Last Updated: 29/01/2026
How To Clean Your Dog's Ears: A Step by Step Vet Guide
Prevent painful infections and keep your pup happy with our comprehensive guide to dog ear cleaning. Discover vet-recommended techniques, the right products to use, and how to spot "red flag" symptoms before they become serious health issues.
Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Keeping those floppy (or pointy!) ears clean is about more than just hygiene; it is a vital part of preventative healthcare. Because a dog’s ear canal is L-shaped, it is incredibly easy for wax, debris, and moisture to become trapped, creating a perfect playground for bacteria and yeast. By establishing a gentle cleaning routine, you can catch early signs of trouble and keep your pet comfortable. Whether you have a water-loving Retriever or a velvety-eared Spaniel, mastering the art of the ear clean is a skill that will save you and your dog plenty of stress - and vet visits - in the long run.
Understanding your dog's ear health
The basic anatomy of all dogs' ears is the same, regardless of their breed and or the shape of their ear flap.
If you look in your dog's ear, the hole you can see near the base of the inside of the ear is the entrance to the vertical canal. This is where ear cleaning solution is supposed to go so it can travel down and remove debris from the horizontal canal.
The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is at the end of the horizontal canal and forms a barrier between the external ear and the delicate middle ear. Ear infections can cause the eardrum to rupture and this is why it is so important to not to put anything in your dog's ears if you think they have an infection.
Is your dog prone to ear infections?
Some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others and this is dependent on a number of factors, including:
- Large floppy ears e.g Spaniels
- Hairy ear canals e.g. Poodles
- Narrow ear canals e.g. Shar Pei
- Regular swimming and/or bathing e.g. Retrievers
- Skin allergies e.g. West Highland White Terriers
If you have a dog that ticks any of these boxes, it is recommended to clean their ears once a week and after swimming or bathing unless otherwise instructed by your vet.
Checking your dog's ears on a regular basis, preferably daily, will help you recognise what is normal for your dog and alert you to any signs of ear problems before they become serious.
Choosing the right ear cleaning products for dogs
There are many excellent products available that are specially formulated for cleaning dog's ears at home, so don't be tempted to fall into the trap of using home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or coconut oil.
Your ear cleaning tool kit should include:
- A vet-recommended ear cleaning solution
- Tissues, cotton balls or cotton pads: to wipe the ears after cleaning
- Treats: to ensure ear cleaning is fun!!
- Ear Wipes: perfect for keeping the inside of your dog's ear flaps clean and free from excess wax.
NEVER use a cotton bud/swab to clean out a dog's ears as these can cause damage to the ear canals and potentially rupture the eardrum.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning dog ears safely
- Gather all the supplies you will need and make sure they are close at hand.
- Put small to medium sized dogs on a table to make the process easier for both of you.
- Hold the ear flap and lift it into a vertical position.
- Aim the tip of the bottle of ear cleaner into the ear canal and squeeze the bottle to apply the solution liberally, enabling a flushing action.
- Without letting go of the ear flap, gently massage the base of the ear, downward and inward in order to disperse the ear cleaning product throughout the ear canal for one minute.
- Allow your dog to shake their head.
- Remove the excess fluid and debris with a cotton wool, cotton pad or tissue, remembering to clean the inside of the ear flap.
- Repeat until the ear cleaning solution is clear.
- Don't forget to reward your dog after you have finished cleaning their ears.
When to stop: signs of a dog ear infection
The following signs are red flags that will alert you to the fact that it is time for your dog's ears to be checked by your vet. As mentioned above, ear infections can cause the eardrum to rupture and this is why it is so important to not to put anything in your dog's ears if you think they have an infection.
- Red skin in and around the ears
- Odour or discharge in or around the ears
- Pain when the ears or head are touched
- Excessive ear scratching or head shaking
- Head tilt
Learn more in our article all about Ear Infections in Dogs.
How to train your dog to love ear cleaning
Training your dog to regard ear cleaning as an enjoyable experience will make your life so much easier. This is best done when they are puppies, however, dogs are never too old to learn new tricks ! It is vital to use positive reinforcement when training your dog to have their ears cleaned.
- Firstly, make an association between the bottle of ear cleaner and fun times by having it near your dog when you are playing with them.
- When they are comfortable with sight of the bottle, start moving it around while playing without making a big deal about it.
- If your dog is relaxed and not worried about you touching and moving the bottle of ear cleaner, then you can start touching your dog with the bottle. It is important to keep playing and giving treats during this time so your dog associates the ear cleaner with fun and treats. Make sure you can hold the bottle against your dog's head and ears at this stage.
- Once you are confident your dog is comfortable, you can start the process of ear cleaning.
FAQs
A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in protecting your dog’s ear health and overall happiness. By making ear cleaning a positive, treat-filled experience, you turn a chore into a bonding moment. Just remember to always use pet-safe solutions and keep those cotton buds strictly for human use! If you ever notice a funky smell or your dog seems hesitant to have their ears touched, it is always best to skip the clean and head straight to your local vet for a check-up.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 29 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Maree graduated from the University of Queensland in 1990 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in a wide variety of practices around Australia and in Papua New Guinea. She has cared for all creatures great and small and has a particular interest in senior pets and horse nutrition
