Pet Eye & Ear Care

A gentle ear cleaner, such as Wahl's Easy Ear Cleaner or a similar antibacterial solution, is applied to the visible part of the ear canal and gently wiped away with cotton wool, never pushed deep inside with a cotton bud. Breeds with floppy ears, or dogs who swim regularly, often need more frequent cleaning since moisture and reduced airflow encourage buildup.

Routine cleaning is about maintaining a healthy ear, not treating one that is already sore, smelly or clearly bothering your dog.

Tear staining, the reddish-brown discolouration seen under the eyes of some breeds, particularly lighter-coated dogs, is largely cosmetic and comes from normal tear overflow rather than illness in most cases. A tear stain remover or gentle eye wipe can help manage the appearance, used regularly rather than as a one-off fix.

Eye wipes are also useful for simply removing everyday debris and discharge that builds up in the corner of the eye, which is a normal part of grooming for many breeds regardless of tear staining.

A small amount of clear discharge or occasional debris in the corner of the eye is normal and easily managed with a wipe. Redness, swelling, a closed or watering eye, or a strong smell from the ear are not routine maintenance issues and need proper assessment.

Excessive scratching at an ear, head shaking, or an ear that looks red or has an unusual discharge inside it, are signs of a possible infection that a cleaner alone will not resolve.

Checking ears and eyes briefly during a regular grooming session, rather than only when something looks wrong, makes it much easier to spot a genuine change early. For breeds prone to ear problems or tear staining, this is worth doing weekly rather than occasionally.

If cleaning becomes a struggle every time or your dog seems to find it painful rather than just mildly annoying, that discomfort is worth mentioning to your vet rather than pushing through it.