Ear Cleaning

[rmitala]

What is the safest and most effective way to clean grey’s ears?  We have tooth brushing down pat and Chowder’s ears are next.  Thanks!

[KF_in_Georgia]

Jumbo cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution. (I don't have a preference.)

Soak the ball in the solution. Hold the cotton in your hand a moment so it warms up. Put the ball in the dog's ears and massage the ear from the outside. Then wipe inside briefly with the cotton and remove it. Repeat on the other ear. Different cotton balls in each ear to avoid spreading any infection from one ear to the other. If you wind up with too much solution in the dog's ears, you can put a dry cotton ball in and massage to dry it out.

If you ever have to put a liquid medicine in your dog's ears, work outside. The dog will shake his head when the liquid hits and you'll have solution  everywhere.

[HeyRunDog]

You can also get pre moistened wipes specifically for dog's ears

[Bizeebee]

I've found that cotton pads work better than balls, and then just getting in there with the pad on my finger. I've only used solution to moisten the pad when the gunk I could see was too dry to stick to the pad. A headlamp is helpful too, because you almost need three hands - 1 for the cotton, 1 to hold the ear in place, and 1 to shine the light. And maybe another to give some treats

[DocsDoctor]

I use a baby wipe, once a week; works well and is gentle. Neither of my two ever seemed to get very dirty ears!  I tend to associate those with lowerslung dogs with dangling heavily furred ears, like spaniels.

Some UK greyhounds used to be very sensitive when first adopted about having their ears handled, because their tattoos would be checked whenever they raced, not that gently. Probably less of an issue now that they are all microchipped.

Doc in particular grew to l-o-o-v-e having his ears handled and would groan with pleasure as the babywipe did its work. Silly boy!

[Bizeebee]

I love this clip of this dog wanting his ears cleaned   https://i.imgur.com/4o5oR3z.gifv

My grey isn't exactly begging for it, but he seems to like it

[EllenEveBaz]

Quote

Doc in particular grew to l-o-o-v-e having his ears handled and would groan with pleasure as the babywipe did its work. Silly boy!

Sometimes called an "eargasm."    

[cleptogrey]

generally a dog with prick or rosette ears will get some dirt in their ears from running. but if there is brown accumulated gunk and a smell to accompany it along w/ head shaking it might be an infection. dogs with flop ears are more often prone to infections since the sun doesn't shine there- lack of air to dry it out. if your dog has gunk but no other signs as mentioned above- gentle cleaning, don't go deep and bring this to your vet's attention.

[Zoomdoggie]

We use cotton pads or balls, whatever is at hand at the time. But I like the pads a little better...easier to get around in the little crevices. And for the solution, use apple cider vinegar. Our hounds love their ear cleanings!

[rmitala]

Thank you to everyone who responded!!!  Great feedback from a fantastic forum