A Dog Owner's Guide to Cleaning Your Dog's Ears at Home

Dog groomers know all the ins and outs of keeping dogs' ears clean, and there is no reason those insider tips should stay in the salon. With a little know-how you can maintain your dog's ears at home between grooming visits.

Ear cleaning is a tender task and nervous owners often prefer to leave it entirely to the groomer. But removing dirt regularly makes a big difference not only to your dog's ear health, but also to their confidence in having their ears handled, which makes every future grooming appointment and vet check far easier.

Types of dog ears

Owners aren't necessarily aware that the type of ears their dog has may mean they require more care or maintenance. Here is the difference.

Floppy ears

There are pros and cons to having a dog with adorable floppy ears. The ear canal of a floppy eared dog is more protected from foreign objects such as grass seeds. However, moisture can get trapped in the ears due to lack of airflow, and that leads to infections and smelly ears. Spaniels, retrievers and hounds usually need checking more often, especially after swimming or a bath.

Pointy ears

It is much easier to clean ears that stand up, as there is usually less skin and fur in the way. Grass seeds and other foreign objects can find their way in more easily though, and a rogue grass seed can turn into a hefty vet bill very quickly.

Whether your dog has pointy or floppy ears, checking them regularly after walks means you won't miss a developing problem, and it gets your dog used to having their ears handled.

How to clean a dog's ears at home: important things to know

• Never insert anything down the ear canal. Cotton buds in particular are dangerous and can cause serious damage by pushing debris deeper or injuring the eardrum.
• Don't use soaps or other unapproved products in your dog's ears. You can't go wrong with plain lukewarm water and soft cotton pads to wipe away visible wax or dirt around the ear canal, or a cleaner formulated for dogs.
• Learn the structure of your dog's ears. As a general guide, only focus on wiping the visible parts of the ear. Your groomer or vet can show you what normal looks like for your particular dog.
• Keep it short and positive. A few seconds of handling followed by a treat builds far more tolerance than one long wrestling match.

Using an ear cleaning solution

If your dog's ears need a deeper clean, or a vet or groomer has identified an infection, an ear cleaning solution is usually the next step. This can feel intimidating the first time, but the method is simple.

A good formula gently cleans dirt, ear wax and debris from your dog's ears. It softens and dislodges excess wax, dirt and oil to prevent head shaking, acts quickly to relieve irritation, and helps reduce bacteria.

Apply to a cotton pad and wipe around the ear, or apply directly into the ear canal until liquid is visible and massage the base of the ear. Your dog may shake their head to dislodge wax and dirt, which is completely normal. Use a clean cotton pad to clear away the excess.

What about plucking hair from a dog's ears?

This is a controversial subject, as hair in the ear canal plays an important natural role in keeping ears clean and free from dirt and debris. Plucking should never be done at home. Only trained professionals should attempt it, and many modern groomers and vets now advise against routine plucking altogether unless there is a specific medical reason.

When to see a vet

Book a health check if you notice any of the following:

• The ears are particularly smelly
• They are red and inflamed
• There is swelling around the ear canal or flap
• There is any sign of injury or infection, such as blood or pus
• Your dog doesn't want to be petted as usual
• Your dog is scratching at their ears or shaking their head

Always be careful with a dog that has an ear injury. They may be in severe pain and could react unexpectedly if you touch a sore spot. Our guide to dog ear infection treatment, signs, causes and remedies goes into more detail on what to look for.

Grooming products

If you want to maintain your dog's ears at home, here are the products you'll find most useful.

Pet Ear Cleaner Anti-Itch 120ml

A gentle ear cleaning solution that lifts dirt, wax and debris from your dog's ears. It softens and dislodges excess wax, dirt and oil to prevent head shaking, provides fast relief from irritation, and helps reduce bacteria. The 120ml bottle covers months of routine care.

Pet Ear Cleaner Mite Control

Formulated for ears that need more than a routine wipe, this cleaner tackles wax build-up, odour and ear mites, which are a common cause of persistent head shaking and dark, crumbly discharge.

Dog Ear Cleaning Drops

Drops suit dogs who tolerate a direct application better than wiping, and they make daily maintenance quick for floppy eared breeds that need frequent attention.

Pet Grooming Detangling Brush

Keep the fur around the face and ears free from tangles and matting. Removing that debris before it works its way into the ear canal prevents a lot of problems, and matted hair behind the ears traps the moisture that causes infections.

Pet Antibacterial Eye Drops

Ears and eyes usually get cleaned in the same session. These gentle drops keep the eye area clean and comfortable, and help with the discharge and tear staining common in flat-faced and light-coated breeds. As with ears, never insert anything into the eye itself.

Browse everything in our dog ear and eye care collection, or see how ear care fits into a full routine in our complete guide to dog grooming at home.