Ear Cleaning

Healthy ears are pale pink inside, have little or no smell, and have only a small amount of light-coloured wax. Many dogs with ears like that need very little cleaning.

Dog ear canals are L-shaped: they run down, then turn in toward the eardrum. That shape makes it easy for moisture and debris to get trapped, especially in dogs with floppy or hairy ears, and it is why swabs pushed into the canal do more harm than good.

Routine cleaning uses a vet-approved ear cleaner to loosen wax, which the dog then shakes out. You only ever wipe the parts you can see.

Knowing what is not normal matters more than the cleaning itself. Redness, a strong smell, dark discharge, head shaking, or pain are signs of an ear problem that needs a vet, not more cleaning.

Cleaning the visible outer ear and loosening wax with a vet-approved cleaner.

Why it matters: Helps prevent wax and moisture build-up and catches ear problems early.

Difficulty: easy

Also called: dog ear care

Frequency: Check weekly. Clean every 2-4 weeks, or after swimming or bathing — only if there is visible wax or debris.

Estimated time: 5-10 minutes

Supplies: vet-approved dog ear cleaner, cotton wool or gauze, towel, treats

Breed and coat considerations: Dogs with floppy ears (spaniels, basset hounds, retrievers), hairy canals (poodles, doodles, shih tzus), or frequent swimming need closer monitoring. Dogs with allergies are prone to ear problems.

Age considerations: Get puppies used to ear handling early. Seniors may have more wax or be more sensitive, so go gently.

• 1. Look and sniff first Lift the ear flap and look inside. Healthy ears are pale pink with little wax and no strong smell. If you see redness, discharge, or swelling, stop and call your vet. Done right: You know whether the ear looks healthy. Time: 30 seconds per ear
• 2. Apply cleaner Hold the ear flap up and fill the canal with cleaner as directed on the label, without touching the nozzle to the ear. Done right: Cleaner is in the canal. Time: 10 seconds
• 3. Massage the base Gently massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaner loosens wax. Done right: Squishing sound; dog is comfortable. Time: 20-30 seconds
• 4. Let your dog shake Step back and let your dog shake its head. Hold up a towel to protect yourself. Done right: Dog shakes out the loosened wax and cleaner. Time: 10 seconds
• 5. Wipe what you can see Wipe the inside of the ear flap and the entrance to the canal with cotton wool. Only go as deep as your finger comfortably reaches. Done right: Visible wax removed, nothing pushed deeper. Time: 1 minute per ear
• 6. Reward Give a treat and repeat on the other ear. Done right: Dog stays relaxed for the second ear. Time: A few seconds

Safety notes: Never push cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar unless your vet has advised it. Do not clean an ear that looks red, swollen, or painful — see your vet first, as the eardrum could be damaged.

When to get help: Bad smell, dark or yellow discharge, redness, swelling, repeated head shaking or tilting, scratching at the ears, pain when touched, or loss of balance.

• Using cotton buds in the canal Why it happens: It is how people clean their own ears Fix: Cotton buds push wax deeper and can damage the canal. Wipe only what you can see.
• Cleaning healthy ears too often Why it happens: Belief that more cleaning is better Fix: Over-cleaning can irritate the canal. Clean only when there is visible wax or after swimming.
• Treating an infection at home Why it happens: Hoping more cleaning will fix it Fix: Infections need a vet diagnosis and the right medication. Cleaning alone will not clear them.
• Using homemade solutions Why it happens: Online advice Fix: Vinegar, alcohol, and peroxide can sting or damage irritated ears. Use a vet-approved cleaner.

• Ears smell yeasty or bad Likely cause: Possible yeast or bacterial infection What to do: Stop cleaning and see your vet.
• Lots of dark wax keeps coming back Likely cause: Infection, ear mites, or allergies What to do: See your vet for an examination and a swab.
• Dog hates ear cleaning Likely cause: Previous discomfort or cold cleaner What to do: Warm the bottle in your hand first, and practise touching the ears with treats between cleans.