How to Clean Dog Ears: Easy Tips for Pet Owners
Hygiene is important, especially for something as delicate and vital as dog ears. Ear cleaning can be daunting, though, especially if your dog has an ear infection. So, how do you clean dog ears? What should you use?
Quick Answer
Not all dogs need ear cleaning. Look for signs of dirt or infection and use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Carefully fill the ear with the solution, then wipe away any debris to clean it.
Table of Contents
When Do Dogs Need Ear Cleaning
Not every dog’s ears need regular cleaning. Certain breeds with a long ear flap, such as cocker spaniels, may require more cleaning than other dogs since their ears are more prone to warmth and moisture. If your dog’s ears are pink and healthy, have no odor, and the ear canal is clean, then you probably don’t need to worry at all.
Senior dogs and dogs that swim or roll in grass frequently may be more prone to ear dirt and infection, so check their ears frequently.
Most of the time, ear cleaning will just be maintenance grooming, like nail care, but if you suspect an ear infection, you will have to consult a vet. You may need to do it as soon as possible, as frequent or severe infections can lead to hearing loss.
Signs of an ear infection can include[1]-
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A yeasty or bad smell
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Cloudy or excessive discharge
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A red, inflamed ear canal
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Your dog’s ear flap is warm to the touch or seems sensitive
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Hair loss, or signs of bites or rashes on the ear flap (Can indicate ear mites)
Ear Medication And Ear Solutions For Cleaning
Most dirt in the ear canal can be stubborn. Having a solution to dislodge dirt can be a big help. If there is an infection in your dog’s ears, then you may also need an ear cleaning solution that contains antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Your dog’s ear canal is very sensitive, so it's strongly recommended not to try a homemade ear cleaning solution. Many of these contain hydrogen peroxide and other strong chemicals that can burn your dog’s ears or are difficult to remove.
The cleaning solution should be sterile; otherwise, it can cause or worsen an ear infection. If it must be mixed with water, then make sure the water has been boiled and cleaned.
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Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
Step 1
Prepare your cleaning solution. Read the instructions carefully, and consult with a vet beforehand if you need any kind of special medication for an ear infection.
Make sure you have a towel nearby before you start. It's also a good idea to have your cotton balls close and something to distract your dog with.
For all your grooming needs, check out Sparkpaws’ 10 Minute Dry Grooming Kit, which has everything from towels to doggy bathrobes to a distracting lick mat.
Step 2
Groom the ear in preparation. Trim any excess hair and gently wipe away any visible dirt from the ear flap and surrounding area with a damp cloth.
Step 3
Lift the ear flap on your dog’s ear so that you have a clear view of the ear canal. You can then pour the cleaning solution into the ear canal and hold the ear closed. Follow the instructions to determine the recommended soaking time.
Gently massage the base of the ear so the solution moves into all the gaps inside the ear canal. After this, let your dog shake their head if they feel they need to. Try to avoid letting the bottle touch the infected ear.
Step 4
Clean your dog’s ear with cotton balls or gauze pads. Get new cotton balls every time one becomes too gunked up or you move to the other ear to avoid transferring infected dirt.
Gently wipe away any visible dirt or muck that has gotten washed out. Avoid scratching at stubborn dirt or doing anything that makes your dog too uncomfortable.
IMPORTANT! Always use cotton balls and gauze or cotton swabs to clean your dog’s ears. Earbuds can easily damage your dog’s ear canal or eardrum if they go too deep. Cloths can also retain bacteria, and should be kept away from the inside of your dog’s ears.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears
You should check your dog’s ears weekly. Healthy, normal ears shouldn’t need to be cleaned more than once a month or so. Some dogs will need a routine ear cleaning, but other dogs may only need a cleaning when necessary.
If your dog has an infection, then follow your vet’s ear treatment plan and clean your dog’s ear as much as they recommend.
Common Causes Of Ear Infections In Dogs
An ear infection is normally caused by bacteria or fungi entering the ear canal. The most common ear infection is a yeast infection.
Any dog can get a yeast infection, but dogs with compromised immune systems are more likely to get it. Food allergies, especially to refined foods, can interfere with gut flora and increase the risk of yeast issues.
Dogs that regularly go swimming or rolling in mud are also more likely to get bacteria growing in their inner ears.
Using Coconut Oil Safely For Dog Ear Care
Yes, coconut oil has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can reduce dryness and itching in healthy ears. However, it should not be used if your dog has a more serious infection.[2]
The oil should also be at a safe temperature and not penetrate too deeply into the ear. It can also make ear cleaning more difficult if there is a lot of debris inside.
Conclusion
Ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s overall hygiene, especially for breeds with floppy ears who are prone to infections. Not all dogs need regular ear cleaning, but signs like odor, discharge, redness, or itching may indicate a problem.
Always use vet-approved cleaning solutions, not homemade mixtures, and follow safe techniques to avoid damaging the sensitive ear canal. Regular ear checks, especially for older dogs or those that swim often, help prevent infections. Always consult a vet if signs of infection appear.
When ear cleaning, make sure to close the ear to let the cleaning solution work before carefully wiping away debris with a cotton ball or swab. You may need to get a towel ready and a distraction for the process, such as a lick mat or toy-like provided in Sparkpaws’ 10 Minute Dry Grooming Kit
Regular ear cleaning, if needed, can help keep your dog happy and healthy, and may even prevent hearing loss.
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