Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog shakes his head after homemade ear cleaning. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 3 months old

Whenever I use whichever homemade ear cleaning solution, Mike shakes his head even more rigourously.Wht am I doin wrng and a recipe of a ear cleaning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2017

It is probably because it is nearly impossible to make a homemade ear solution that will be 1) Tolerated by your pet and 2) Actually works. I would stick with the manufactured pet specific ear cleaners from your local pet store or vet office. They are relatively affordable and effective, especially the ones through your vet office. Also just note that most pets don't require regular ear cleanings because the ears clean themselves.
Also if you are seeing debris and noticing foul odors from Mike's ears then he has an ear infection which will need topical prescription ear medication as well through your veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps shaking his ears after ear cleaning. Is this normal?

Hello. The vinegar & water may be a little irritating, or your pet just does not like the feel of any liquid in his ears. Try distracting him with some play time or a good romp & see if he responds this way. Otherwise, most irritations/sensations calm pretty quickly. If he continues to show signs of discomfort, please your pet examined by a veterinarian to make sure there is nothing abnormal with his eas, such as a ruptured ear drum or the presence of any foreign material deep in the canal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How to help dog shaking head violently for hours after ear cleaning?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not possible to know for sure without an examination though this is not uncommon following ear cleaning. It is a reaction to the ear cleansing solution. This is likely going to improve on its own with time. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's ear has yellow liquid and brown stuff after cleaning. What is it?

It sounds like Mike may have an ear infection, which can be caused by yeast, bacteria, or mites. Please do not clean his ears out with coconut oil, it will not help keep them clean. If you want to clean Mike's ear, you should use a dog safe solution such as Epi-Otic. You can get at your vet's office. He will need to see a vet for his ear problems. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection and can treat him for it. Please take him in first thing Monday. It's very important to have any ear problems examined, diagnosed, and treated promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dog shaking head, sticky ear discharge after bath. Is it an infection?

The signs you are describing are indicative of an ear infection. Sometimes, these can resolve with topical over the counter treatment, but antibiotics or antifungal medication may be necessary. I recommend using an ear cleaning solution or wipes to clean the ear once or twice a day. There are many options available in pet stores, but look out for something with a mild acid in it (salicylic acid or apple cider vinegar are good ingredients). If the condition does not begin to resolve on its own, Baloo may need to be seen by his vet for prescription medications. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pet's ear is dirty and shaking head, cleaning isn't working.

Hello, sorry to hear about Ennead. He could be having an ear infection due to bacteria or yeast. Even though he doesn’t have any evidence of ear mites, he may still have ear mites. If he is not getting better, you should have him rechecked as he may need more medications to treat his ear infection Hope this helps and best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can I use DIY ear cleaner for my dog's frequent ear infections?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. I would not recommend formulating your own ear cleaner and instead purchase a commercial ear cleaner. I would recommend using Zymox otic cleanser or Epi Otic ear cleanser. Both of these can be found online quite easily. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog keep shaking his head after I cleaned his ears?

Poor Kodiak! It's possible that Kodiak could have an ear infection of the external, middle or inner ear, but other conditions such as neurologic problems (like focal seizures) or a brain tumor are also possible. The only way to get to the bottom of this issue is with a thorough physical exam and some diagnostic testing. Since it sounds as though he's uncomfortable and bothered by this issue, it would be best to have him checked out by his vet sooner rather than later. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share