How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jun 03, 2025

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How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears – Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of maintaining their overall health like avoiding dog ear mites, but it’s something many pet owners are unsure how to do correctly. Done properly, ear cleaning can help prevent infections, discomfort, and hearing issues in the long run.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you clean your dog’s ears safely and effectively.

Step 1: Gather your supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need within reach. You’ll need a dog-safe ear cleaning solution (dog ear drops) some cotton pads or gauze, and a towel to help manage any mess. Avoid using Q-tips or anything that could push debris further into the ear canal. It also helps to have treats nearby to reward your dog for cooperating.

Step 2: Keep your dog calm
Choose a quiet, relaxed time to do the cleaning. Gently restrain your dog if necessary — not tightly, just enough to help them stay still. Speak in a calm, reassuring voice and try to make the experience as positive as possible. Offering a treat before and after can go a long way toward making ear cleaning easier next time.

Step 3: Apply the cleaning solution
Lift your dog’s ear flap and carefully apply a small amount of the ear cleaning solution (dog ear drops) into the ear canal. Be careful not to insert the tip too far; just enough to let the liquid enter the canal. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to the ear to keep it clean and sterile.

Step 4: Massage the base of the ear
Once the solution is inside, gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the liquid moves around. This helps break up wax, dirt, or debris that may be trapped deeper inside.

Step 5: Let your dog shake
Allow your dog to shake their head. This is a natural response and helps bring the loosened debris up to the outer ear, where it can be wiped away. It might get a little messy, which is where the towel comes in handy.

Step 6: Wipe away debris
Use a clean cotton pad or piece of gauze to gently wipe away any visible wax or residue from the outer ear canal and ear flap. Again, avoid pushing anything deep into the ear. Once this is done, repeat the process on the other ear.

How often should you clean your dog’s ears?
You don’t need to clean them every day. In fact, doing so too often can lead to irritation. For most dogs, once a week is enough — or as recommended by your veterinarian. The same applies for How often Should You Bath Your Dog. Dogs with floppy ears or those prone to infections may need more frequent cleaning.

When to see your vet
If you notice a bad smell, redness, swelling, discharge, or if your dog seems to be in pain or scratching excessively, stop the cleaning and contact your vet. These could be signs of an ear infection or another issue that requires professional treatment.

In conclusion
Regular ear cleaning is a simple but important way to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Take your time, be gentle, and make it a positive experience for your dog.

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How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 4: Massage the base of the ear Once the solution is inside, gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the liquid moves around. This helps break up wax, dirt, or debris that may be trapped deeper inside.

Step 5: Let your dog shake Allow your dog to shake their head. This is a natural response and helps bring the loosened debris up to the outer ear, where it can be wiped away. It might get a little messy, which is where the towel comes in handy.

Step 6: Wipe away debris Use a clean cotton pad or piece of gauze to gently wipe away any visible wax or residue from the outer ear canal and ear flap. Again, avoid pushing anything deep into the ear. Once this is done, repeat the process on the other ear.

When to see your vet If you notice a bad smell, redness, swelling, discharge, or if your dog seems to be in pain or scratching excessively, stop the cleaning and contact your vet. These could be signs of an ear infection or another issue that requires professional treatment.

In conclusion Regular ear cleaning is a simple but important way to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Take your time, be gentle, and make it a positive experience for your dog.

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Step 4: Massage the base of the ear
Once the solution is inside, gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the liquid moves around. This helps break up wax, dirt, or debris that may be trapped deeper inside.

Step 5: Let your dog shake
Allow your dog to shake their head. This is a natural response and helps bring the loosened debris up to the outer ear, where it can be wiped away. It might get a little messy, which is where the towel comes in handy.

Step 6: Wipe away debris
Use a clean cotton pad or piece of gauze to gently wipe away any visible wax or residue from the outer ear canal and ear flap. Again, avoid pushing anything deep into the ear. Once this is done, repeat the process on the other ear.

When to see your vet
If you notice a bad smell, redness, swelling, discharge, or if your dog seems to be in pain or scratching excessively, stop the cleaning and contact your vet. These could be signs of an ear infection or another issue that requires professional treatment.

In conclusion
Regular ear cleaning is a simple but important way to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Take your time, be gentle, and make it a positive experience for your dog.