How to clean your dog's ears
Ear infection is one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet. And the painful truth is: many cases are preventable with just a few minutes of care per week. Especially in the summer, when dogs swim and the warmth keeps the ear canal moist, ear care is not a luxury.
đź“Ś In brief
- Check ears weekly; clean only when necessary, not routinely.
- Dogs with floppy ears (cocker, labrador, basset) are at much higher risk of infection.
- Never use cotton swabs in the ear canal — they push dirt deeper.
- Always clean after swimming and dry the ears thoroughly.
- Red, smelly, or painful ears belong at the vet, not with a cleaner.
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
You should check them weekly, but only clean them when necessary. For most dogs with erect ears, cleaning every four to six weeks is sufficient. Dogs with floppy ears and swimmers often need a cleaning every one to two weeks. Cleaning too often is also harmful: you disrupt the natural pH and protective layer of the ear canal.
Which dogs are at higher risk for ear problems?
A dog's ear canal is L-shaped, making it difficult for moisture to drain on its own. This problem is pronounced in some breeds.
| Type of ear | Examples | Frequency of checking |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy floppy ears | Cocker spaniel, basset, bloodhound | Weekly, clean every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Hairy ear canal | Poodle, bichon, schnauzer | Weekly, have hair trimmed |
| Water dogs | Labrador, golden retriever | After every swim |
| Erect ears | Shepherd, Malinois, husky | Check weekly, rarely clean |
How do I clean my dog's ears step-by-step?
With a water-based ear cleaner for dogs and two towels. Allow three minutes per ear.
- Settle your dog down calmly and let him sniff the bottle first.
- Lift the ear flap and generously drip the cleaner into the ear canal.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds. You'll hear a soft sloshing sound — that's good.
- Let your dog shake his head. This will bring loosened dirt to the surface.
- Wipe the ear flap and the visible entrance clean with a gauze pad or cotton ball — no deeper than your finger can reach.
- Reward with a treat, so the next time goes easier.
⚠️ Do not clean yourself if you see these signs
Red or swollen ear, strong yeasty or rotten smell, dark brown to black debris, blood or pus, severe pain when touched, or a dog holding its head tilted or losing its balance. If the eardrum is damaged, a cleaner can cause serious harm. In these cases, consult your vet first.
What should I definitely not use?
No cotton swabs in the canal, no alcohol, no vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and no olive oil. These agents irritate the sensitive skin or make the ear even more moist — precisely the climate in which yeast thrives. Only use a cleaner specifically developed for dogs.
What should I do after swimming?
Pond water, canal water, and even chlorinated water can remain in the ear canal and create a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Dab the ear flap dry with a towel after every swim and let your dog shake itself thoroughly. For swimming dogs, it's best to use a drying ear cleaner. Also read whether your dog can swim in a pond or canal.
How do I keep the hair around the ears under control?
In breeds with a lot of hair around and in the ear canal, the fur blocks air circulation. Short hair keeps the ear drier and makes inspection much easier. Carefully trim around the ear flap and remove tangles behind the ears — that's where they form fastest, as we explain in removing tangles from your dog's coat.
FurVac all-in-1 grooming set
Six attachments, including fine clippers for the area around the ears, with direct suction so loose hairs don't fall into the ear canal. The quiet motor helps with sensitive dogs.
View product →💡 Tip: Make ear checks a regular part of cuddle time. Daily lift the ear flap and then give a stroke. A dog that is used to this will later allow cleaning effortlessly — and you'll notice an incipient infection days earlier. We use the same habituation approach in how to get your dog used to the FurVac grooming set.
Can ear problems indicate something else?
Yes. Recurrent ear infections in dogs are often a symptom of an underlying allergy, usually to food or environmental allergens such as dust mites or pollen. If ear problems recur despite good care, further allergy research by the vet is useful.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthy dog's ear smell like?
Practically neutral, with at most a slight skin odor. A sweet, yeasty, or sour smell indicates an incipient infection.
Is brown earwax normal?
A small amount of light brown wax is normal. Dark brown to black debris resembling coffee grounds often indicates ear mites or a yeast infection.
Can I pluck the hair in the ear canal?
Only if your vet or groomer advises it for your breed. Unnecessary plucking causes micro-irritations where bacteria can settle.
How long does an ear infection take to heal?
With the right medication, usually 1 to 2 weeks. Always complete the entire course of treatment, even if the ear already looks better.
Do dogs get ear mites from cats?
Yes, ear mites are contagious between pets. If infected, treat all animals in the house at the same time.
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Written by the SmartPaw editorial team. Facts checked with veterinary and official sources: American Kennel Club (Dog Ear Cleaning Guide), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (otitis externa in dogs), and the British PDSA (ear care and allergies).
Published on July 20, 2026 · Last updated on July 20, 2026.
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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