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Originally Posted by labman

I struggle with my Aster and her ear infections. I can't bear to deny her her swims. They are essential to being out in the field in warm weather. I am trying a program of preventative ear cleaning when we get back. I use water and vinegar, maybe 3:1. I clean the outer ears with a cotton ball, and then go inside the ear canal with Q-tips.

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My dog has an ear infection and the vet prescribed some ear drops. I was wondering if what Labman suggested for cleaning the ears can be done easily or should I have someone show me first then do it on my own. I really would hate to screw up his hearing or balance in case I poke something in the ear canal.

One of the great advantages of the program I am in is that I have highly trained people to demonstrate ear cleaning and many other things. One year, I grabbed a seat right up front, and the vet took my dog to demonstrate ear cleanings. It is a procedure the average dog owner should be able to do safely. I can always call or email them too.

You didn't say how big of a dog. Possibly a smaller dog might take more caution than a Lab. As long as you are gentle, you can pull the ear back and up and work the que tip back in its whole length. Just work it in, don't force it. Stop when the dog shows any discomfort.

Thanks Labman,

My dog is a black lab. How often do you have to clean the ears?

In the summer I was cleaning Aster's every Sunday after her swim. Over the winter, I am sort of responding to her excess wax that comes and goes. Every few days when it is the worst.

I was instructed never to use q-tips in a dogs ears. 50% vineagr and 50% alcohol in a dropper or syringe once a week. Drip a few drops in each ear and let the dog shake it's head, swing it, rub it on the carpet... after a minutet take a paper towel and just ball it up some and "itch" the ears... It'll amaze you what comes out. This is awesome at preventing infection.

Hi,
I also have heard many comments about NOT putting anything down into a dog's ear. It's the same as the human ear. Much damage can be done to the eardrum, with a Q-Tip. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeons will be the first to tell you NOT to put anything in your ear, bigger than your elbow.
If you are going to use a Q-Tip in your dogs ear, please, please know what you are doing first. Please get someone with experience, like your Vet, to show you how to do it, and then watch you do it.

I have enough training and experience to know dogs ears are very different from people's ears. At least in a Lab, it would be difficult to injure the ear drum with a que tip. You still need to be very gentle.