How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Safely at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ear cleaning is one of those maintenance tasks that’s easy to overlook—until there’s a problem. Regular cleaning prevents infections, reduces odour, and keeps your dog comfortable. The good news: it’s straightforward once you know the technique.

This guide covers everything you need to clean your dog’s ears safely at home, plus how to recognise when something needs veterinary attention.

Why Ear Cleaning Matters

Dogs’ ear canals are L-shaped, which means debris, moisture, and wax can get trapped easily. Without regular cleaning:

• Wax builds up — Creating a warm, moist environment bacteria love
• Infections develop — Bacterial and yeast infections are common
• Odour increases — That “doggy ear smell” is often early infection
• Discomfort grows — Itching, head shaking, and pain

Some breeds need more frequent cleaning than others. Floppy-eared dogs (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Cavaliers) and dogs that swim often are at higher risk.

What You’ll Need

Essential Supplies

• Veterinary-approved ear cleaner — Never use water, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol
• Cotton balls or gauze pads — Soft and absorbent
• Treats — For positive reinforcement
• Towel — Things can get messy

What NOT to Use

• Cotton swabs/Q-tips — Can push debris deeper and damage the ear canal
• Water — Doesn’t evaporate quickly, can cause infection
• Hydrogen peroxide — Too harsh, can damage tissue
• Alcohol — Painful and drying
• Homemade solutions — Stick to vet-approved products

How Often to Clean

Dog Type	Frequency
Floppy ears (Spaniels, Bassets, Doodles)	Weekly
Dogs that swim frequently	After each swim + weekly
Dogs prone to ear infections	As directed by vet
Upright ears, no history of problems	Every 2-4 weeks

Important: Over-cleaning can also cause problems by disrupting natural ear flora. Find the balance that works for your dog.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Set Up

• Choose a comfortable location (bathroom or outside is easiest for cleanup)
• Have all supplies within reach
• Make sure your dog is calm—after a walk is ideal
• Have treats ready

Step 2: Inspect First

Before cleaning, look inside the ear. You’re checking for:

• Redness or swelling
• Discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody)
• Strong odour
• Signs of pain when touched

If you see any of these, skip cleaning and see your vet. Cleaning an infected ear can be painful and may worsen the problem.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

1. Gently lift the ear flap to expose the canal
2. Hold the ear cleaner bottle at the opening (don’t insert it)
3. Squeeze enough solution to fill the ear canal
4. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—the canal is deeper than you think

Step 4: Massage

1. Fold the ear flap back down
2. Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds
3. You should hear a squishing sound—that’s the cleaner working
4. This loosens debris deep in the canal

Step 5: Let Them Shake

Stand back! Your dog will want to shake their head. Let them—this brings debris up from deep in the canal. This is where the towel comes in handy.

Step 6: Wipe Clean

1. Use cotton balls or gauze to wipe the visible part of the ear
2. Wipe the ear flap and the entrance to the canal
3. Never insert anything into the ear canal itself
4. Continue wiping until the cotton comes away clean

Step 7: Reward

Give treats and praise. You’re building positive associations with ear cleaning.

Step 8: Repeat on Other Ear

Same process for the other ear. Use fresh cotton balls.

Warning Signs: When to See a Vet

Stop cleaning and book a vet appointment if you notice:

• Strong, foul odour — Often indicates yeast or bacterial infection
• Discharge — Yellow, green, brown, or bloody
• Redness or swelling — Signs of inflammation
• Pain when ears are touched — Your dog pulls away or cries
• Excessive head shaking or scratching
• Balance problems or head tilting — Could indicate inner ear issues
• Scabs or wounds — From excessive scratching

Ear infections don’t resolve on their own and can become serious if left untreated. Early treatment is easier and less expensive.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Floppy-Eared Breeds

Cavaliers, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and doodle breeds have ears that trap moisture and restrict airflow. They need more frequent cleaning and should have ears checked after baths and swimming.

Hairy Ear Canals

Poodles, Bichons, and some terriers grow hair inside their ear canals. Your groomer can pluck this hair during appointments, which improves airflow and reduces infection risk.

Dogs That Swim

Water in the ears creates perfect conditions for infection. Use a drying ear solution after every swim, or gently dry with cotton balls.

Tips for Easier Ear Cleaning

• Start young — Puppies who experience gentle ear handling grow into adults who tolerate cleaning
• Keep sessions short — Especially at first. Speed comes with practice
• Stay calm — Your dog picks up on your energy
• Use enough cleaner — Underfilling is a common mistake
• Clean regularly — Preventing problems is easier than treating them
• Warm the solution — Room temperature or slightly warm is more comfortable than cold

The Bottom Line

Regular ear cleaning is simple preventive care that saves your dog from discomfort and you from vet bills. Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes a quick, routine task.

The key is consistency: regular cleaning prevents the buildup that leads to infections. And always trust your instincts—if something looks or smells off, see your vet.

Looking for more health and grooming guidance? Our free Doodle Coat Care Guide covers complete maintenance for curly-coated breeds.

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

• How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home: A Complete Guide for Nervous Owners
• How to Groom a Doodle Puppy at Home: Complete Australian Guide (2025)
• How to Groom a Matted Doodle: Step-by-Step

Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.