Short answer: check the ears once a week and clean them with a dog ear-cleaning solution when you see dirt or wax build-up. For dogs with drop ears that are prone to ear problems, or that swim, cleaning is usually needed more often – for example every 1–2 weeks. Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal.
How often
Needs vary. Not every dog needs regular cleaning, and over-cleaning is also a problem – it can irritate the skin of the ear canal. If you're not sure what routine is right, ask your vet.
Breeds with heavy drop ears, such as the English Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, dogs that swim, and dogs with allergies or frequent ear problems, need more frequent attention. For the French Bulldog, a good guide is cleaning every one to two weeks and after every bath.
Step by step
- Lift the ear flap and apply the solution into the ear as directed on the product.
- Massage the base of the ear below the opening for about 30 seconds – you'll hear a squelching sound as the solution breaks down the build-up.
- Let the dog shake its head – this brings the debris up and out.
- Wipe away only the visible part and the entrance of the canal with a cotton pad or soft cloth.
Don't insert anything deep into the canal. A dog's ear canal is long and bends (with a vertical and a horizontal section, forming an L shape), and cotton buds push debris further in and can injure the canal or the eardrum.
Signs of a problem
- A strong or sweetish smell
- Dark or pus-like discharge
- Redness or swelling
- The dog tilts its head, shakes it, or scratches persistently
- Pain when touched
With these symptoms, don't clean the ears yourself – see a vet.
Suitable products
Browse the ear care products and the rest of the range in Pharmacy. You can set a reminder to check the ears in the care plan in your account (My Pets).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use alcohol or vinegar?
No. They can irritate the skin and make inflammation worse. Use a solution formulated for dogs.
Should ear hair be removed?
Not routinely. For healthy ears, many vets don't recommend plucking the hair, as it can irritate the ear canal. For breeds with a lot of ear hair, such as the Poodle and the Schnauzer, discuss whether and how to remove it with your vet or groomer.
Should I clean the ears after bathing?
Always dry the ears after a bath or a swim. Trapped moisture creates a favourable environment for bacteria and fungi, which is why dogs with drop ears and those that swim are more prone to ear infections. With recurring ear problems, the cause is often an allergy – discuss it with your vet.