How to clean your dog’s ears at home

Cleaning your dog’s ears at home can be a simple yet essential part of their hygiene routine, especially for breeds that are more prone to ear infections, like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers.

While many pet owners are hesitant to touch their dog's ears, thinking they might hurt them or make things worse, the truth is that regular ear cleaning — when done correctly — can prevent a lot of discomfort, itchiness, and even serious infections.

Before you begin, it’s important to understand what a healthy dog ear looks like. It should be clean, pale pink, and free of any strong odor or discharge. A slight waxy buildup is normal, but if you notice a bad smell, yellow or brown gunk, swelling, or your dog is constantly scratching or shaking its head, it’s best to visit a veterinarian before attempting to clean the ears yourself.

To safely clean your dog’s ears at home, you’ll need a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and a towel — and ideally, a calm and cooperative dog. Never use cotton swabs like Q-tips inside your dog’s ear canal, as they can push debris deeper or even cause injury.

Instead, gently lift your dog’s ear flap and fill the canal with the cleaning solution, following the instructions on the product label. You’ll hear a squishing sound as the solution moves through the canal — that’s normal and even a good sign that it’s working. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds to loosen debris and wax.

Then allow your dog to shake its head — it might get messy, but that’s how excess solution and loosened debris are expelled.

After the shake, use a clean cotton ball or gauze to wipe the inside of the ear flap and the entrance of the ear canal. Repeat with a fresh cotton ball if needed, but don’t go too deep. Most dogs tolerate ear cleaning well when it’s done calmly and gently. Offering treats afterward helps create a positive association, making future cleanings easier.

How often you should clean your dog’s ears depends on the breed, lifestyle, and whether they have a history of ear problems. Dogs that swim frequently or have floppy ears may need weekly cleaning, while others might only require it once a month. Over-cleaning, however, can disrupt the natural balance and cause irritation, so when in doubt, ask your vet for a personalized recommendation.

Regular ear cleaning is a proactive step in your dog’s overall health and comfort. Done properly, it’s not only safe but also a bonding experience between you and your pet. Just remember: if anything looks unusual, smells bad, or your dog seems to be in pain, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary guidance.

References

1. Cole, L. K. (2004). Diseases of the canine external ear canal. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 34(2), 393–410.
   

2. Nuttall, T. (2016). Successful management of otitis externa in dogs. Practice, 38(7), 295–307.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.