These are especially common in droopy-eared dogs such as Bassets, Cocker Spaniels and Labradors. Water, ear mites that were never eradicated, yeast infections and skin allergies are just a few of the causes for ear infections. Once again, cleaning will help but a trip to the vet will be needed to take care of the problem. The actual cleaning of the ears is quite simple. You will need peroxide, alcohol, cotton swabs and balls.
Most owners find having an assistant to be a great advantage.
Placing the pet on a table, the assistant will snuggle the dog or cat close to their body, trying to keep the head as still as possible while the owner cleans the ears. Cats are best wrapped in a large heavy towel with only the head showing. The best way to restrain a dog is to hold it against the body with one arm slipping under the foreleg on the opposite side of the body while the other arm wraps around the neck holding the head immobile. Once the pet is immobilized, hold the ear by its tip in one hand and apply a small amount of peroxide. This will bubble up and loosen a great deal of the discharge that is out of sight in the ear canal.