How to Clean Dog Ears Safely: A Gentle Step-by-Step Guide
To clean your dog’s ears, fill the ear canal with a vet-approved dog ear cleaner, gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds, let your dog shake, then wipe away loosened dirt from the outer ear with cotton wool. Never push cotton buds into the ear canal, and see your vet if the ear is red, smelly, painful or has discharge.
Healthy ears often need very little cleaning. Some dogs, especially those with floppy ears, hairy ears or a history of ear problems, benefit from regular gentle cleaning. Older dogs can also be more sensitive, so a calm, slow approach matters.
How often should you clean dog ears?
Only clean when the ears look dirty, or as often as your vet recommends. Cleaning healthy ears too often can irritate them. Check your dog’s ears once a week: they should look pale pink, clean and smell normal.
What you need
- A dog ear cleaner recommended by your vet
- Cotton wool balls or soft gauze (not cotton buds)
- A towel, and treats to make it a good experience
How to clean dog ears in 5 steps
1. Settle your dog
Choose a quiet time when your dog is relaxed. Sit beside them and give a treat. For a small dog, a towel on your lap works well.
2. Fill the ear canal with cleaner
Lift the ear flap gently and squeeze cleaner into the canal as directed on the label. Do not push the bottle tip into the ear.
3. Massage the base of the ear
Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a soft squelching sound as the cleaner loosens wax.
4. Let your dog shake
Step back and let your dog shake their head. This brings loosened debris up to the outer ear.
5. Wipe the outer ear
Use cotton wool to wipe the inside of the ear flap and the part of the canal you can easily see. Never poke into the canal, and finish with a treat.
What to avoid
- Cotton buds in the ear canal, which can push wax deeper or injure the ear
- Homemade mixes such as vinegar, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can sting and may be harmful if the eardrum is damaged; ask your vet first
- Cleaning a sore ear, which needs a vet check instead
Signs of an ear infection
See your vet if you notice redness, swelling, a bad smell, dark or yellow discharge, frequent head shaking, scratching, or your dog crying when the ear is touched. A head tilt or loss of balance also needs a prompt check.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a homemade solution to clean my dog's ears?
It is best not to without your vet’s advice. Mixtures with vinegar, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can irritate the ear and can be harmful if the eardrum is damaged.
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
Only when they look dirty or as often as your vet recommends. Check them weekly, but healthy ears often need little cleaning.
Why does my dog's ear smell bad?
A bad smell is often a sign of an ear infection, especially with redness, discharge or head shaking. Book a vet check rather than cleaning a sore ear.
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