Should You Clean Your Dog's Ears? A Guide to Dog Ear Health

When you think about keeping your dog healthy, their ears probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. You’ll make sure they’re the right weight, keep their coat shiny and skin healthy, and, of course, do a regular clean out of those pesky eye bogies (as I like to call them). But hidden beneath those beautiful floppy or pointy ears lies a place that needs a bit of care too!

Your dog’s ears play an important role in their overall well-being, helping them hear all those important sounds like the rustling of treat packets or the jingle of their lead and harness. But they can also be a hotspot for problems if not looked after properly. From wax build-up to infections, your dog’s ears deserve a bit of care to keep them healthy and comfortable. So, let’s dive into why dog ear health is so important and how you can keep those adorable furry flops clean and happy.

A dog’s ears are a vital part of their overall health. In the same way us humans rely on our hearing for so much of our daily lives, our dogs do the same. That’s why keeping them clean is so important, as you’ll help prevent a whole host of uncomfortable and sometimes serious issues like ear infections, wax build-up, and even hearing loss.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that one in every 14 dogs in the UK (around 7.3%) suffers from an ear infection every year. That’s a lot of itchy, uncomfortable pups! And unfortunately, some breeds with floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and Poodles can be even more prone to these issues.

When a dog’s ears get dirty or clogged with wax, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria, yeast, and other nasties to thrive. This can lead to redness, swelling, smells, head shaking, and general discomfort. In severe cases, untreated ear infections can even impact a dog’s hearing or balance.

Regular ear care helps reduce the risk of infections and keeps your dog happy and healthy. Plus, staying on top of dog ear health means you’ll be more likely to spot any early warning signs that something’s not quite right. So, a quick clean here and there can make a world of difference.

Cleaning your dog’s ears doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially if you’ve got the right products and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping those ears squeaky clean, plus some recommended products to make the job easier.

Step 1: Get Them Comfortable

Before you dive straight in with wipes and cleansers, it’s important to make sure your dog is comfortable with you being around their ears. Start by gently touching and handling their ears without any intention of cleaning just yet. Give them a treat or two each time you touch their ears to create a positive association.

If your dog is particularly fidgety, using a lick mat or treat-dispensing toy filled with peanut butter, wet dog food or another dog-friendly paste is something that can work wonders. When they’re happily distracted and comfortable with you touching their ears, you can gently move to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect the Ears

Still keeping your dog ear wipes and other dog ear health products to the side, now start by having a little look inside your dog’s ears. Healthy ears should be clean, light pink, and free from any strong odour or discharge. If you notice redness, swelling, a bad smell, or excessive wax, it might be a sign of an infection. In this case, a trip to the vet is a must. Even if you’re uncertain about your dog’s ear health, we also suggest checking with your vet – it’s always better to be safe than sorry! 

Step 3: Clean the Outer Ear

Now for the cleaning! Start by using some dog ear wipes like the Dog Ear Wipes by Dogslife. These wipes are designed specifically for dogs to help to remove dirt, wax, and debris without causing irritation. Simply wipe around the outer ear and the visible parts inside the ear canal.

Step 4: Use an Ear Cleaner

For a deeper clean, you can use a dog ear cleaner like the Anti-fungal Ear Cleaner for Dogs by Dogslife. This cleaner is particularly good if your dog has been scratching or shaking their head a lot, as it helps combat yeast and bacteria growth.

Another great option is WAP: 7 Ear Wash. This is a gentle yet effective ear wash that helps break down wax and eliminate odour. There’s also the "Can You Hear Me?" Natural Ear Cleanser & Soother for Dogs . This plant-based cleanser is perfect for regular maintenance and soothing sensitive ears.

All these dog ear health products are super easy to use. Simply release a few drops of the solution into your dog’s ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear to help loosen any potential wax or dirt. No doubt your pup will think they’re getting a nice head massage at this point!

After, use some dog ear wipes or a sterilised cotton pad to remove any excess dirt. If your dog shakes their head, that’s perfectly normal. It’ll help make sure all the liquid is out and dislodge any wax or dirt still left in there.

Step 5: Reward, Reward, Reward!

As soon as you’re done, shower your dog with treats, praise, or a play session. The goal is to make ear cleaning a positive experience so it gets easier every time. 

We recommend treating them to some delicious goodies as part of an enrichment toy like a lick mat or treat dispenser. Fill them up with mouth-watering goodies like dog-friendly peanut butter, natural yoghurt, carrots, boiled chicken, pumpkin and so much more and let your pup use their tongue to work out all the goodies. It’s not only a delicious reward after ear cleaning, but it’s added enrichment to keep their mind sharp and entertained.

Bonus Tip: Watch for Signs of Discomfort

If your dog ever seems uncomfortable during the cleaning process or if you notice something unusual, it’s time to call the vet. Don’t take any chances with dog ear health and don’t do anything your dog seems uncomfortable with!

So, how often should you be cleaning your dog’s ears? Well, it depends because every dog is different. Some produce more ear wax than others, some have ears that trap more dirt, and some are simply more prone to infections. However, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend checking your dog's ears once a week, giving them a gentle wipe every month, and doing a deeper clean every couple of months.

Weekly Check-ins

Once a week, take a few moments to have a look inside your dog's ears. Check for any signs of redness, discharge, or foul smells. You can also gently touch around their ears to see if they react with discomfort as this could be a sign something's not right.

Monthly Wipes

About once a month, it’s a good idea to give your dog’s ears a light clean using ear wipes or a gentle cleanser. This will help keep wax and dirt from building up and prevent infections. If your dog is prone to ear issues, you may want to do this more frequently.

Deep Clean Every Few Months

Every couple of months, or as needed, consider doing a more thorough clean using a dedicated ear cleaner. This is especially important if your dog loves rolling in the mud, swimming, or has particularly waxy ears. Doing this helps prevent bacteria and yeast from building up in the ear canal.

Watch for Changes

If at any point you notice your dog shaking their head excessively, scratching their ears, or if there’s a strong odour coming from their ears, it’s best to consult your vet. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ear infections can still happen and that’s okay! The important thing is catching it early and getting it treated.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is just as important as brushing their fur or clipping their nails. Regular dog ear care can help prevent painful infections, excessive wax build-up, and even long-term hearing issues. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your pup and make them feel pampered.

Armed with the right products like some dog ear wipes and a dog ear cleanser, you should have everything you need to keep those ears fresh and healthy. Here at WOOOF, we have a huge range of dog ear health products to keep your arsenal stocked for all occasions. From enrichment toys like lick mats and treat dispensers to dog wipes, dog ear drops to even tasty treats for when it’s time to reward them, we’ve got you covered.

So next time you’re giving your dog a belly rub or cleaning off those eye bogies, don’t forget to give their ears a little love too.

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