Step-by-Step Guide: How to Gently Clean Your Dog’s Ears for Long-Lasting Health and Comfort

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Let’s talk about something that’s probably not your favorite part of owning a pup – cleaning those floppy ears.

I know, I know, it’s not exactly a fun task.

But hear me out, because keeping your dog’s ears in tip-top shape is so important for their overall health and happiness.

Think about it – our furry friends can’t exactly clean their own ears (though they sure do try with all that head shaking and pawing!).

It’s up to us to step in and lend a hand.

And trust me, you’ll be glad you did when you avoid painful ear infections and expensive vet bills down the road.

Now, I get that ear cleaning can be a bit of a wrestle, especially if your pup isn’t used to it.

But with a little patience and some tasty treats for positive reinforcement, you’ll both get the hang of it in no time.

It’s all about making it a calm, fear-free experience for your buddy.

How to Tell When a Dog’s Ears Need Cleaning

The key is knowing when those ears actually need a good cleaning.

Some dogs barely ever need it, while others (lookin’ at you, floppy-eared cuties!) require regular maintenance to prevent nasty buildup and infections.

If you notice an odor, excessive head shaking, or any redness and inflammation, it’s time to break out the cleaning supplies.

But hold up – I’m not talking about using harsh household cleaners like hydrogen peroxide.

Nope, those can do way more harm than good to those delicate little ear canals.

Stick to veterinary-approved ear-cleaning solutions made specifically for our four-legged friends.

The process is honestly so simple, even if it seems daunting at first.

All you need is the ear cleaner, some cotton balls or gauze, and a towel to catch any splatter (because you know there’s going to be some serious head shaking!).

Gently massage that cleaner in, let your pup shake it out, and wipe away any gunk with the cotton ball.

Easy peasy!

Here is a more detailed video if you need:

Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Dog Ears?

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on your dog’s ears as it can irritate healthy skin cells and damage the sensitive tissue in the ear.

Stick to ear cleaners made specifically for pets.

In Conclusion

I know taking care of our dogs can feel like a full-time job sometimes.

But keeping up with little grooming tasks like ear cleaning can go such a long way in keeping your best friend healthy, comfortable, and ready for all your adventures together.

So next time those floppy ears are looking a little dirty, don’t put it off! Your pup’s ears (and your vet!) will thank you.