How to clean a dog’s ears

Overview

• Most dogs don’t need their ears cleaned regularly, so unless you notice a problem it’s best to leave them alone.
• However, if your dog suffers from very waxy/dirty ears or gets ear infections regularly, it may help to clean them from time to time.
• Always speak to your vet before cleaning your dog’s ears to make sure they don’t need any medication beforehand.
• For more information check out our article Ear Problems in Dogs.

What you’ll need to clean your dog’s ears

• Ear cleaner for dogs
• Cotton wool
• Gloves
• Treats

How to clean your dog’s ears

1. Look inside your dog’s ears – if they look red, inflamed, seem painful, or smell pungent, contact your vet before cleaning them because they might have a problem (such as an ear infection or ear mites) that needs treatment before they can be cleaned.
2. Put gloves on and get ready with your ear cleaner, cotton wool and some treats for your dog.
3. Place the nozzle of the ear cleaner bottle into the entrance of your dog’s ear – see image below.
4. Squeeze some liquid out of the bottle (one big squeeze is usually enough), put the bottle to one side and gently massage the base of the ear to loosen up any dirt and wax.
5. Let your dog shake their head (watch out for flying liquid), then use cotton wool to wipe away any dirt from the entrance of their ear. Never use a cotton wool bud as you risk pushing dirt further into the ear, or popping the eardrum if you push it in too far.
6. Reward your dog with a treat afterwards to make it a positive experience for them.

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

There is no need to clean your dog’s ears unless they are very dirty, waxy or your vet has asked you to. Many dogs go their whole life without needing their ears cleaned.

When to contact your vet

• Always contact your vet before cleaning your dog’s ears, especially if you’ve noticed a problem –they might need some medication as well as, or instead of, being cleaned.
• It’s also important to get in touch with your vet if they have asked you to clean your dog’s ears but your dog won’t let you.

FAQs

Published: March 2023