Cleaning your dog’s ears may seem like a daunting task, especially to pets that refuse to allow anyone anywhere near their ears.

However,

the process is actually quite simple.

For most dogs, ear cleaning simply consists of occasional inspection and cleaning only when required.

Certain breeds or dogs that may spend a lot of time swimming or have floppy ears might need more frequent cleaning while others may barely need any.

The key is to avoid excessive cleaning.

How Do You Know If Your Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning?

Start by inspecting your pet’s ears.

A healthy dog’s ear should not be itchy, smell unusual, inflamed or swollen.

There should not be a large amount of wax either.

If you observe more dirt or wax than usual, it may be a good idea to give the ears a gentle cleaning.

If the ears are inflamed, smell foul, have a substantial amount of dark discharge or are painful to the touch, avoid attempting to clean them at home and take your dog to the vet.

Cleaning ears that are already infected can lead to more discomfort.

What Do You Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

You will need:

• A pet-safe ear cleaning solution,

• Some cotton or gauze,

• A clean towel,

• Some treats.

Keep all materials close by during the process to avoid having to search for anything while your dog is waiting patiently to have their ears cleaned.

It is also best to avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or any other random cleaner inside the ear canal.

Follow your vet’s instructions and always use a cleaner that is recommended for pets.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home

Find a good time to clean your dog’s ears when they are in a relaxed state.

Cleaning their ears when they are overly excited or have just finished playing or running around can be more stressful for them than anything.

Take a seat in a comfortable position and allow your dog to get comfortable too.

Make sure they can see and smell the various materials you will be using.

Lift your dog’s ear flap to expose the canal.

Using your pet-safe ear cleaning solution as instructed, gently massage the area near the base of the ear for a couple of minutes.

You should hear a gentle squishing sound.

Let your dog shake their head (they likely will on their own).

You may want to have a towel handy because the solution may get everywhere.

After your dog has shaken, gently clean any visible dirt and solution around the canal without going too deep.

The main idea is to avoid forcing anything into the canal — gently remove any loosened wax or dirt that is seen on the surface of the ear.

Can You Use Ear Swabs on Dogs?

You can use gentle pet swabs on areas of the ear that are visible.

It is best to avoid swabbing or cleaning the canal with anything — inserting swabs, cotton balls or other materials into the canal can cause irritation or push dirt and wax further in.

If you cannot see what you are cleaning, there is also a risk of damaging the canal.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

There is no straightforward answer.

Each dog is different and some may need their ears cleaned more frequently while others need it less or not at all.

The best course of action is to inspect your dog’s ears regularly and only clean the ears when you feel there is a noticeable build-up of wax or dirt.

Cleaning ears unnecessarily can actually irritate the canal and cause discomfort.

If your dog has frequent ear problems, ask your vet how often they recommend cleaning.

Do Floppy-Eared Dogs Need More Cleaning?

Sometimes.

Dogs with floppy ears may need more frequent cleaning because the shape of the ears allows for more moisture to build-up, especially along the canal.

Dogs that are swimmers or spend a lot of time in water can have similar issues because the ears remain damp for longer, increasing the chances of infection.

It is not a necessity to clean floppy-eared dogs more frequently, however, it can be a good idea to inspect their ears more often.

What Should You Never Put in Your Dog’s Ears?

It can be tempting to use home remedies or solutions you may have on-hand, but avoid using alcohol or peroxide as they can irritate the ear canal.

Never put essential oils or any other unadvised substances in a dog’s ears.

Always use a pet-safe ear cleaning solution or those recommended by a vet.

What If Your Dog Hates Ear Cleaning?

Do not force the process.

Try letting your dog get used to having their ears touched first.

Try gently lifting an ear flap for a second or two before treating them to a pet treat.

Repeat this several times before even considering cleaning the ears.

When starting the ear cleaning process, keep the first few sessions short and only return if your dog seems to be comfortable.

Attempting to hold a writhing dog still to clean their ears can only cause discomfort.

If touching their ears seems painful, consult with your vet instead.

When Should You Stop Cleaning and Call the Vet?

Not every dirty-looking ear canal is an ear infection that needs cleaning.

Speak to your vet if you notice an unusual smell coming from the ears, redness or inflammation, excessive discharge, frequent scratching at the ears or repeated head shaking or pain when their ears are touched.

It is best to contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms alongside dirty ears.

Seek additional advice if your dog has an unexpected flare-up that leads to recurring ear infections.

While regular ear cleaning helps to manage wax build-up, it cannot cure the causes of infection and discomfort.

Keeping Dog Ear Cleaning Simple

You do not need to clean your dog’s ears every few days simply because ear cleaning is a part of grooming.

Always inspect the ears first and if they seem clean and your dog is comfortable, leave them be.

If there is a small amount of wax or dirt, use a pet-safe ear cleaning solution, allow your dog to shake and wipe away any visible dirt and solution from the outer part of the ear.

This should be sufficient for a basic home ear cleaning.

If the ears seem inflamed, red or overly dirty, skip the at-home cleaning and speak to your vet.

FAQs

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

Every dog is different.

Some may require regular ear cleaning while others barely need it.

Inspect your dog’s ears and clean them when necessary.

Can I use cotton buds to clean my dog’s ears?

Avoid pushing cotton buds or swabs deep into the canal — they can push dirt further into the ear or cause irritation.

Use them sparsely to clean visible areas if necessary.

Can I use water to clean my dog’s ears?

It is best to use a dog-safe ear cleaning solution instead of water.

How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?

Redness, swelling, ear pain, a foul smell coming from the ears, unexpected discharge, frequent scratching or head shaking can be signs that your dog may have an infection.

Should I clean my dog’s ears if they look red?

No, if your dog’s ears look inflamed it is best to speak to your vet before attempting to clean them.