Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital
Warm the medication/cleaner by standing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions.
Gently pull the ear flap straight up using your other hand.
Apply the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal while continuing to keep the ear flap elevated.
Rub the base of the ear against the head in a circular motion. Be cautious and gentle as your dog may object to this procedure. You should hear a “squishing” sound as you massage the medication/cleaner deep into the ear canal.
Release the ear and let your dog shake its head. If the medication/cleaner contains a wax solvent, debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out.
Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat after giving the medication/cleaner.
Gently pull the ear flap straight up and hold it with one hand.
Apply the prescribed amount of medication in the vertical part of the ear canal while continuing to keep the ear flap elevated. Hold this position long enough for the medication to run down to the turn between the vertical and horizontal ear canal.
Put one finger in front of and at the base of the ear flap and put your thumb behind at the base.
Massage the ear canal between your fingers and thumb. A squishing sound tells you that the medication has gone into the horizontal canal.
Release the ear and let your cat shake its head. If the medication contains a wax solvent debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out.
If another medication is to be used apply it in the same manner.
When all medications have been applied, clean the outer part of the ear canal and the inside of the ear flap with a cotton ball. Do not use cotton-tipped applicators, as they tend to push debris back into the vertical ear canal.
