How do you clean a dog's ears?
Fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner, massage the base of the ear, let your dog shake, then wipe away the loosened wax with a cotton pad. Step by step:
- Get ready: have the cleaner, cotton pads and a treat to hand. A calm moment after a walk works best.
- Check the ear first: lift the ear flap and look inside. If it's red, swollen, sore or has discharge, stop and see your vet.
- Apply the cleaner: squeeze the cleaner into the ear canal until you can see the liquid. Don't push the nozzle into the ear.
- Massage: gently rub the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You should hear a squelching sound as the wax loosens.
- Let them shake, then wipe: step back while your dog shakes their head, then wipe the inside of the ear flap and the opening with a cotton pad. Use a fresh pad for each ear.
Finish with a treat, so ear cleaning becomes something your dog doesn't mind.
How often should you clean your dog's ears?
Most dogs need their ears cleaned about once a week. Dogs with floppy or hairy ears, such as spaniels, poodles and basset hounds, and dogs that swim often may need it twice a week. Cleaning too often can irritate the ear, so if your dog's ears look clean and don't smell, you can leave them.
What should you use to clean a dog's ears?
Use an ear cleaner or ear wipes made for dogs. Products made for people can be too harsh. Don't use cotton buds: they can push wax further in and damage the ear canal. PDSA also advises against them.
Ear wipes are good for a quick weekly wipe of the parts you can see. A liquid cleaner is better when there's a build-up of wax.
Why do my dog's ears smell?
A mild smell usually means a build-up of wax and dirt, which regular cleaning clears. A strong, yeasty or rotten smell, especially with redness or discharge, can be a sign of an infection, so see your vet.
What are the signs of an ear infection in dogs?
The most common signs are head shaking, scratching or rubbing at the ear, and a bad smell. Others include:
- Redness, swelling or warmth inside the ear
- Brown, yellow or bloody discharge
- Crusts or scabs on the ear flap
- Crying out when you touch the ear
- A head tilt or loss of balance
When should you see a vet about your dog's ears?
See your vet if you notice any of the signs above, or if your dog is still shaking their head after you've cleaned their ears. Don't put anything in an ear that might be infected, because cleaners can sting and some shouldn't be used if the eardrum is damaged.
Related reading: Itchy skin in dogs and cats
