Cleaning the Ears Mrs. Salvati

Anatomy Ear Flap – Pinna Vertical Canal Horizontal Canal Ear drum – end of horizontal canal

Healthy Ear Outside has fur Inside pink healthy color Some black/brown dirt is normal

Ear Problems Ear Mites Parasites in ear Ear Infections Caused by pathogens Hair in ear canal

Materials needed Cotton Otic (ear) Cleaner Q-tips Gauze pads

Steps Have materials ready Pet animal, observe body language as you touch ear Evaluate inside of ear Apply small amount (moist) of solution to cotton (more if dirty) Clean tip of vertical canal and pinna, scoop out dirt and wax Use new cotton every time it is dirty Clean until cotton comes up clean Use q-tip for crevices if they are dirty Clean up after yourself

Safety Only clean where you can see Ears are very sensitive, especially If infected. Observe body language Wash hands after

Name: _____________________ What is the ear flap known as? ____________________________ What does a healthy ear look like? _________________________ _________________________________________________________ What are ear mites? _____________________________________ What part of the ear do you clean? _________________________ How far down in the ear can you clean? ______________________ __________________________________________________________