Ears are one of your dog’s more sensitive body parts that need to be checked on a regular basis; however, cleaning those ears can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Some dogs are blessed with naturally healthy ears and almost never need their ears cleaned, while other dogs need regular ear cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt that can turn into nasty ear infections.

There are also certain dog breeds that are prone to developing ear infections, especially those with long hanging ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. The reason for this is their ears don’t get a lot of air flow, so dirt and moisture get trapped inside the ear canal which is a great breeding ground for bacterial or yeast infections. Other breeds such as Poodles and Bichon Frise grow hair inside the ear canal which further limits air flow and may require ‘plucking'.

Keeping an eye on the health of your dog’s ears is something you should be doing on a regular basis. If your dog has healthy ears, they may only need to be cleaned once a month. Dogs more prone to infections may need more regular cleaning such as every 2 weeks or even weekly (more regularly if so instructed by your vet). The key is to know when a clean is needed and not to overdo cleaning as this can irritate your dog’s ears and even lead to infection.

So, before you whip out the ear cleaner, familiarise yourself with what a healthy, clean ear looks like – it should be pink, odorless (not ‘yeasty’ or stinky) and not dirty or inflamed. If any of these healthy signs change, it’s time for a clean. A dog with healthy ears will probably love having ears rubbed but if they pull away, it’s likely the ears are sore and need attention.

Your dog’s lifestyle will also contribute to the regularity of an ear cleaning. Dogs who spend a lot of time in water need more regular cleans. When grooming a dog, pay special care not get water in ear canals, but as a fail-safe, place cotton-wool balls in each ear as well.

If you notice a mild odour or see your dog shaking his head more than usual, or even pawing at their ears, it’s probably time for a cleaning. If your dog’s ears look red, inflamed, smell yeasty, or seems to be in pain; take them for a check-up with your vet. These symptoms could mean an ear infection, fleas, ear mites or allergies, and need medical attention. If you have ever had the displeasure of an ear infection, you will know how much pain your dog is in. Please don’t clean an infected ear as it often does more harm than good.

If you are nervous about cleaning your dog’s ears or your dog makes things too difficult for you to do, take them to a professional groomer who has the tools and the know-how to do the job.

Cleaning your dog’s ears in generally easy to do, to get started you will need some basic supplies – cotton-wool balls or gauze, ear-cleaning solution (from a reputable source and not home remedies) and a towel (ear cleaning can get messy so you may want to do it in your bathroom or a room easy to clean as your dog will more than likely shake their head vigorously during the process). Please don’t use cotton-tipped swabs or anything with a pointed end as they can push dirt deeper into your dog’s ears and even cause infection or trauma to the inner structures of the ear.

3 Easy Steps

1. 1. Have your supplies on hand as well as your dog in the room of your choice. Wait for your dog to calm down before your start cleaning as it will make the process easier. Don’t be afraid to use treats to get your own way.
   2. Slowly squeeze the ear-cleaning solution onto the flap of the dog ear and let the solution drip down to fill the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear gently for about 30 seconds, you will hear a ‘squishing’ sound as the solution dislodges dirt and build-up. Back up and let your dog shake his head – use the towel to protect yourself and to wipe down your dog’s face and neck.
   3. Once there’s been “a whole lotta shaking going on”, take the cotton balls or ear wipe and gently clean out the ear. Keep wiping until the cotton balls or wipe comes back clean. Pet ear cleaners contain drying agents, so any small amount of ear cleaner left inside the ear will dry on its own.

If you dog seems in pain during the process, stop and get him to a vet for an ear check. If you dog is on ear medication, apply it after you have wiped the ear out.

Your dog may not need a ‘deep clean’ such as the one described above. For quick, in between cleanly maintenance, such as after a walk on the beach, it’s great to use an ear wipe such as Petkin’s Dog Ear Wipes.

Ear Plucking

Some dogs have a lot of hair growing in the ear canal, and it may be beneficial to pluck the hairs out prior to cleaning. A professional groomer will be able to do this for you. Most dogs really don’t seem to notice it too much, which seems to indicate that it isn’t a painful process for them if done correctly.

If, at any time, you feel your dog’s ears are sore or sensitive, please don’t delay in getting them to the vet to avoid a lot of pain for your dog as well as a lot pain to your wallet.