How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: Step by Step
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Cleaning a dog’s ears takes a few minutes, a bottle of dog ear cleaner and something soft to wipe with. This page walks through how to clean your dog’s ears step by step, how often to do it, what never to put in a dog’s ear, and the signs that mean your dog needs a vet instead of a cleaning.
The short answer: fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaning solution, massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds, let your dog shake its head, then wipe away the loosened wax with gauze or a cotton ball. Most dogs need this about once a month. Never use cotton swabs in the canal, and if the ear is red, swollen, smelly or painful, see your vet before you clean it.
Important: this page is general care information from VCA Animal Hospitals and the American Kennel Club, linked where it is used. It is not veterinary advice and it cannot diagnose an ear problem. An ear that hurts, smells or has discharge needs a vet, because cleaning the wrong way can make an infection or a damaged eardrum worse.
What you need
- A dog ear cleaning solution. Use a product made for dogs, such as Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced, which Virbac labels for routine ear cleansing in dogs and cats. Ask your vet which cleaner suits your dog if it has had ear problems before.
- Gauze or cotton balls. The AKC prefers absorbent gauze, since paper towel or cotton can leave irritating fibers behind.
- Treats to reward your dog during and after.
- A towel, because your dog will shake cleaner and wax onto everything nearby.
How to clean your dog’s ears, step by step
These steps follow the method from VCA Animal Hospitals. Check the label of your cleaner too, since directions vary by product.
- Look first. Lift the ear flap and look inside, and give it a sniff. A little light brown wax is normal. Redness, swelling, a strong smell, dark discharge or a dog that pulls away in pain are reasons to stop and call your vet.
- Get your dog settled. VCA suggests backing a large dog into a corner, holding a medium dog between your legs and holding a small dog on your lap. Work somewhere you do not mind getting splashed.
- Fill the ear canal. Hold the ear flap up and squeeze in enough cleaner to fill the canal. VCA says to use enough to completely fill it. Do not push the bottle tip deep into the ear.
- Massage the base of the ear. Gently rub the base of the ear, just below the opening, for about 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaner breaks up wax and debris.
- Let your dog shake. Step back and let your dog shake its head. VCA explains that shaking moves the remaining cleaner and debris out of the canal.
- Wipe out what comes up. Wipe the opening and the inside of the ear flap with gauze or a cotton ball. Only go as deep as your finger reaches.
- Repeat on the other ear, then give your dog a treat and plenty of praise.
If the gauze still comes out very dirty after a second round, or your dog seems uncomfortable, stop and let your vet take a look rather than cleaning again and again.
How often should you clean a dog’s ears?
The AKC says most dogs benefit from ear cleaning about once a month, although some need more frequent care. Dogs prone to ear problems often need it more often, and VCA notes that dogs prone to ear infections often benefit from more frequent cleanings.
More is not always better, though. Both sources warn about over-cleaning: the AKC says cleaning too often can remove protective oils and good bacteria, leading to irritation and infection, and VCA says over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal. If you are unsure how often your dog needs it, ask your vet at the next checkup.
Dogs that need more ear care
- Floppy-eared breeds such as Basset Hounds, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels, which the AKC names as more prone to ear infections.
- Dogs with narrow ear canals or heavy ear hair.
- Swimmers and dogs that are bathed often. The AKC says moisture trapped in the ears after swimming or bathing can contribute to ear problems, so dry the ears well afterwards.
- Dogs with allergies or a history of ear infections, under your vet’s plan.
What not to put in your dog’s ears
- Cotton swabs in the canal. VCA warns that cotton-tipped applicators risk puncturing the eardrum or injuring the ear canal, and the AKC adds that they can push debris deeper. A swab is fine on the outer ear flap only.
- Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. VCA says these can irritate the ear canal, especially if it is already inflamed.
- Homemade mixtures. Vinegar and other home remedies are often suggested online, but there is no way to know if your dog’s eardrum is intact or if the ear is already infected without an exam. A cleaner made for dogs, chosen with your vet, is the safer choice.
- Human ear products or medicated drops left over from another pet. Medicated drops should only be used when your vet prescribes them for this dog.
Signs of an ear infection: see a vet, do not just clean
An ear cleaner is for routine upkeep, not for treating an infection. The AKC lists the common signs of an ear infection in dogs:
- Head shaking, whining or tilting the head
- Scratching or rubbing the ear
- Dark discharge or crusts
- A strong or yeasty odor
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pain when you touch the ear
VCA advises that if your dog’s ears are red, inflamed or painful, you should talk to your vet before cleaning, because your dog may have an infection or a ruptured eardrum. Only a vet can check whether the eardrum is intact.
Making ear cleaning easier for your dog
- Start slowly. Handle your dog’s ears for a few seconds at a time when you are not cleaning them, and reward calm behavior.
- Warm the bottle in your hand for a minute so the cleaner is not cold.
- Use treats generously before, during and after.
- Keep sessions short. One ear today and one tomorrow is fine for a nervous dog.
- Ask for help. Your vet or groomer can show you the method or do it for you if your dog will not settle.
Ear care is one part of routine grooming. Our dog and cat grooming buying guide covers brushes, nail tools, shampoos and dental care, and nail grinder vs clipper compares the two main nail tools.
FAQ
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
About once a month for most dogs, according to the AKC, and more often for dogs prone to ear problems, such as floppy-eared breeds and swimmers. Cleaning too often can irritate the ear, so follow your vet’s advice if your dog has had infections.
Can I use cotton swabs to clean my dog’s ears?
Not in the ear canal. VCA warns that cotton swabs can puncture the eardrum or injure the canal, and the AKC notes they can push debris deeper. Use gauze or a cotton ball on the parts of the ear you can see.
Can I clean my dog’s ears with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar?
VCA advises against cleaners with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can irritate the ear canal, especially an inflamed one. Use a cleaner made for dogs and ask your vet before trying any home remedy.
What does a healthy dog ear look like?
A small amount of light wax and no strong smell is usually normal. The AKC says severe redness, swelling, debris, discharge or a strong yeasty odor may signal an ear infection, so see your vet if you notice any of these.
Should I clean my dog’s ears if they are infected?
Not before your vet has looked. VCA says a red, inflamed or painful ear may have an infection or a ruptured eardrum, and your vet can check the eardrum and prescribe the right treatment and cleaner.