How to clean a dog's ears
Cleaning a dog's ears at home is straightforward with the right approach: a proper ear cleaner, a gentle technique, and knowing when to stop and see a vet instead. Never use cotton buds inside the ear canal, and never clean an ear that already looks sore, inflamed or is causing your dog obvious discomfort.
What you need before you start
Use a cleaner made specifically for dogs' ears rather than anything else you might have to hand — human ear products, vinegar solutions and homemade mixtures are not formulated for a dog's ear canal and can cause irritation, even when they seem gentle enough for people.
Have some cotton wool or soft absorbent pads ready, along with treats to make the experience a positive one. Doing this somewhere your dog is comfortable, rather than cornering them, makes the whole process considerably easier for both of you.
The steps that actually work
Lift the ear flap gently and apply the recommended amount of cleaner into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for around thirty seconds. You should hear a soft squelching sound, which means the cleaner is working its way through the wax and debris inside.
Let your dog shake their head once you release the ear — this is a normal and useful part of the process, as it brings loosened debris up to where you can reach it. Wipe away what comes out with cotton wool or a soft pad, working only on the parts you can see.
What to avoid
Never insert cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal itself. It is easy to push debris further in or damage the ear rather than clean it, and the visible outer part of the ear is as far as any cleaning at home should go.
Do not clean an ear that already looks red, swollen, smells unpleasant or is clearly painful for your dog to have touched. Cleaning over the top of an existing problem can make it harder for a vet to see what is actually going on when you do get it checked.
How often, and when to see a vet instead
Most dogs do not need their ears cleaned on a strict schedule — how often depends on their ear shape, coat and how much time they spend in water or long grass. Dogs with long, floppy ears or those who swim regularly often need it more often than others, sometimes weekly rather than monthly.
See your vet rather than continuing to clean at home if you notice a strong or unpleasant smell, dark discharge, redness, swelling, or your dog shaking their head and scratching at their ear repeatedly. These are signs of a problem cleaning will not solve on its own, however thoroughly it is done.
What we use
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Absorbent Cotton Gauze Swabs for Pets – Pack of 100
Highly absorbent, low-lint cotton gauze swabs produced in clean conditions — a practical first-aid essential available in three size and ply combinations.
From£4.49
MPS Medical PetS Boot – Waterproof Paw Protector
A vet-recommended waterproof boot that keeps bandages, dressings, and casts dry during walks and wet weather.
£30.49
Common questions
- How often should I clean my dog's ears?
- It depends on the individual dog rather than a fixed schedule — dogs with floppy ears or those who swim regularly often need cleaning more often than short-eared breeds. A vet can advise a sensible routine based on your dog's ear shape and history.
- Can I use cotton buds to clean my dog's ears?
- No, cotton buds should never go inside the ear canal. They risk pushing debris further in or damaging delicate tissue, so stick to cotton wool or a soft pad for wiping the visible outer part of the ear only.
- What does it mean if my dog's ears smell bad?
- A strong or unpleasant smell is often a sign of infection or irritation rather than something a routine clean will fix. See your vet rather than continuing to clean at home, since ongoing cleaning over an infection can make it harder to diagnose and treat properly.
- Is it normal for a dog to shake its head after ear cleaning?
- Yes, a shake immediately after cleaning is normal and actually helps bring loosened debris up where you can wipe it away. Repeated head shaking and scratching in the hours or days afterwards, rather than a single shake at the time, is what is worth mentioning to your vet.
- Can I clean my dog's ears with warm water instead of an ear cleaner?
- Plain water does not break down wax and debris the way a proper ear cleaner does, and it can leave moisture trapped in the ear canal, which risks encouraging infection. A cleaner made specifically for dogs is a better and genuinely safer choice.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.