., connect with a real veterinary professional for immediate petcare advice. It's included in all Optimum Wellness Plans®!
Log in to start chattingHow Banfield can help with ear care for cats and dogs
We take happy, healthy pet ears seriously! Our vets can help you find out what’s causing your pet’s ear issues, work with you on a treatment plan, and prescribe safe and effective medications to help treat your pet. We can even work with you to help prevent future problems.
We can work with you to help manage chronic ear infections. If you notice your pet is getting ear infection after ear infection, let’s discuss underlying causes, solutions, and possible prevention for your pet’s issues.
We can provide guidance for cleaning and medicating dog and cat ears. Infected ears can be tender, which may make it rough to treat them at home. Let us know if your pet absolutely refuses to cooperate — we’re here to help!
We can help identify and manage food or environmental allergies that can cause ear infections and skin itchiness and irritation. If you suspect an allergy is causing your pet to sneeze, wheeze, itch, or scratch, we’re here with professional guidance to help your pet.
Any other health concerns?
Just let us know. We’re here to help with loving veterinary care, including your pet’s adorable ears.
