Tip
You can substitute vinegar for the rubbing alcohol to wipe away small areas of oil from around the ears.
If your dog suffers from an ear infection or infestation with parasites, your veterinarian may prescribe antibacterial, insecticidal or antifungal ear drops to use in your dog's ears. Many of these ear drops contain oils as the carrier agent for the medications. While these oils allow the primary ingredients to cure your dog's ear problems, they can get on the fur surrounding the ears or you may accidentally spill them onto other areas of your dog's coat. Clean your dog's fur of these oily drops to keep its coat looking its best.
Cornstarch
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Step 1
Blot the oily residue with paper towels or tissues to remove as much of the medication as you can from the surface of the fur.
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Step 2
Sprinkle cornstarch or flour over the area and rub it into the fur with your fingers to help absorb the oil from the fur.
Step 3
Brush the cornstarch or flour out of the fur with a soft-bristle brush. Use the brush carefully around the dog's face.
Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1
Blot the area with a tissue, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth of the dog. Use this method if the oil is only on a small portion of the dog's fur surrounding the ears.
Step 2
Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and use it to wipe away the oil from the dog's fur, without having to bathe the entire dog.
Step 3
Wipe the area dry with tissues. Once dry, gently brush the fur to smooth it out with the soft-bristle brush.
Dish Detergent
Step 1
Place the dog in a kitchen sink or bathtub and wet its fur. Use this method if the ear drops have spilled over a larger area of fur on the dog's face and body, not just a small area near the ears.
Step 2
Bathe the dog using a few drops of dish detergent to remove the oil from the dog's face and body. Lather the oily areas and use a wash cloth, dipped in the soapy water, to wipe the areas around the nose, eyes and mouth.
Step 3
Rinse the dog's fur completely of the soap in a sink or bathtub, using a hand-held shower attachment. Wipe away soapy water from the area of fur around the face with a damp washcloth; never spray water in the dog's face.
Step 4
Towel dry the dog.