Can I use warm water to clean my dogs ears
Olivia Zamora
Published Apr 15, 2026
Place a 1-2 inch layer of dish soap ( Joy, Ivory, Dawn, etc–any soap you use to hand wash dishes) in a 16 oz plastic spray bottle then fill it with warm tap water. While pulling the ear away from the head and up slightly, spray this heavy soap solution 20-30 times vigorously into the ear canal.
What can I use to clean my dog's ears at home?
If your dog doesn’t have an ear infection and only needs to have their ear flap cleaned, Dr. Nelson tells Rover that a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar is a good at-home option. This maintenance treatment can help prevent infection in an otherwise healthy ear, she says.
What can I rinse my dog's ears with?
Use an over-the-counter ear cleaner or normal saline. Irrigation can be done without stressing out your dog. Hold the ear flap upright and fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. To fill the canal, squeeze the bottle directly into the canal for about 5 seconds.
Can I clean dog's ears with water?
Keeping your dog’s ears clean can prevent odors and infections from developing, especially for dogs with allergies or floppy ears. Use an ear cleaning solution. Do not use water or alcohol. Water will not evaporate, and alcohol will dry out your dog’s ears too much.How do you clean my dog's ears when they won't let you?
Step 1: Apply ear-cleaning solution. Gently lift your dog’s ear flap and squeeze enough of the cleaner to fill the canal. (If your dog won’t let you do this, you can also soak a cotton ball or gauze in the cleaner and apply it that way, taking care not to go deeper than the length of your knuckle.)
Can I use salt water to clean my dog's ears?
Everyday ear saline can be used on your dog and is typically a safe option. Like anything that relates to your pet, it is always important to consult with your vet first before purchasing and using any products.
What is the brown stuff in my dog's ears?
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
How do you get brown gunk out of a dog's ear?
Instead, simply wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball. Continue to inspect your dog’s ears regularly. If you notice any brown discharge starting to appear, apply a bit of vet-approved canine ear cleaning solution, available at any pet supply store.How do you get black gunk out of a dog's ear?
To clean the ears, tilt your dog’s head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Is my dog's ear dirty or infected?The presence of yeast, bacteria, or both confirms an ear infection diagnosis. Dogs with yeast-related ear infections often have dark brown or black debris in the ears. Dogs with bacterial ear infections may have yellow-brown debris or pus in the ears.
Article first time published onHow can I soothe my dogs itchy ears?
Start with an ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian (don’t use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or witch hazel, as these can irritate your pet’s delicate ear canals). Squeeze a good amount of ear cleaner into your dog’s ear canal. You want to use enough that it starts to spill out of their ear.
Do dog ear infections go away on their own?
In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
What do I do if my dog keeps shaking his head and scratching his ear?
If your dog keeps shaking her head, scratching at her ears, or if your dog’s ears look red and irritated it’s time to visit the vet. Head shaking can lead to aural hematomas which often require surgery to repair.
What kills ear mites naturally?
Green tea is a natural antiseptic. It can be used to flush out all the ear mite debris—that crumbly brown/black stuff that clogs the puppy’s ear canal. Steep a tablespoon of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for three or four minutes and then strain it.
What happens to a dog with an untreated ear infection?
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner’s syndrome. Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear. That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.
Why does my dog shake his head after I clean his ears?
In fact, cleaning a healthy ear can damage its self-cleaning abilities. Clean the ears if they have a mild odor and you see an occasional head shake. That may be enough to stop an infection before it takes hold.
How do dogs get ear mites?
Your dog can get ear mites from just spending time outdoors. When outside, ear mites can be found in areas with a lot of trees or grasses. When your dog unknowingly passes by the mites, they cling to your dog and climb up to the ear. It’s also possible for ear mites to pass from pet to pet.
How do I know my dog has ear mites?
- Strong odor coming from the ears.
- Black or brown waxy secretions from the ears.
- Inflammation of the ear, including redness and the ear becoming hot to the touch.
- Debris in the ear canal that looks like coffee grounds.
- Excessively itching, scratching or rubbing of her ears.
Can a dog licking other dog's ear cause an ear infection?
A dog continuously licking another dog’s ears can give the other dog serious ear problems. It can result in soreness on the lobe or worse, an infection in the dog’s ear canal.