How to clean your dog's ears and what you need to do it

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• Keeping your dog's ears clean is an important part of their grooming routine, especially if they are prone to ear infections.
• Here's how to clean your dog's ears along with the tools you need to make it a successful experience.
• The eardrum is very fragile and can be damaged by ear disease or during cleaning, so it's important to exercise caution while cleaning and follow these steps precisely.
• Always consult your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of an ear infection, which may include shaking their head, holding it to one side, odor, or signs of pain.
• For more grooming products, see the best dog nail clippers, dental products, and brushes.

Some dogs never or rarely need to have their ears cleaned. For other dogs, the external ear canal may accumulate wax and debris, so they may benefit from regular at-home ear cleaning. This could depend on their breed (ear shape, presence of hair in the ear canal), lifestyle (swimming), or medical conditions (allergies). Your veterinarian can advise you as to whether or not it's necessary for your dog.

My dachshund Walter has long hound ears and an even longer ear canal where debris accumulates, so I clean his ears once a week. Based on my experience working as a certified veterinary technician at a clinic and teaching clients how to clean a dog's ears, you don't need a lot of tools to do this at home. Many of the items are human grooming tools, including balls of cotton and tissues. Your veterinarian or tech can help you select an ear cleaner that is right for your dog.

If your dog has painful ears or strongly resists routine ear cleanings, your veterinarian can also administer a sedative or a short-acting general anesthetic and do an ear cleaning at their clinic. With that in mind, many dogs are okay with their owners cleaning their healthy ears between vet visits. "Most dogs can learn to tolerate this with patience and treats," said Dr. Brian Collins, faculty veterinarian at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Although routine at-home cleanings can support your dog's ear health, it's important to consult your veterinarian if there are any signs of infection. "If you notice your dog shaking her head, holding her head to one side, or if you notice an odd odor or signs of pain, have your veterinarian examine her as soon as possible," said Collins. A veterinarian will examine your dog's ears, take a sample of discharge for further evaluation, prescribe any necessary medications, and potentially do an in-office cleaning.