Many pets need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infection and other ear-related issues that may affect their quality of life. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team knows that ear cleaning can be challenging, so we provide information about this topic as well as tips to make the job easier.

Why pets need their ears cleaned

Most cats have clean, healthy ears that don’t require cleaning, but our team may recommend regular cleaning if your cat has a skin condition. Dogs, in contrast, are prone to ear infections because their ear canal is shaped like an L, which allows wax, skin oil, and other debris to accumulate and creates a food source for bacteria and fungi. These organisms live in the normal ear canal, but excess food allows them to proliferate, which causes an infection. Dogs at increased risk include:

  • Allergic dogs — Dogs affected by atopy (i.e., environmental allergies) or a food allergy have a weakened skin barrier that predisposes them to skin and ear infections.
  • Floppy ears — Dogs, such as cocker spaniels, who have floppy ears are at increased ear infection risk, because their ear anatomy facilitates moisture retention.
  • Hairy ears — Dogs, such as poodles, who have excessive ear hair are at increased ear infection risk, because the hair facilitates wax and debris accumulation.
  • Narrowed ear canals — Dogs, such as shar peis, who have narrowed ear canals are at increased ear infection risk, because the small opening inhibits ear drainage.
  • Water lovers — Water loving breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, are at increased ear infection risk, because frequent swimming keeps their ears moist. Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing to help prevent ear infections.
  • Hypothyroid dogs — Hypothyroidism causes more fragile and sensitive skin, and affected dogs are more susceptible to ear infections.

When pets need their ears cleaned

Overcleaning your pet’s ears can be as detrimental as not cleaning them enough. Different pets need their ears cleaned at different frequencies. Consult our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team if you need guidance on how frequently you should clean your pet’s ears. Signs that indicate your pet likely needs their ears cleaned include noticeable dirt or wax accumulation in the ear and mild ear odor. 

If your pet’s ear is red, inflamed, or painful, or has a discharge or a yeasty, unpleasant odor, seek veterinary care, because they likely have an active ear infection and ear cleaning could damage their ear drum. 

Tips to clean your pet’s ears

If your pet is cooperative, you can easily clean their ears at home. Tips to make the job easier include:

  • Gather your supplies — Gather all the supplies you will need, including a veterinary-approved ear cleaner, cotton balls or wipes, and a towel.
  • Use an approved ear cleaner — Products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils can damage your pet’s ears. Use only a veterinary-approved pet ear cleaner.
  • Ask for help — If your pet is not used to their ears being cleaned, you may want to ask a friend or family member for help. One of you can restrain your pet while the other cleans their ears.
  • Choose an appropriate location — Cleaning your pet’s ears is a messy occasion. Choose a place, such as outside or the bathroom, that is easy to clean.
  • Stay calm — Your pet picks up on your emotions, and if you are nervous about the procedure, they will likely feel stressed. Stay as calm and positive as possible when cleaning your pet’s ears.
  • Be gentle — When handling your pet’s ears, always go slowly and be gentle. Start handling their ears when they are young, so they get used to the procedure.
  • Fill your pet’s ear — Holding the floppy or erect part of your pet’s ear, fill the canal with the veterinary-approved pet ear cleaner.
  • Massage the ear — Gently massage the ear base to let the cleanser break up the ear wax and debris.
  • Allow the shake — Take cover! Then, let your pet shake their head to expel the cleaner and wax.
  • Wipe the ear — Use a cotton ball to wipe out the ear interior, repeating the process until the ear is clean. Never use a cotton swab, which can damage your pet’s ear drum.
  • Treat and repeat — Give your pet a high-value treat and repeat the process on the other ear. 

If you need help cleaning your pet’s ears or advice on a safe pet ear cleaner, contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team.