Last week I came across a huge amount of dark wax throughout our hound's ear.  She quite happily allowed us to clean it out using cotton wool pads & cotton buds dipped in warm water aided by the light of a torch!!  I came to the conclusion that it was better that it had naturally cleared from the ear drum.  After talking to other dog owners, I was convinced that no infection was present as she hadn't been shaking hear head about and there was no strong smell present in the ear.   I suppose like us humans a build up of wax can occur and sometimes it comes out itself.  However, I have also been told that ear cleaning solutions can be obtained from a vet or pet shop.  Does anyone ever use these?  I have in the past just used  damp cotton wool pads to clean away the grime inside.  On looking in her other ear I saw deep down some dirt and dry skin that wouldn't shift - would it be safe to use a little olive oil perhaps? 

Would appreciate any tips or advice.

I was telling a dog owner about this last week and they said - "Oh, I have never thought of looking in my dog's ears".   

Lita