Keeping your dog’s ears clean can help fight infections and other unpleasant symptoms. Learn how to properly clean your dog’s ears.
Pups are often outside on long walks, at the park, or running around with us in the yard. As loving dog parents, we want to keep our pets well-groomed to keep them clean, happy, and healthy. This includes ensuring their ears are as clean and groomed as the rest of their bodies.
It’s incredibly easy for debris and dirt to get trapped inside your pup’s ears, which is largely because of the way dogs’ ears are structured. Your doggie’s ears have three parts (Trusted Source):
Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly can also prevent infection and make you aware of issues like ear infections, ear mites, or allergies.
👉 When you clean, it’s best to stick to the outer ear to avoid causing any damage.
When cleaning the ear in dogs, it is better to use gauze or cotton balls. Using Q-tips to clean the ear may increase the risk of causing damage to the eardrum if it penetrates too deep in the ear canal.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is a good hygiene practice, but there is a right and wrong time to do so! Your pup might be due for a cleaning if:
👉 When using an ear cleaner for your pup after a swim or exposure to water, be sure to use a cleaner with a drying agent.
All dog breeds need to have clean and healthy ears, but long-eared dog breeds tend to need more frequent cleanings. Dogs with floppy ears tend to have higher wax build-ups than short-eared or pointy-eared dogs. Hounds, such as Basset Hounds, Afghan Hounds, and others fall into this category. Setters, such as Irish Setters and English Setters, are also prone to needing more frequent ear cleanings.
Other dogs may be prone to getting ear infections regardless of how frequently you clean your dog's ears. Watch for this in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Pit Bulls.
There are times when you should check with your vet before cleaning your pup’s ears. If your pup seems like they’re in too much pain, or if you’re worried they may have ruptured an eardrum, get them to the vet right away. Your dog’s ears also shouldn’t be cleaned if they’re being treated with Osurnia or Claro for an ear infection. This medication needs to sit in the dog’s ear for two weeks to be effective.
There are times where you should not put ear cleaner into a dog's ears, like if the eardrum is perforated. This is rare, but it's hard for people to know when it's actually happening.
Dr. Erica Irish, DVM
When pet parents have gotten the all-clear that it’s safe to clean their pet’s ears, the actual cleaning may take a little practice. Pups might be antsy or uncomfortable if they’ve never had their ears cleaned before. However, with a little patience and plenty of praise, dog owners can help their furry friend become comfortable with the process by following the steps and tips outlined below.
You’ll want to make sure you have cotton rounds or cotton balls, treats (like peanut butter or spreadable cheese), and a good dog ear cleaning solution ready.
You can take your dog to a smaller space, like a bathroom, that’s quiet and distraction-free. Avoid restraining your dog to clean their ears, as doing so can add to their stress, especially if they dislike having their ears cleaned or are in pain due to an infection.
Follow the directions on the package to ensure you use the correct amount of product.
Using the moistened pad, wipe the outer ear, making sure not to go in too far or press on your dog’s eardrum. This shouldn’t be a big concern since dogs’ eardrums are deep inside their ears. You can also massage the base of the ear while you clean to ensure you’re getting all the wax and debris out and that the cleaner is doing its job.
It might take a few cotton pads before your dog’s ear is fully cleaned and gunk-free. You can repeat the process as needed to make sure the ear is completely clean. Remember to check in with your pup as you work, as they might need a break. If your dog is showing signs of stress, you can also give them a few minutes to relax before you finish the cleaning.
While you’re cleaning, offer lots of praise and some tasty treats. Try to choose something extra delicious so your dog has a positive association with ear cleaning, as well as a reward for a job well done!
While cleaning your dog’s ears shouldn’t require any special supplies, there are a few key items you should always keep on hand to make ear cleaning easy in a pinch. These may include a vet-approved cleaning solution, cotton balls, and treats to keep your pup stress-free.
Protect your pup’s ears by avoiding these five popular things while cleaning your dog’s ears.
While not all dogs need their ears cleaned, when your pup needs theirs cleaned, you’ll want to be prepared. Keeping a quality cleaner and some cotton balls on hand is a good idea in case the need arises. With a little patience and lots of love, cleaning your pup’s ears can be a breeze.
It depends on your dog’s needs. Some dogs, like those with allergies, need to have their ears cleaned weekly, while other dogs can go about two weeks. Remember to always clean your dog’s ears after a bath or swim. You can check your dog’s ears regularly to make sure they’re clean. If your dog is itching or shaking their head or you notice redness, inflammation, or an odor, you should call your vet.
You should use a cleaning solution specifically designed for dogs. Our favorite to recommend is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser.
It might be an overproduction of earwax, but it could also be a sign of infection. If your dog is showing other symptoms of an ear infection, like odor, scratching, redness, or swelling, you might want to get them to the vet right away.
You’ll want to wipe your dog’s ears gently with a soft cloth and then examine the residue. If you see some tiny white spots, you might be looking at ear mites. Ultimately, only your vet can tell, though. Your vet will need to do an ear cytology (taking a swab of debris and examining it under the microscope).
If your dog has a yeast infection, their ears might smell cheesy or musty, be red or swollen, and have a red or brown waxy discharge.
No. You should not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. An ear cleaner made specifically for dogs is always best.
