How to clean your dog's ears in 7 easy steps
Overview
Preparation
How it's done
How often
What to use
Is it safe
When to worry
Products in this article
How to clean your dog's ears in 7 easy steps
Learning how to clean your dog's ears can be a useful skill, particularly if your dog is prone to ear problems or your vet has recommended regular cleaning. Ear problems are common in dogs and can have many different causes, including allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, and foreign bodies.
Once you and your dog are comfortable with the process, ear cleaning can usually be done quickly and easily at home. Your vet can advise whether your dog needs regular ear cleaning and which product is appropriate.
Why should you clean your dog's ears?
Regular ear cleaning can help remove excess wax, debris and discharge from the ear canal. It also gives you an opportunity to check your dog's ears for changes such as redness, swelling, discharge or a bad smell.
Dogs with chronic ear problems may benefit from regular ear cleaning. Conditions such as allergies can make them prone to recurring problems. Your vet can advise how often your dog's ears should be cleaned.
Dogs with an ear infection may need their ears cleaned as part of their treatment. Removing excess discharge and debris can help topical medication reach the affected skin more effectively. Your vet will advise whether cleaning is appropriate and which product to use.
Dogs that swim regularly may benefit from appropriate ear care, as moisture in the ear can contribute to ear problems in some dogs.
Not all dogs need their ears cleaned routinely. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal and contribute to problems. Speak to a vet before starting a regular ear-cleaning routine to find out whether your dog needs it and which product is appropriate.
Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.
How to prepare your dog for ear cleaning
Gently handling your dog's ears from a young age can make routine checks and cleaning less stressful.
Try to make ear cleaning a positive experience with reward-based training. If your dog is very anxious or uncomfortable, speak to your vet rather than forcing them to have their ears cleaned.
Choose a calm, quiet area where your dog feels relaxed. Start by gently touching and rubbing around the ears before introducing any ear-cleaning product.
How to clean your dog’s ears in simple steps
Have everything ready before you start, including the ear cleaner and some treats. Sit behind your dog or ask someone to gently steady them and help keep them calm. If your dog is fidgety, a towel can sometimes help them feel more secure, but avoid wrapping them tightly or forcing them to stay still.
Let your dog sniff the ear-cleaning product before you use it, and reward them for staying calm.
Lift the ear flap gently so you can see the opening of the ear canal. If you see anything abnormal, speak to your vet before cleaning it.
Place the nozzle at the opening of the ear canal without pushing it inside. Squeeze the recommended amount of ear cleaner into the canal.
Gently massage the base of the ear for around 20–30 seconds. You should hear a squelching sound. You may then need to wait for a few minutes, depending on what type of product you are using.
Wipe away loosened debris from the parts of the ear that you can easily see using cotton wool, a cotton pad or gauze. Do not push anything deep into the ear canal. You may need to repeat the massage and wiping a few times.
Repeat the process with the other ear if your dog needs both ears cleaned.
Allow your dog a few minutes to relax, and make sure to reward them with their favourite treat, toy or some cuddles. Your dog may shake their head for a few seconds after cleaning. This is perfectly normal and can help get rid of excess debris and liquid.
Take things slowly. If your dog becomes worried or tries to move away, stop and try again later rather than forcing them to continue.
If you are at all unsure, ask a vet or vet nurse to show you how to safely clean your dog’s ears.
How often should you clean your dog’s ears?
There is no set schedule for cleaning every dog's ears. Some dogs may benefit from regular ear cleaning, while others may rarely or never need their ears cleaned.
If your dog is prone to ear problems, your vet can recommend how often to clean their ears based on the underlying cause and the type of ear cleaner being used. Dogs with an active ear infection may need more frequent cleaning as part of their treatment.
Avoid cleaning your dog's ears more often than recommended, as this can irritate the ear canal.
What should I use to clean my dog’s ears?
A cotton pad or gauze can be used to gently wipe away discharge and debris from the parts of the ear that you can easily see. Avoid using cotton buds or putting anything deep into the ear canal, as this can push debris further inside or injure the ear.
If your dog needs an ear-cleaning solution, use a product recommended by your vet. Ear cleaners are available in different formulations and may contain ingredients designed to remove wax and debris, dry the ear canal or help maintain a healthy ear environment. Your vet can advise which product is appropriate for your dog's ears and how often to use it.
Some ear cleaners, such as Otodine, contain ingredients with antimicrobial properties and may be recommended as part of the management of certain ear problems. Epi-Otic is another ear-cleaning solution that may be recommended for routine ear care in some dogs.
Always speak to a vet before using anything in your dog's ears. Some products may be unsuitable if the ear is very inflamed or the eardrum is damaged, and inappropriate cleaning can make some ear problems worse.
Is it safe to clean your dog’s ears?
Ear cleaning in dogs is generally a safe procedure when the appropriate product and technique are used. Speak to a vet before using a new product and never stick anything, like cotton buds, down your dog's ears.
If your dog becomes stressed, frightened or aggressive when trying to clean their ears, then stop straight away. Forcing ear cleaning can cause your dog to become more fearful and may result in you or your dog being injured.
Your vet or veterinary nurse can show you how to clean your dog's ears safely or advise whether an alternative approach is needed.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet for an ear infection?
Arrange a physical exam with your vet if your dog's ears are:
Painful or swollen
Producing lots of discharge, especially if the discharge is green or yellow
Bleeding
Not improving with treatment
If your dog has a head tilt or seems unsteady when walking, contact your vet urgently.
Our Joii vets can answer your questions about cleaning your dog's ears. They can also recommend an appropriate ear cleaner and show you how to use it safely. Download the app and speak to one of our veterinary professionals.
