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Why regular ear cleaning matters for dogs
A dog's long, L-shaped ear canal traps the moisture and wax that let infection take hold, so a regular clean clears the build-up before it becomes a problem.
Cleaning is especially worth doing for dogs with floppy ears, dogs that swim, and dogs with allergies, who are far more prone to recurrent ear trouble. A quick clean also lets you spot a problem early, because you learn what your dog's healthy ear looks and smells like. That said, a clean, comfortable ear does not need scrubbing every day, so match the routine to your dog rather than overdoing it.
How to clean your dog's ears
Cleaning a dog's ears is a simple routine: fill the canal with cleaner, massage the base, let your dog shake, then wipe the outer ear. A proper dog ear cleaner does the work for you:
- Fill the canal with the ear cleaning solution, enough to fill it rather than a token drop.
- Massage the base of the ear for several seconds. You should hear a soft squelch as the cleaner loosens the wax.
- Let your dog shake their head, which brings the loosened debris up out of the canal.
- Wipe the visible ear with cotton wool or a pad. Never push a cotton bud down into the canal, as it packs wax deeper and can damage the ear.
Finish on a good note with a treat. If your dog finds it stressful, a wipe designed for ears is a gentler way to keep the outer ear tidy between cleans.
When a dog's ear needs a vet, not a cleaner
Ear cleaners keep a healthy ear healthy, but they are not a treatment for an infection, and cleaning a sore ear can make things worse.
See your vet rather than reaching for the cleaner if the ear is painful, red or swollen, if there is a dark or pus-like discharge, if it smells strongly, or if your dog is shaking their head and scratching constantly. These signs point to an infection that needs a proper diagnosis and, often, prescription ear drops, not a wash.
Our guide to dog ear yeast infections explains what to look for.
Recurring ear problems often start with the skin
Ears that keep flaring up despite good cleaning are usually a sign of an underlying skin allergy, not a problem with the ear itself, because the ear canal is lined with the same reactive skin as the rest of the body.
Managing the underlying allergy with your vet is what breaks the cycle, with the right dog products for skin conditions and regular cleaning as the maintenance step in between. Constant paw licking alongside the ear trouble is another pointer to allergy rather than coincidence.
Our guide to dog skin conditions covers the causes.
Trusted dog ear care brands
Australia's common dog ear cleaners differ mainly in whether they clean, dry or soothe:
- Virbac: clinic-favourite ear cleaners that flush wax and help dry the canal after swimming or bathing.
- PAW: gentle cleansers suited to routine, at-home ear care.
- Dermcare: dermatological ear and skin range for dogs prone to irritation.
- Natural Animal Solutions: natural ear cleansers for lighter, regular upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dogs only need an ear clean every few weeks, while dogs with floppy ears, allergies or a swimming habit may need it weekly. A healthy, comfortable ear does not need daily cleaning, and over-cleaning can irritate the canal, so let your dog's ears guide you. If they are producing a lot of wax or flaring often, that is a reason to see your vet, not to clean harder.
Use a dog ear cleaning solution made for the job, filling the canal, massaging the base and letting your dog shake before wiping the visible ear. Avoid cotton buds in the canal, and steer clear of home remedies like vinegar, methylated spirits or hydrogen peroxide, which can sting and damage inflamed skin. A vet-recommended cleaner is gentler and more effective than anything from the kitchen cupboard.
Signs of an ear infection include a strong smell, dark or pus-like discharge, redness, swelling, and a dog that shakes their head, scratches or tilts it to one side. An infected ear is often painful, so your dog may flinch when you touch it. This needs a vet, because infections usually require prescription ear drops and cleaning alone can make a sore ear worse.
You can safely clean a healthy ear at home, but a true ear infection needs a vet rather than a home fix. Cleaning a sore ear, or home remedies like vinegar or peroxide, can sting inflamed skin and push the problem deeper, and most infections need prescription ear drops to clear. If the ear is red, smelly, painful or discharging, book a vet visit rather than treating it yourself.
No, avoid human ear products and do not push cotton buds into your dog's ear canal. Cotton buds pack wax deeper and can injure the eardrum, and human cleaners are not formulated for a dog's ear. A purpose-made dog ear cleaner used with cotton wool on the outer ear is the safe way to keep them clean.
