How to clean your dog's ears safely
Floppy ears, swimmers and monsoon dogs need extra care. A safe way to clean ears, and signs of trouble.
In this guide
Healthy ears are mostly self-cleaning. But some dogs, especially floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Labradors, dogs who swim, and dogs in humid weather, need a little help.
How often?
Check ears once a week. Clean only when they look a bit dirty. Cleaning too often can irritate the ear.
What healthy ears look like
- Pale pink skin inside
- Little or no wax
- No strong smell
Signs of an ear problem
See your vet, rather than cleaning, if you notice:
- Redness or swelling
- Dark brown, yellow or black discharge
- A bad or yeasty smell
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching at the ears
- Pain when you touch the ears
- Loss of balance
Ear infections are common, especially in the monsoon, and need the right treatment. Cleaning an infected or injured ear can hurt and make it worse.
What you need
- A dog ear cleaner (ask your vet to recommend one)
- Cotton balls or gauze
- Treats
- A towel (there will be head shaking)
Step by step
- Get your dog comfortable, ideally lying down or sitting with a helper.
- Lift the ear flap gently.
- Fill the ear canal with cleaner as directed on the bottle.
- Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You'll hear a squishing sound.
- Step back and let your dog shake their head.
- Wipe away loose wax and cleaner from the ear flap and the entrance of the canal with cotton.
- Treat and praise.
What NOT to do
- Never use cotton buds (Q-tips) inside the ear. They push wax deeper and can damage the eardrum.
- Don't use oil, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or home mixtures unless your vet tells you to.
- Don't pluck ear hair unless your vet or groomer advises it.
After baths and swims
Water in the ears can lead to infection, particularly in floppy-eared dogs. During baths, keep water out of the ears and wash the face with a damp cloth. Our puppy bath guide shows how. Afterwards, dry the outer ear and the ear flap with a towel.
Check for ticks too
Ears are a favourite hiding spot for ticks, especially in the folds. Our tick check routine covers what to look for.
Ears and smell
If your dog's head smells yeasty or sour, the ears are a likely culprit. See why your dog might smell.
Questions pet parents ask
How often should I clean my dog's ears? +
Check weekly, and clean only when they look dirty. Over-cleaning can cause irritation.
Can I use cotton buds to clean my dog's ears? +
No. Cotton buds can push wax deeper and damage the ear. Clean only the parts you can see with a cotton ball.
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection? +
Redness, discharge, a bad smell, head shaking, scratching and pain are common signs. See your vet.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
