In order to prevent ear infections and maintain healthy, beautiful ears for your dog, veterinarians generally recommend cleaning the ears once a week. However, in the case of ear infections or in certain special cases, the frequency of cleaning may be increased according to your veterinarian's recommendations. You can also clean the ears after swimming or any other situation that has caused the ears to get wet.

Here's how to do it:

1. Grasp the ear and fill it with liquid ear cleaner for dogs/cats until the canal overflows, while supporting the ear. It is also possible to make a homemade recipe of water and vinegar at a ratio of one part water to one part vinegar (half and half).
   
2. Massage at the base of the ear (at the cartilage level) for at least a full minute. You should hear a sucking sound. Feel free to add more liquid along the way if it tends to leak out.
   
3. Let the animal shake its head.
   
4. Remove excess secretions and dry the ear with a cotton ball, cotton pad or washcloth. If the animal is very agitated, be careful not to hurt it by using Q-tips.
   
5. If drops have been prescribed, wait about 15 minutes before applying them to allow the ear to dry a little and prevent dilution of the medication. Then, apply the drops deep into the ear, then massage it for a few seconds to make sure the product penetrates well. Clean the tip of the bottle if necessary (if there has been contact with the ear).

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian!

Source: Mascouche Veterinary Clinic