Many pet owners regularly bathe and brush their dogs, but often neglect ear cleaning. In fact, ear problems are among the most common health issues in dogs. Dogs with drooping ears, those who love swimming, and breeds prone to allergies are particularly susceptible to earwax build-up, unpleasant odours, and even ear infections. In fact, as long as the method is correct, cleaning a dog’s ears at home is not difficult.

Based on real experiences and professional knowledge, this article will explain in detail: how to clean a dog’s ears, how often it is appropriate to clean them, which mistakes are most likely to harm a dog’s ears, and when it is necessary to see a veterinarian promptly.

Why do dogs’ ears need regular cleaning?

A dog’s ear canal is L-shaped. Although this special structure can protect the eardrum, it also makes it easier for moisture, earwax, and dust to accumulate deep in the ear canal.

According to veterinary data from the AKC (American Kennel Club), dogs with drooping ears (such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds) are at a significantly higher risk of developing ear infections. Common triggers include:

• Accumulation of earwax
• Moist ear canals after bathing or swimming
• Allergy issues
• Ear mites
• Yeast or bacterial infections

If left untreated for a long time, it may even affect hearing in severe cases.

Signs that a dog’s ears need cleaning

Healthy dog ears should generally:

• Be light pink
• Has no unusual smell
• Have little to no earwax
• Not red, swollen, or painful

The following situations may indicate a need for cleaning or examination:

• Frequent head shaking: wax buildup, ear discomfort
• Frequent scratching of ears: allergies, ear mites, infection
• Smelly ears: yeast or bacterial growth
• Red ear canal: inflammation or infection
• Increased black discharge: ear mites or infection

If there is obvious bleeding, severe odor, or purulent discharge, it is not recommended to handle it yourself, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

What do you need to prepare for cleaning your dog’s ears?

Actually, the tools are very simple.

• Pet ear cleaning solution to dissolve earwax and dirt
• Cotton balls or gauze: to wipe the outer ear canal
• Towel: to prevent a mess when the dog shakes its head
• Treats: to relieve anxiety

These items must never be used:

• Cotton swabs (Q-tip)
• Alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sharp tools

Veterinarians generally do not recommend using cotton swabs, as they can push the earwax deeper and may even damage the eardrum.

How do you clean a dog’s ears?

1. Relax the dog: Choose a quiet, familiar environment. Many owners choose the bathroom or outdoors because dogs often shake their heads vigorously after cleaning. You can give a little treat first to create a positive impression of the cleaning.
2. Gently lift the ear: Gently lift the ear flap to expose the ear canal. The movement must be gentle. If the dog shows obvious pain or resistance, do not force continuation.
3. Apply ear cleaning solution: Slowly drip pet-specific ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Be careful not to insert the bottle tip deeply into the ear. Usually, it is sufficient to see the solution around the ear canal opening.
4. Massage the ear base: Gently massage the base of the ears for about 20–30 seconds. You may hear a ‘gurgling’ sound, which indicates that the ear cleaning solution is softening the earwax. According to AKC veterinarians, this step is one of the most crucial in the cleaning process.
5. Let the dog shake its head: This is the part dogs enjoy the most. Shaking helps naturally bring dirt from deep within the ear canal. Prepare a towel in advance to avoid being ‘attacked’ by the ear cleaning solution.
6. Wipe the outer ear canal: Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently remove earwax and excess liquid around the ear canal opening.

Principle: Only wipe the visible areas; do not go deep into the ear canal. This is safer than ‘digging it out’ and aligns with veterinary advice. Both VCA and Cornell (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine) explicitly warn against using cotton swabs deep inside, as this can push debris further in or even damage the ear canal or eardrum.

How often do you clean a dog’s ears?

The frequency varies for different dogs. The cleaning frequency depends on the dog’s individual situation rather than following the same standard for all dogs.

Note: Excessive cleaning may actually irritate the ear canal and cause inflammation. AKC recommends cleaning a healthy ear at least once a month, but dogs prone to ear diseases need more frequent cleaning; Cornell emphasises that the specific frequency should be based on individual conditions and the state of the ear canal.

What are the pros and cons of cleaning a dog’s ears at home?

Normally, I pay great attention to my dog’s (a corgi named Yu-Tou) ear hygiene, so I rarely find earwax in its ears. I use finger-mounted ear cleaning wipes.

I have ear wipes that go over my finger. I play with its ears a lot anyway, and every so often, I do a quick swipe with a wipe. In the summer, it swims a lot, so I use a squeeze bottle, as one is prone to ear infections otherwise. I do it right before we go outside, and just a quick squeeze, rub the ear, then the next one. It is already leashed and ready to go, so it can’t run off and is often more focused on heading out for a walk. It’s the same way I brush its teeth.

When to see a veterinarian?

It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly in the following situations rather than continuing to clean at home:

• Obvious pain or refusal to touch the ears.
• Persistent foul smell, especially with abnormal discharge.
• Redness, swelling, oozing, bleeding, or purulent discharge.
• Repeated shaking of the head or scratching the ears for more than 1–2 days.
• Suspected ear mites, foreign objects, eardrum issues, or middle ear infection.

The MSD Veterinary Manual notes that one of the most common ear disorders in dogs is otitis externa, which often manifests as head shaking, unpleasant odor, redness, and pain; such issues require a veterinarian’s clear diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, healthy ears should be light pink, odorless, and painless. If you are unsure whether the ear condition is normal, consulting a veterinarian promptly is always the safest option.