What can you do when your dog has discharge coming from their ears?

If your dog has discharge coming from their ears, it’s important to take note of what the discharge looks like, to get a better idea of the cause. You can use a gauze or cotton pad with warm water to remove discharge from your dog’s ears.

Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips) as this can actually push debris farther into the ear canal, and have the potential to break and get stuck in your dog’s ear.

This video below from Animal Care TV shows how to clean your dog’s ears properly.

Until we know the cause of the ear discharge, it is best not to put anything down the ears, such as ear cleaner or any other liquid, as this can sometimes make things worse.

In particular, while the jury is still out on the use of home remedies (ex. vinegar dilutions) for preventative purposes, it is definitely not recommended once an infection has taken hold, as it will cause further swelling of the ear canal, increase secretions, and overall worsen the condition. If your dog has discharge coming from their ears, seek veterinary attention.

Pro Tips: 

  • Take note of what the discharge looks like (color, consistency, any odors).
  • Use gauze or cotton pads with warm water to remove discharge from your dog’s ears. Do not use a Q-tip.
  • Do not put ear cleaner or home remedies into your dog’s ear without consulting your veterinarian first.

 

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