How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Safely: Groomer-Approved Tips for Pet Parents

Ear cleaning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about grooming your dog. But for many breeds and lifestyles, it’s an important part of maintaining overall health and comfort. Just like brushing, bathing, and trimming, keeping your dog’s ears in good shape can help prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and make grooming more enjoyable for everyone involved. 

At Doglyness, we care deeply about holistic and natural pet care. While we aren’t veterinarians, we work alongside professional groomers and pet parents who understand how vital proper ear care can be. Whether you’re a grooming professional or someone just trying to take the best care of their pup at home, this guide is designed to walk you through how to clean your dog’s ears safely and effectively without getting too clinical or overwhelming.

Why Ear Cleaning Is Important

Your dog’s ears are more than just adorable. They’re complex, sensitive structures that can quickly become irritated or infected if not looked after. Some dogs are more prone to ear issues than others. Breeds with floppy ears or dense inner ear hair are especially vulnerable, as are dogs who spend a lot of time in the water. 

When wax, moisture, or dirt builds up inside the ears, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria or yeast to grow. That can lead to discomfort, odor, and eventually infection. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, can also show up in the ears and often cause chronic inflammation.

Routine ear care helps prevent all of this. It also gives you the opportunity to spot early signs of a problem before it gets worse, which can save your dog a lot of discomfort and save you from expensive vet visits down the line.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

This depends on the dog. Some barely need any ear cleaning at all, while others need frequent attention due to their anatomy, environment, or health.

Instead of sticking to a fixed schedule, aim to check your dog’s ears about once a week. If they look clean and healthy, there’s no need to clean them. If you notice wax buildup, debris, or a slight odor, a gentle clean is probably in order. Just be cautious not to overdo it. Cleaning ears too frequently can cause irritation and make things worse by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria inside the ear canal.

In general, dogs with floppy ears, allergies, or a love of swimming will need their ears cleaned more often than short-haired, dry-eared breeds who spend most of their time indoors.

What You Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

The good news is that you don’t need a lot of fancy tools. A few simple items are all it takes to do the job gently and safely:

• A vet-recommended ear cleaning solution formulated for dogs (avoid DIY or human products)

• Cotton balls or soft gauze pads for wiping

• A towel to protect your lap or catch any mess from head shaking
  Treats to reward cooperation and make the process more positive
  

You’ll also want a quiet space and a calm approach. Many dogs aren’t thrilled about having their ears touched, so the more low-stress you can make it, the better.

Avoid using Q-tips or inserting anything deep into the ear canal. That can push debris further in or even cause injury. It’s also important to steer clear of harsh ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, which can dry out and irritate your dog’s sensitive inner ear.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears, Step by Step

Cleaning your dog’s ears doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it safely and calmly.

Step 1: Set the mood
Choose a quiet space where your dog feels safe. Speak softly, have treats nearby, and take a few minutes to help them settle in.

Step 2: Check the ear
Gently lift your dog’s ear flap and inspect the inside. If it looks clean and pink with no strong odor, you probably don’t need to clean it. If you see dirt, wax buildup, or a light smell, you can move ahead. But if the ear is red, swollen, has discharge, or smells foul, stop and contact your vet.

Step 3: Moisten a swab or cotton pad
Instead of pouring cleaner directly into the ear canal, apply it to a cotton ball, gauze pad, or soft cloth. Gently wipe the top of the ear canal and the underside of the ear flap. Avoid pushing anything deep into the ear.

Step 4: Let your dog shake it out
Your dog might shake their head afterward — and that’s okay. Shaking can help dislodge loose debris from the upper canal area.

Step 5: Wipe the ear
After the shake, use a clean cotton ball or pad to wipe away any debris that has come to the surface. Only clean what you can see (DO NOT try to reach down into the canal).

Step 6: Repeat on the other ear
If both ears need cleaning, repeat the process on the other side. Then, give your dog a treat and lots of praise to end the session on a positive note.

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

Even with the best intentions, ear cleaning can go sideways if you're following outdated advice or common misconceptions. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Cleaning too often: One of the most common misconceptions is that dogs need their ears cleaned on a strict weekly basis. In reality, that kind of routine can cause more harm than good. Over-cleaning can strip away protective oils, dry out the skin, and increase the risk of irritation or infection.

• Sticking swabs into the ear canal: Another mistake is using cotton swabs to clean deep inside the ear canal. Even if you’re careful, this can easily push debris further in or damage the delicate tissue inside. It’s much safer to stick to the visible parts of the ear.

• Ignoring the signs of infection: Some people assume that a little ear odor is normal, but any strong or sour smell is usually a sign of a deeper issue. The same goes for frequent head shaking or ear scratching. These are your dog’s ways of telling you something isn’t right.

• Using harsh or homemade solutions: Finally, it’s important to avoid harsh substances like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide unless specifically advised by a vet. They may be effective at killing bacteria, but they’re also too drying and can disrupt the natural balance of the ear.

Preventing Ear Issues Between Cleanings

Keeping your dog’s ears healthy isn’t just about the occasional cleaning session. It’s about maintaining good habits in between. After a bath or swim, always dry your dog’s ears gently and thoroughly. Moisture left in the ear canal is a common trigger for infections.

If your dog has a lot of hair inside their ears, talk to your groomer or vet about whether trimming is necessary. Too much hair can trap debris and reduce airflow, but over-trimming can also cause irritation, so it’s all about balance.

Diet can also play a role in ear health. Many dogs with chronic ear issues are reacting to food sensitivities or environmental allergies. Feeding a high-quality, natural diet can help support overall skin and coat health, including the ears.

When to Call Your Vet

Ear cleaning is a valuable part of at-home grooming, but it’s not a solution for every issue. If your dog’s ears are red, swollen, painful, or producing discharge, it’s time to stop and consult your vet. These are signs of infection or inflammation that require medical treatment.

Your vet may prescribe medicated drops or suggest other treatments based on the underlying cause. For dogs with recurring ear problems, further investigation may be needed to uncover allergies or other contributing factors.

It’s always better to get a professional opinion rather than risk worsening the issue by trying to clean an infected ear at home.

Final Thoughts

Ear cleaning may not be the most glamorous part of your dog’s grooming routine, but it’s one of the most impactful. Done gently, thoughtfully, and only when needed, it can help prevent discomfort and infections while keeping your pup feeling their best.

At Doglyness, we believe in natural, mindful grooming that honors your dog’s individual needs. With a bit of regular attention and a lot of care, ear cleaning becomes another way to build trust, comfort, and connection between you and your dog.