How to clean your dog's ears: when to do it and step by step

To clean your dog's ears, apply a pet ear cleaner at the entrance of the canal, massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds, let your dog shake their head and wipe away only what you can see with gauze. Do it when there's visible wax or dirt, never with cotton buds, and stop if there's pain, strong odour or discharge.

Ear cleaning matters most for dogs with floppy ears, lots of hair in the canal or a tendency to build up wax. Done properly, it removes dirt without irritating the ear. Done badly, it can cause discomfort, push dirt further in or mask a problem that needs checking. The same guidelines apply to cats.

When should you clean your dog's ears?

Not every dog needs the same frequency. The key is to observe: a healthy ear is usually clean or has a small amount of light wax, with no strong smell and no redness. Cleaning is recommended when there's visible build-up or signs of dirt that could cause discomfort.

Is it dirt or an ear infection?

It's important to tell normal dirt apart from signs of a problem that needs a professional assessment. Cleaning at home is for hygiene, not for "treating" persistent discomfort.

• Normal dirt: light brown or yellowish wax, small amount, no strong smell, and your dog isn't scratching constantly.
• Warning signs: marked bad smell, abundant dark discharge, a very red or hot ear, pain when touched, frequent head shaking, persistent scratching or a tilted head.

If you see warning signs, don't put products in without guidance and see your vet. Aggressive cleaning can irritate the canal further or make it harder to assess.

How often should you clean your dog's ears?

As a general guide, it depends on ear type, lifestyle and how much wax your dog tends to produce. Adjust to what you see, without turning it into a rigid routine if it isn't needed.

• Dogs that don't get dirty ears: check once a week and clean only if there's visible dirt.
• Floppy ears or lots of hair: check 1–2 times a week; clean when you notice build-up.
• Dogs that swim or get wet often: check after the activity; dry the outer ear well and clean if there's residue or lingering moisture.
• Puppies or sensitive dogs: start with short checks and occasional, always gentle, cleaning.

Over-cleaning can upset the ear's normal balance and increase irritation. "Only what's needed, done well" beats "often and hard".

How do you clean a dog's ears properly, step by step?

Technique matters more than force. The aim is to soften the dirt and help it come out, without inserting cotton buds or going deep. Choose a calm moment, with treats and no rush, so your dog associates it with something positive.

• What you need: gauze or cotton (gauze is better), a towel, a pet-specific ear cleaner and treats.
• Where: somewhere easy to clean (head shaking is normal and can splash).

Step by step:

• 1) Check before cleaning. Lift the ear and look: colour, smell, amount of wax. If there's obvious pain or abundant discharge, stop.
• 2) Apply the cleaner. Place the nozzle at the entrance of the canal without pushing it in deep. Apply the amount shown on the pack.
• 3) Massage the base of the ear. Massage gently for 20–30 seconds. You should hear a "squelching" sound; that's normal and helps loosen residue.
• 4) Let them shake. Release the ear and let your dog shake their head. This helps bring dirt out.
• 5) Wipe only what you can see. With gauze, remove excess product and wax from the outer ear and accessible folds. Don't push inwards.
• 6) Repeat if needed. If the gauze comes out very dirty, you can repeat once. If there's still a lot of dirt, stop and try another day, or ask your vet if it keeps happening.
• 7) Reward. A treat at the end makes the next cleaning easier.

Which ear cleaners are safe for dogs?

Choose a cleaner formulated for the ear hygiene of dogs and cats, designed to dissolve wax and help it come out without irritation. Don't improvise with household products: the ear is a sensitive area.

• Look for: pet-specific cleaners with clear instructions and an easy applicator.
• Avoid: alcohol, peroxides or home-made mixtures not designed for the ear canal.
• Recommended format: a liquid cleaning solution with a safe nozzle.

To round off the routine, read our guide on how to clean your dog's eyes or the full natural dog grooming routine.

What mistakes should you avoid when cleaning your dog's ears?

Many problems come from "wanting it perfect" or using the wrong tools. These are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cotton buds. They can push dirt further in and increase the risk of irritation. Use gauze, and only on the visible area.
• Inserting the nozzle too far. The applicator should stay at the entrance of the canal.
• Cleaning too often. Cleaning when it isn't needed can sensitise the ear. Check often, clean only when it's time.
• Rubbing hard. The ear doesn't need friction; it needs product, a gentle massage and surface wiping.
• Ignoring signs of discomfort. If there's pain, a strong smell or discharge, the sensible thing is to stop and see your vet before carrying on.
• Not drying the outer ear after baths. Moisture trapped in the folds can be uncomfortable. Dry the outer part with a soft towel. Our guide to choosing a dog shampoo also covers bath time and drying.

FAQ: cleaning your dog's ears

How do I know if my dog's ears need cleaning?

If you see built-up wax, visible dirt at the entrance of the canal or notice a stronger smell than usual, it's usually a good time to clean. If there's also intense redness, pain or abundant discharge, don't carry on and ask your vet for advice.

Can I use saline solution to clean my dog's ears?

For ear hygiene, a pet-specific cleaner is the best choice, as it's formulated to help loosen wax. Saline can be used to clean small outer areas, but it doesn't replace an ear cleaner in the canal.

Is it normal for my dog to shake their head after the cleaner?

Yes. Head shaking is a normal reaction and helps bring out some of the liquid and dirt. That's why it's best to do it somewhere easy to clean, with a towel to hand.

What if a lot of dirt comes out every time?

You can repeat the cleaning once in the same session and watch. If a lot of dirt comes out consistently, there's a bad smell or your dog keeps scratching, handle the ear less and see your vet to rule out an underlying problem.

How often can I use the Maikai ear cleaner?

It depends on how much wax your dog tends to build up. As a rule of thumb, check weekly and use the product when there's visible dirt, following the directions on the pack. Avoid cleaning "just because" if the ear is clean and odour-free.

Does it work for cats too?

Yes. The Maikai ear cleaner is suitable for dogs and cats, and the method is the same: apply at the entrance of the canal, massage gently and wipe away only visible dirt. You can find it here: Maikai ear cleaner for dogs and cats.