Do this things regularly to prevent recurring infection in dog ears

This is a simple task that can be done once a week to ensure proper ear care for your loyal companion.

Steps

1. Pour a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and lukewarm water into a bowl.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and squeeze out excess so the cotton is wet but not dripping
3. Gently swab the dog's outer ear, removing all dirt and debris you can see (this may take multiple cotton balls!) - smaller dogs may benefit from using cotton swabs instead of cottonballs and please be careful.

Tips

• Most dogs don't need routine ear cleaning. Exceptions: floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds
• The vinegar helps dissolve wax. If your dog's ears are fairly clean to begin with, you can just use water to wipe them out.
• Your veterinarian can show you how to properly clean your pet's ears, just ask
• You can also find relatively inexpensive ear cleaning solutions at most pet stores. Be sure to read the labels as to proper use!
• Rewarding the dog after a cleaning helps them relax and realize that if they cooperate the next time, they get the treat faster.

Warnings

• Do NOT poke into the dog's ear canal.
• If your dog's ear(s) are very dirty, gooey, or have discharge (pus: yellow, red, green, or brown), DO NOT clean his ears. SEE YOUR VET - your pet probably has an ear infection.
• If your dog has had ear infections before, ask your vet what to use to clean his ears and how often to do so. Too much cleaning can actually cause ear infections.

Things You'll Need

• water (warm to the touch, but not hot)
• vinegar
• cotton balls
• old towel (just in case)