How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears – A Safe & Simple Guide for Pet Parents

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is an important part of their overall health and wellness, but it can feel intimidating—especially if your pup isn’t a fan of ear handling. At Keira’s Doghouse, we’re all about keeping pets happy, healthy, and comfortable, so we’ve put together this simple, step-by-step guide to help you clean your dog’s ears safely and stress-free.

Why Ear Cleaning Matters

Dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are especially prone to ear issues, but all breeds can develop problems if moisture, wax, or debris builds up. Regular cleaning can help prevent:

• Ear infections (bacterial or yeast)

• Mites

• Unpleasant odors

• Discomfort and head shaking

• Long-term hearing issues

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guide:

✅ Once a month: For most dogs with healthy ears, a monthly cleaning is plenty.
✅ Every 1–2 weeks: For breeds prone to ear issues, dogs who swim often, or pups with allergies.
✅ As needed: If you notice odor, redness, discharge, or frequent scratching.

When in doubt, ask your vet. They can recommend a schedule based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and health history.

What You’ll Need

• Vet-approved dog ear cleaner (never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or human products)

• Cotton balls or gauze pads (avoid cotton swabs/Q-tips, which can damage the ear canal)

• Treats for positive reinforcement

• A towel for any mess

Step-by-Step Ear Cleaning Guide

1. Choose a Calm Time

Pick a moment when your dog is relaxed—after a walk or play session is ideal. Have your supplies ready and keep treats nearby.

2. Inspect the Ear

Gently fold back the ear flap and look inside. Healthy ears are pale pink, odor-free, and have minimal wax. If you see redness, swelling, dark discharge, or smell something foul, stop and call your vet.

3. Apply the Cleaner

Hold the ear flap up and squeeze a generous amount of cleaner into the ear canal (follow product instructions). You’ll hear a squishing sound—that’s normal!

4. Massage the Base

Gently massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. This helps the cleaner break up wax and debris.

5. Let Your Dog Shake

Step back and let your pup shake their head—this brings loosened gunk up and out. (You might want to hold up a towel!)

6. Wipe Away Debris

Use a cotton ball or gauze to wipe out the visible part of the ear canal and the inner ear flap. Never push deep into the ear.

7. Reward and Repeat

Offer treats and praise! If your vet recommended cleaning both ears, repeat on the other side.

Signs of an Ear Problem

Even with regular cleaning, infections can happen. Contact your vet if you notice:

• Persistent scratching or head shaking

• Redness or swelling

• Unpleasant odor

• Dark, waxy, or pus-like discharge

• Whining or sensitivity when touching the ears

• Loss of balance or hearing changes

Tips for Success

🐾 Start young – Get puppies used to ear handling early.
🐾 Stay positive – Use treats and calm praise throughout.
🐾 Be gentle – If your dog resists, stop and try again later. Never force it.
🐾 Keep it routine – Regular cleanings make the process easier over time.

Keira’s Doghouse – Here for You and Your Pets

We know how much your furry family members mean to you. That’s why we create products that celebrate the bond you share—from personalized treat jars to cozy breed-themed hoodies. And just like we care for Keira, our Rottweiler mascot, we want to help you care for yours.

Have a dog ear cleaning tip of your own? Share it with our community on Facebook or Instagram using #KeirasDoghouseCare.

Here’s to happy, healthy ears—and even happier pups! 🐕💙

This blog post is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your dog’s ear health, please consult your veterinarian.