Kaan Ki Safai! A Simple, Safe Guide to Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears 👂

Your dog’s ears are delicate and can easily trap dirt, wax, and moisture—especially if you have a floppy-eared breed like a Labrador or Cocker Spaniel. Ignoring the wax can quickly lead to painful infections.

Making ear cleaning a routine, calm activity is the key. Follow these simple steps to ensure your dog stays comfortable and infection-free.

Phase 1: Preparation (Creating the Right Vibe)

Before you start, remember to be calm. If you are stressed, your dog will be too!

1. Set the Mood: Choose a quiet corner where your dog feels safe (maybe their favourite bed or corner). Give them lots of soothing praise and petting.
2. Gather Your Samaan (Supplies):
   • Ear Cleaning Solution: Only use a vet-approved dog ear cleaning liquid (dawai). Do NOT use plain water, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
   • Cotton Balls or Gauze: Use soft cotton balls or squares of medical gauze.
   • Treats (Inaam): The most important item! Use high-value treats to reward them after the process.

Phase 2: The Inspection (Pehli Nazar)

Before you put anything in the ear, quickly check the following:

• Smell Test: Does the ear have a foul, yeasty, or sweet odour?
• Colour Check: Is the skin inside the ear red or swollen? Is there excessive dark brown or black discharge?

🛑 STOP! If the ear smells bad, is red, or looks painful, do not clean it. This is a sign of an active infection. Cleaning it can cause pain or push the infection deeper. You must see the vet first.

Phase 3: The Cleaning Technique

1. Hold the Flap: Gently lift the ear flap to expose the ear canal opening.
2. Add the Solution: Carefully squeeze the vet-approved ear cleaning liquid directly into the ear canal. Don’t worry, filling it up is fine—it’s designed to dislodge wax!
3. The Squish Test: Keep the ear flap closed and gently massage the base of the ear (right at the junction with the head) for 20-30 seconds. You should hear a satisfying squishing sound. This sound means the liquid is breaking up the dirt and wax deep inside.
4. Let Them Shake: Stand back and let your dog shake their head vigorously! This is a good thing—they are naturally expelling the loosened wax and fluid. (Be ready for some spray!)
5. Wipe the Outer Ear: Wrap a cotton ball around your finger and gently wipe the dirt and excess liquid from the outer part of the ear flap and the opening of the canal.
   • Sawa Dhyaan (Big Warning): Never insert a cotton swab (Q-tip) deep inside the ear canal. You will only push the debris further down and can injure the eardrum.
6. Dry: Use a fresh, dry cotton ball or gauze to gently pat the outer ear dry.
7. Repeat & Reward: Follow the exact same steps for the second ear. As soon as both ears are done, give them the high-value treats and lots of praise!

Extra Tips for Success

• Frequency: Ask your vet how often your dog needs cleaning. For healthy dogs, it might be once a month. For swimmers or dogs prone to infection, it might be weekly.
• Patience is Dawa (Medicine): If your dog resists, stop, soothe them, and try again later. Never force it, as you want them to see this as a positive experience.
• Regular Checks: Even if you don’t clean the ears, check them weekly for any strange smell or redness. Early detection is key to preventing serious infections.