how oftten do you clean ears? Can you just use a q tip?
Thanks

I use the square cotton pads that women use for makeup remover. I only clean them when they are dirty. Typically I'll use a cleansing solution purchased from my vet.

Bob

I clean my dogs ears daily. I first use tissue then Q tip.

Depending on the dog, some produce more wax than others, or how much swimming they do, once a week is usually enough.
The mixture should be 1/2 white vin. and 1/2 water to maintain the natural PH of the ear. This will provent yeast infections.
Use gauze since it can not tear apart and leave any unwanted material behind. 2 x 2's work the best.

I'm not a wiper, I'm a sluicer. I put ear cleaning solution in bottles with a spout (those picnic-style ketchup bottles work great!) Then squirt (not forcefully) a little in each ear, gently massage the base of the ear, and let the dog shake it out. I follow up by wiping any crud that floated up from the deeps off the inside of the ear leather. I don't poke around in the ear; it can cause crud to get pushed deeper, and the tissues are pretty delicate.

I only do ears when they need it. I am a real believer in checking ears every day, but only cleaning them when they need it. Lift the ear leather, look inside, give it the sniff test. If everything looks and smells OK, leave well enough alone.

Lisa