🐶 How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: Step-by-Step

🧼 What You’ll Need

  • A vet-approved ear cleaning solution (never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar)

  • Cotton balls or gauze pads (avoid cotton swabs—they can damage the ear canal)

  • A towel (to catch drips or restrain gently if needed)

  • Optional: Treats to reward cooperation

🧘 Step 1: Stay Calm and Gentle

  • Choose a quiet, calm area. Sit or kneel beside your dog, keeping your voice and movements relaxed.

  • Gently pet and reassure your dog so they feel safe.

  • If your dog is squirmy, you may need another person to gently hold them or wrap them in a towel.

🕵️ Step 2: Inspect the Ears

  • Check for redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, or signs of pain. If any of these are present, consult your vet before cleaning.

  • Healthy ears should be light pink, clean, and odor-free.

💧 Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

  • Hold the ear flap up to expose the ear canal.

  • Carefully squeeze a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Don’t insert the bottle tip deep—just at the canal opening.

  • Gently massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You’ll hear a squishing sound as the solution loosens debris.

💦 Step 4: Let Your Dog Shake

  • Step back and allow your dog to shake their head—this helps dislodge debris.

  • Be ready with the towel to catch any mess.

🧽 Step 5: Wipe Away Debris

  • Use a cotton ball or gauze pad to gently wipe out the visible part of the inner ear flap and outer canal.

  • Never insert anything deep into the ear canal.

🍖 Step 6: Praise and Repeat

  • Offer a treat and praise to create a positive association.

  • Repeat on the other ear, using a fresh cotton ball or gauze.

📆 How Often to Clean

  • For most dogs: Once a month is enough.

  • For active dogs, swimmers, or breeds with floppy ears: Once a week or as recommended by your vet.

⚠️ When to Call the Vet

  • If you see pus, blood, a strong smell, or if your dog shows pain or frequent scratching.

  • Don’t clean infected ears without veterinary guidance—it can worsen the condition.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean helps prevent infection, improves comfort, and is a great opportunity to check their health regularly.