Your dog's ears are more than just adorable floppy things they shake when they're happy. They’re actually an extremely important indicator of your dog’s health and wellbeing. For many dogs, their ears can be a breeding ground for infections, wax buildup, and even yeast if left too dirty for too long!
Giulia D'Ignazio, professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, explains that the best way to clean dog ears is to gently loosen dirt and debris which can then be wiped away.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is often easier said than done (especially if your pup decides they’d rather not sit still). Below you’ll learn how to clean dog's ears with practical steps to help you along the way.
Why Ear Hygiene is Important for Dogs
Let's face it, sometimes your pup's ears can seem like they're a magnet for gunk, especially if they’re floppy! Dirt, debris, moisture, and bacteria can all build up inside your dog’s ears as they go about their normal day. This can lead to ear infections if not properly removed.
Ear infections are painful, itchy, and even smelly and are linked to your dog’s overall well-being. An ear infection can make them frustrated and uncomfortable, which can affect their appetite, sleep, and even their mood.
Giulia notes that the most common signs of an ear infection include:
- A foul smell coming from the ear
- Red ears
- Ears that are warm to the touch
- Sensitivity around the ear being touched.
If you notice any of these symptoms it's best to take your pup to your local vet. Additionally, ear infections can sometimes occur without any symptoms so when in doubt, talk to your vet.
Like with most health problems, prevention is much easier than treatment. But, even if your dog does get an ear infection, regular ear cleaning provides an opportunity for you to realize that something may not be right sooner rather than later.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your pup’s ears squeaky clean doesn’t have to be complicated or take more than a few seconds, especially if you have the right tools!
Earth Rated Ear Wipes
If you're looking for a fuss-free way to keep your pup's ears tidy, Earth Rated Ear Wipes might be your new best friend! These wipes gently remove dirt and debris without being abrasive to your dog’s sensitive skin.
To use them, simply grab a wipe and gently wipe the parts of your dog’s ears you can see. That’s it! For many dogs, this will be plenty to keep their ears fresh and clean.
Giulia notes that Earth Rated Ear Wipes are really effective. “I do find them rather large; it completely covers your hand from getting ear gunk on it.”
For a Deep Clean
Some dogs may require a more thorough cleaning than wipes can provide. Speak to your vet to learn how often you should be cleaning your dogs’ ears specifically, especially if they’re prone to ear infections.
You’ll need a dog-specific ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, and your dog’s favorite treats.
Find somewhere to do the cleaning: You’ll want somewhere quiet and distraction-free where your dog will feel relaxed.
Examine your dog’s ear: First, take a good look at your dog’s ear. The skin should be healthy, and you shouldn’t notice an unusual odor. If you do, your dog may have an ear infection. If this is the case then a trip to the vet for treatment is necessary.
Use an Ear Wipe: To clean your dog ears, we recommend starting off by wiping the outer flap of the ear including the ear folds. Be cautious to not cause any harm by going too deep or being too aggressive with your finger in the ear canal.
Use a second wipe as needed: Earth Rated ear wipes are larger than most and measure 5”x5” (13x13 cm). You may only need a single wipe for both ears. Move slowly and offer plenty of praise and treats to help your dog stay calm.
It’s a good idea to start ear cleanings when your dog is a puppy, as this helps your dog get used to the process. Still, it's never too late to start ear cleanings. It will likely take a few cleanings for your dog to be comfortable with the process.
Tips for Different Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds need more careful cleaning than others:
- Floppy ear dogs: The bigger and floppier a dog’s ears, the more dirt and debris that can get trapped. Basset hounds top the list of dog breeds most prone to ear infections for this reason. If your dog falls in this category, they may need their ears cleaned more often.
- Dogs with hairy ears: Hair makes it hard to clean your dog’s ears and can trap in dirt and moisture. Giulia notes that most poodle mixes and cocker spaniels are prone to getting huge matts in their ears. She suggests running it by a veterinarian but ideally, plucking ear hair and cleaning the ears at least once a month helps prevent the build up of hair mixed with wax.
- Upright ear dogs: Dogs with upright ears have the least amount of ear problems, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have any dirt build up.
How Often to Clean Dog Ears
General Guidelines
So, how often should you give those ears a good scrub-down? Well, it depends!
“We suggest once a month for all breeds,” says Giulia. “Frequency is adjusted depending on the cleanliness of the dog’s ear - if really dirty, you can do it once every two weeks, if super clean you can extend it to every six weeks for example.”
Dogs prone to ear infections or with floppy ears may need cleanings more often. Likewise, dogs with healthy, erect ears may only need to have their ears cleaned as and when you notice dirt inside them. This is because over-cleaning your dog’s ears can lead to irritation.
When in doubt, it’s always best to speak to your vet so they can give you advice specific to your dog.
Signs That It’s Time to Clean
The best way to know if your dog's ears need cleaning is to check them regularly. Look out for these signs:
Clean vs. Dirty Dog Ears: What to Look for
Characteristics of Clean Ears
Clean ears won’t have any obvious signs of dirt, swelling, or redness. They shouldn’t be stinky, either. Simply put, they look like clean, normal ears!
Signs of Dirty of Infected Ears
Ear infections don’t always come with a lot of symptoms! Even one of these symptoms could be a sign that a vet appointment is needed:
Ear infections require veterinary treatment. This typically includes a topical ear medication which includes a combination of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
The Bottom Line
Frequent ear cleaning may not be the most exciting part of dog ownership, but it’s just as vital as cleaning your dog’s teeth! It should be incorporated into your dog’s grooming routine to prevent ear infections and keep your pup healthy.
And remember, Earth Rated Ear Wipes are a quick and easy way to keep those ears clean and fresh between deep cleans. For some dogs, these wipes may be all that they need! You can also check out our other grooming supplies to keep your dog clean and happy.
