How to clean your dog's ears
First Published: 03/09/2018
Last Updated: 24/01/2024
You may need to clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis. Sometimes you’ll need do this at least once a week, or if you notice a build-up of brown wax in your dog’s ears. In our how-to video below, Dr David Tweedle demonstrates the best way of cleaning your dog’s ears.
What you’ll need:
You will need cotton wool and some ear cleaner. The best way to start is to put a little drop of the ear cleaner into your dog’s ear canal. The dog might try to tip the cleaner out of their ear so make sure you hold their head, firmly but gently, and massage the base of their ear to allow the cleaner to break down any wax and push it out from deep within the ear.
Next, add some ear cleaner to a piece of cotton wool, wrap this around your finger and, thinking of your finger almost as if it’s a giant ear bud, wipe around the inside of the ear. Take a hold of their head, firm enough so they can’t shake their head but gentle enough so it doesn’t hurt.
Your dog might make a noise as you do this, but they actually like the feeling! They feel as though they are being scratched.
Then simply repeat this process for the other ear.
Need more advice on cleaning your dog’s ears?
For expert advice on keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy, get in touch with your local vet.
Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.