I use a plain cotton ball and swipe both ears out (this is what my vet recommended). I normally get two and let Gibson chew on one that I'm holding to distract him (don't worry, I don't let him take it from my hand) and then swipe his ears w/the other.
I buy ear cleaning pads from Drs. Foster & Smith. I used to use water and a cotton pad, but they would disintegrate before I could get all the wax out. Don't put anything down the ear canal, just clean around the outside parts.
If you're gentle with it, the pup may see it as a nice ear massage and relax while you do it. That's how Theo is. He'll fight me at first and then just kind of relax and accept his not-so horrible fate. Hehe.
I use cotton balls or try at least.. I could probaby get my entire finger in his ear and he would be fine but the second I have a cotton ball in my hand it is game over. I swear he can smell them in my pocket
I usually just clean the inside of the ear about once a week, and twice a year, they get a good cleaning at the vets. I rather let them fight with Duncan than me.....LOL! I look like the good guy, cause he usually gets a new stuff toy from the vets or a pet store afterwards.
Permalink Reply by Jess on December 10, 2008 at 1:36am
When we were in training classes, we had a session on dog grooming. The trainer suggested a ear cleaning solution, R-7 Ear Cleaner for dogs (you can get at any pet store) and directly apply in the ear, massage a little and let the dog shake it out. Supposedly, if done once a month, this way can prevent ear infections.
After reading everyone's response, our method sounds rough!