Routine or regular ear cleaning is generally recommended for dogs. Depending on your dog’s ear structure and other health factors, the best frequency can be either monthly or every other week. It’s also advisable to clean a dog’s ears after they get wet to prevent ear infections.
Many pet parents are unsure about how often to clean a dog’s ears, how to clean a dog’s ears at home, and how to clean a dog’s ears with an infection. This complete, vet-approved guide by Sploot answers all of these questions and more! Read on to learn how you can safely and effectively clean your dog’s ears!
How Often to Clean a Dog’s Ears: The Best Frequency & Time
Unlike cats, most dogs need regular or routine ear cleaning to help keep their ears free from earwax build-up, debris, and canine ear infections. This is because dogs have a different ear structure
Frequency of Dog Ear Cleaning
Dog ear cleaning can be done as needed, such as when there is a build-up of debris in their ears. However, many dogs benefit from routine or regular ear cleaning. As a general rule, most dogs would need their ears cleaned monthly or every other week:
- Monthly dog ear cleaning — often the recommended frequency for dogs with erect ears, such as those found in breeds like Corgis, Shiba Inus, and German Shepherds.
- Bi-monthly or every other week dog ear cleaning — often the best schedule for dogs with floppy ears like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels.
Note: Although the above serves as a general guideline, it’s always best to get personalized recommendations from a vet. Vets consider factors like breed predispositions, regular swimming, chronic ear infections, canine allergies, and excessive earwax production.
When To Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home
So when is the best time to clean your dog’s ears at home? We highly recommend doing this after their bath. Most dogs need a bath every month, as explained in our complete guide on routine care for dogs.
Though baths are NOT required for ear cleaning, it is advisable to clean your dog’s ears after they get wet, making this the perfect time. Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Berns explains: “I highly recommend cleaning a dog’s ears after they get wet (i.e. bathing, swimming, and other water activities). Make sure to also dry them thoroughly, as a lot of ear infections can begin due to trapped moisture in the ear, which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.”
Is Ear Cleaning Painful for Dogs?
Ear cleaning should NOT be painful for dogs when done correctly. However, when there is an active ear infection, the ear can be inflamed or tender; the dog may also have a ruptured eardrum due to the infection. Ear cleaning can be both painful and risky when a dog has an ear infection.
This is why you need to see a vet first if you see signs of an ear infection. These include:
- Inflamed and red ears
- Discharge, black crumbly debris, and/or a foul odor from the ears
- Incessant scratching or head shaking
What Can I Use to Clean My Dog’s Ears at Home?
Here’s what you’ll need for cleaning your dog’s ears at home:
- Clean cotton balls or cotton pads — these are for wiping your dog’s ears after administering the dog ear cleaner. AVOID using Q-tips as these can accidentally go inside your dog’s ear canal and push earwax further in or rupture their eardrum.
- Dog ear cleaning solution (+/-) medicated ear drops — for routine dog ear cleaning, use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner. For at-home care for ear infections, strictly use ONLY the products that your vet prescribed. AVOID any and all home-made remedies and harsh cleaning products; these will likely irritate or harm your dog’s ears.
These additional items may also help:
- Ear wipes for dogs (optional) — these are great for cleaning the folds on the dog’s outer ear, especially for breeds with large floppy ears; alternatively, you can also use a plain cotton ball or cotton pad.
- Collar and leash — if it’s your dog’s first time getting their ears cleaned, you may need a collar and leash tied to somewhere secure to prevent them from moving away.
- Treats — reward your pup with treats and lots of praise during and after ear cleaning to help them form a positive association with this activity.
→ Learn more - 7 Best Dog Ear Cleaners [& How to Choose]
How to Clean a Dog’s Ear at Home: Steps & Photos [Beginner-Friendly]
Now that you have what you need to clean your dog’s ears, let’s talk about how to clean your dog’s ears at home. We encourage pet parents to read through these steps and commit them to memory before starting, especially if this is your first time! A dog’s ears are sensitive, and making your dog wait in between steps may cause discomfort and unease.
1. Prepare Your Dog & Some Treats
Tie your dog’s leash to a secure object. This can be a banister or heavy furniture; it should NOT be something that your dog can pull with them. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of a friend or family member to gently but firmly hold the dog’s leash and head during ear cleaning.
Note: Your dog needs to be upright and not lying belly up while you clean their ears. Additionally, when using a leash, make sure that it is NOT too tight to prevent choking.
To make the experience positive for your pup, you can opt to have some treats on hand. Give your pup praise (and maybe a few treats), especially when they’re cooperating.
2. Use a Vet-Approved Dog Ear Cleaner
Gently pull back your dog’s earflap to expose the ear’s opening, as well as the folds on their external ear. It would help to hold their ear flap against their head with one hand.
Dog ear cleaners have a nozzle to direct the fluid into the dog’s ear; this should be around half an inch away from the ear’s opening. Squeeze out a small amount of the dog ear cleaning solution until it forms a small pool on the ear’s opening.
3. Massage The Ear To Get the Cleanser In
Gently fold the base of your dog’s ear vertically, forming a slight fold (a bit like a taco) around the opening of the ear. The fold does NOT have to be perfectly closed; it just has to help prevent the dog ear cleaning solution from dripping out.
Note: At this stage, you may need to hold your dog’s ear to prevent them from shaking. Dogs would instinctively shake their head when they feel something going inside their ear.
While still holding the gently folded ear, move it around in a small circular motion for around 15 seconds — this massages the base of the ear and helps the dog ear cleanser to get inside the ear canal. Afterwards, allow your dog to shake. Shaking gets the excess product out.
4. Wipe The Ear Opening & the Ear Folds
Using a cotton pad or cotton ball, wipe the ear’s opening in a small circular motion. You may need to do this a few times until you’ve wiped the area clean.
Next, wipe your dog’s ear folds. For this, you can use a cotton pad, cotton ball, or an ear wipe for dogs to help finish up the ear cleaning.
6. Use Medicated Ear Drops [If Prescribed]
If your dog is getting treated for an ear infection (and your vet prescribed medicated ear drops), you can apply these drops 10-15 minutes after cleaning your dog’s ears — unless otherwise instructed. The 10-15 minutes waiting time allows the ears to dry after cleaning.
Note: When using medicated ear drops, follow your vet’s instructions. Feel free to give your vet a call if you’re not sure. As a reminder, medicated ear drops are only used on a prescription basis and are NOT a part of routine ear cleaning.
7. Treats & Praise
Once you’re done cleaning both of your dog’s ears, give them treats and lots of praise. This allows your dog to form a positive association with this activity and may help them to be more cooperative the next time around.
Though we’ve noted that treats and praise can be given throughout the entire process, make sure to give them again at the end; this emphasizes to your pup that this is an activity to look forward to!
How to Clean a Dog’s Ears with Infection [Should You?]
Cleaning a dog’s ears with an infection differs slightly from routine cleaning because medicated ear drops are typically used after cleaning. In addition, vets may recommend a specific dog ear cleanser that is safe for the infected ear and compatible with medicated ear drops.
→ Learn more - Cat & Dog Ear Infections [Causes, Prevention, & Treatment]
Important Note: Dog ear cleaning, by itself, is NOT a treatment for canine ear infections. If you think your dog has an ear infection, contact a vet. Please avoid self-medicating or DIY treatments, as this can aggravate your pup’s condition. Furthermore, if a dog’s eardrum is ruptured due to the infection, extra care is advised.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Dog’s Ears
Make sure to clean your dog’s ears on a vet-recommended schedule and after water activities (e.g. baths, swimming.) These measures help prevent ear infections in dogs. In addition, scheduling regular pet wellness exams allows vets to detect ear issues, as well as other health issues, ensuring your dog’s well-being.
Sploot Vets: Your Fear Free Dog Vet in Denver & Chicago
Got any questions on how to clean a dog’s ears at home or other aspects of your dog’s health?
Sploot Vets is here to help! Visit us in our Fear Free vet clinics in Denver & Chicago; we offer primary, urgent, & emergency vet services conveniently under one roof. Experience next-level, compassionate veterinary care with our friendly team, state-of-the-art facilities, and FREE treats from the treat bar!
We accept scheduled, same-day, and drop-off appointments. Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets’ pet care app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
