An In-Depth Guide to Dog Ear Cleaning
Your dog’s ears aren’t just adorable — they’re also two of their most important communication tools. A quick glance at their ears is all you need to know if they’re excited, nervous, or afraid. But if you’re not cleaning their ears regularly, you could be setting them up for discomfort and potentially painful infections.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about dog ear cleaning, from health benefits to product recommendations. We also share our favorite tips for cleaning dogs’ ears safely and without stress.
5 Benefits of Dog Ear Cleaning
Like every part of your pet’s body, their ears need the right care to stay healthy. Here are five reasons to add regular ear cleanings to your to-do list:
-
Improves your dog’s hearing by removing wax buildup
-
Prevents unpleasant odors
-
Removes foreign bodies, like burrs or ticks
-
Reduces the risk of bacterial and yeast infections
-
Helps you catch ear diseases early
Ear cleaning is especially important for breeds with floppy ears, like basset hounds, English springer spaniels, Goldendoodles, and golden retrievers. Because their ears fold over, they can trap bacteria and moisture, making them more prone to ear issues. Frequent cleanings are essential to keep these breeds' ears clean, dry, and comfortable.
Signs Your Dog Needs an Ear Cleaning
Sometimes, it’s obvious when your dog’s ears are overdue for a cleaning. Maybe you caught a whiff of an eye-watering odor when you bent over to clip on their leash, or you spotted a tick lodged in their ear canal after a hike. But other times, you may not even realize that your dog’s ears need attention.
Here are a few signs your dog is overdue for a cleaning:
-
You notice your pet pawing or scratching at their ears.
-
They shake their head frequently.
-
The inside of their ears looks red and irritated.
-
Their ears smell fishy or musty.
-
You see discharge in their ears.
-
They’ve gone swimming.
Even if none of these scenarios apply to your dog, you should still groom their ears if it’s been over a month since their last cleaning. Maintaining good hygiene can help prevent more serious issues.
Common Causes of Ear Problems
It’s normal for your dog’s ears to occasionally get dirty and smelly, especially if they’ve been romping outside or swimming. However, these symptoms can sometimes point to an underlying condition that may need veterinary treatment. Below are some common causes of ear issues.
Wax Buildup
All dogs, like humans, have earwax to help trap bacteria, dust, and other debris and carry them out of the ear. This substance may seem gross, but you should consider it a natural shield or self-cleaner for your dog’s ears.
However, some dogs can get excessive earwax that affects their hearing or causes matting in their fur. If you notice that your dog has a significant amount of earwax despite regular cleanings, or if the wax suddenly changes colors, you should schedule an appointment with your vet.
Ear Infections
Harmful bacteria and fungi can invade your dog’s ears and cause a painful infection. Common symptoms include:
-
Frequent ear scratching
-
Inflammation and redness in the ear canal
-
Black or yellow discharge
-
Soreness or pain when touched
-
Aural hematomas, which happen when blood vessels in the ear burst
If left untreated, ear infections can lead to chronic inflammation, narrowing of the ear canals, and permanent hearing loss. Seek veterinary care promptly to protect your pet’s hearing and relieve discomfort. Treatment typically involves medicated ear drops, but severe or chronic cases may require ear canal removal surgery.
Allergies
Itchy ears are a common symptom of atopic dermatitis, which can be caused by environmental allergies to dust mites, mold, pollen, flea bites, and other irritants. Because allergies can be complex, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Your vet may prescribe anti-infection medication, medicated baths, or a diet change. Pet Honesty’s allergy support supplements can also help relieve itchiness and promote healthy skin — inside and outside the ears.
Tips for Cleaning Dogs’ Ears Safely
Even the most well-behaved dogs can get wiggly when it’s time for ear cleaning. Some pets may even bolt when you take out the cleaner or squirm away when you try to lift their ears. But, with patience and consistency, you can make ear cleaning a stress-free part of your grooming routine.
Start by gathering the necessary supplies. Many companies sell dog ear cleaning kits, but you can also build your own with these items:
-
Cotton balls
-
Ear cleaner or wipes for dogs
-
Yummy treats
Take your dog into a quiet, confined area — like a bathroom or hallway — to keep them calm and prevent any attempts to sneak away. Extra squirmy pets may need a family member or friend to hold them still. If you're alone, try sticking a lick-mat with peanut butter to the wall as a distraction.
If you’re using a solution like the Restore + Soothe Ear Cleaner, apply a few drops in the canal and lightly massage the outside of the ear to work it in. Next, use cotton balls or wipes to clean out earwax, debris, and excess cleaner. Always use a fresh wipe or cotton ball for each ear to avoid transmitting infections. You should also avoid sticking anything deeply into your dog’s ear canal, which can cause injury.
Give your dog plenty of praise and treats to make ear cleaning a positive experience. Consider cleaning their ears weekly to help them get comfortable, then scaling back to once or twice a month if their ears stay healthy.
Can You Use a Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner?
Some people use a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar as a DIY dog ear cleaner. This mixture may help dissolve wax and disinfect the ears.
However, you should always check with your vet before using home remedies to clean dogs’ ears. They can recommend the best solutions and warn you about ineffective or harmful cleaners.
Protect Your Dog’s Health With a Simple Ear Cleaning Routine
Ear care is an essential but often overlooked part of pet care. To keep your dog healthy, clean its ears at least once monthly and watch for signs of ear discomfort.
Ready to take your grooming game to the next level? Check out Pet Honesty’s all-natural ear cleaner, shampoo, and other grooming products.
