How to Clean Dog Ears

Ear cleaning is an aspect of dog healthcare that shouldn't be neglected. Every dog is different when it comes to how often this is needed. Dogs that are prone to ear infections may benefit from more frequent ear cleaning, while others rarely require it. If your dog regularly visits a professional groomer, it's likely that their ears are getting cleaned there, although it's a good idea to check with your groomer to verify. Although routine ear cleaning isn't necessary for all dogs (if you're unsure, check with your veterinarian), it's a good idea for any dog owner to know how to clean dog ears.

Before you jump straight to cleaning, first take a moment to inspect your dog's ears and make sure it's safe to clean them. There are some instances where you should avoid cleaning them. Look for these signs:

• Ears are red or swollen

• Brown to black or yellow to green fluid

• Scabs

• Ears smell strongly

• Dog is shaking their head or scratching their ears

• Dog is reluctant to let you check their ears

If you notice any of these signs, stop what you're doing and contact your vet for an exam.

In dogs, ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, foreign objects, allergies, endocrine diseases, or even anatomical abnormalities. A thorough exam of the ear canal and a microscopic exam of fluid in the ear can help your vet determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate medical treatment.

If you don't see any of the signs of an ear infection listed above, consider this a green light to proceed with a routine ear cleaning, unless otherwise directed by your vet.

Properly cleaning your pup's ears begins with gathering the right supplies. Here's what you need:

• An easy-to-clean location: 

Find a space such as a shower stall or bathtub that can handle a little mess. The outdoors is a great alternative.

• Ear cleanser:

Choose a vet-recommended commercial cleaning solution, being sure to avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. If you're not sure whether something is okay to use on your dog, ask your vet.

• Cotton balls or pads:

Cotton swabs may also be used gently to clean the ridges of the outer ear, but should not be inserted into the ear canal. You cannot control when your dog will shake their head and potentially lodge a swab into their ear and cause damage.

• A towel or soft rag:

This will help contain potential messes, especially if your dog is prone to shaking his head when something gets in his ears.

• Treats:

You'll want to reward your pup when it's all done.

Properly cleaning your pup's ears begins with gathering the right supplies. Here's what you need:

• An easy-to-clean location: 

Find a space such as a shower stall or bathtub that can handle a little mess. The outdoors is a great alternative.

• Ear cleanser:

Choose a vet-recommended commercial cleaning solution, being sure to avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. If you're not sure whether something is okay to use on your dog, ask your vet.

• Cotton balls or pads:

Cotton swabs may also be used gently to clean the ridges of the outer ear, but should not be inserted into the ear canal. You cannot control when your dog will shake their head and potentially lodge a swab into their ear and cause damage.

• A towel or soft rag:

This will help contain potential messes, especially if your dog is prone to shaking his head when something gets in his ears.

• Treats:

You'll want to reward your pup when it's all done.

Once you've gathered the supplies you need, use this step-by-step process to clean your pup's ears. Make sure you are in a mess-friendly space, away from furniture, carpet, or household items that you don't want soiled.

1. After getting your pup to sit, offer a treat and allow them to see and/or sniff the bottle of ear cleanser.

2. Tilt your dog's head so the ear you are cleaning first is raised in comparison to their other ear. If their ears aren't already erect, hold the ear flap upright and carefully fill the ear canal with cleaning solution.

3. Massage the base of the ear by pressing it closed using your thumb and fingers on the outside of the ear. If this causes the ear flap to fall over, this is fine. Try to massage the ear for at least twenty seconds.

4. Release the ear and allow your dog to shake their head if desired. Hold a towel over their head to minimize the mess.

5. Use a cotton ball or a cotton pad to gently wipe the visible part of your dog's ear canal and outer ear. Use a cotton swab only if necessary and only on the visible portion of your dog's ear.

6. Reward your pup with a treat and praise, then repeat these steps for the other ear.

Cleaning a dog's ears doesn't have to be a struggle, though it can feel that way if you aren't prepared. Here are some tips to help make this a smooth and effective routine.

• Practice early and often:

Don't expect success right away. If your dog is just a puppy, this is the perfect time to train them to accept having their ears massaged, examined, and cleaned. Many adult dogs need practice at tolerating ear cleanings at home, so don't give up after the first try!

• Keep it positive:

Your dog can sense your apprehension, so take some deep breaths, relax, and try to have a positive frame of mind. Remember to praise with your voice, not just treats.

• Tilting trouble:

If you can't keep your dog's head tilted, don't worry. Proceed with the cleaning as best as possible.

• Don't skimp on the cleaning solution: 

Your dog's ear canal (where the cleanser needs to reach) extends deeper than you can see or would likely expect. Filling the entire canal with solution will help ensure the entire ear gets cleaned. Any excess cleanser that doesn't get wiped out will be expelled by your dog shaking their head.

• Act fast:

As you finish squirting the liquid cleanser with one hand, quickly and gently squeeze the base of the ear closed and begin to massage as you remove the bottle of cleanser. Act too slowly, and you may end up wearing more ear cleanser than your dog has in their ears.

• Clean vs. dirty dog ears:

If the ears still appear dirty when you're done, you can repeat the cleaning, though make sure to break first if your dog has become impatient.

• Safety first:

If at any time your dog becomes agitated or seems in pain, stop. Err on the side of caution and contact your vet for professional help if you can't safely clean their ears at home.

Should you use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog ears?

You should never use hydrogen peroxide in your dog's ears. Hydrogen peroxide can kill healthy skin cells in the ears, not just disease-causing microbes, thereby worsening ear conditions or infections. Additionally, at-home remedies such as coconut oil, castor oil, apple cider vinegar, or rubbing alcohol should never be used in your dog's ears.

How often should I clean my dog's ears?

Some dogs, especially those with short, erect ears without much hair inside the ears, may only need to have their ears cleaned when they begin to look dirty. Dogs with floppy ears, those with a lot of hair inside their ears, and those living in warm, humid climates may need more frequent ear cleanings — often once a week or every other week. Dogs with a history of recurrent or severe ear infections may need to have daily cleanings.

When should I go to the vet?

If your dog is shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or reluctant to let you clean their ears, this indicates the need for a visit to the vet. Other signs include: red ears, swollen ears, excess fluid (appearing tan, yellow, green, brown, or black), bleeding, scabbing, crusting, sores, abnormal odor, hair loss or ears that are warm to the touch.