Why and how often
A healthy ear is pink, clean and does not smell, so a weekly look is usually all it needs. Clean only when you can see dirt on the ear flap. Cleaning too often can irritate the skin.
Dogs with floppy ears, hairy ear canals and those that swim a lot need more attention: their ears dry out less easily. Never put cotton buds or fingers into the ear canal: this pushes dirt deeper, and the eardrum is easily hurt.
What you need
- Cotton pads or a soft, clean cloth
- A fine comb for the hair around the ear Grooming
- Good light
- Treats as a reward Treats
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Step by step
- Look inside the ear Gently lift the ear and look inside in good light. Note the colour and the smell, and whether there is discharge or swelling.
- Smell it A healthy ear barely smells. A sweetish, sour or rotten smell means the ear needs a vet, not cleaning at home.
- Wipe the visible part of the ear With a damp cotton pad, wipe only the part of the ear you can see, working from the inside out. Put nothing into the canal.
- Deal with the hair around the ear Comb out tangled hair around and on the ear. Leave hair inside the ear canal to a groomer or vet: plucking it at home hurts and can irritate the skin.
- Dry the ear After a bath or a swim, dry the ear flap with a dry pad: moisture in the ear makes inflammation more likely.
- Praise your dog After each ear, praise your dog and give a treat, so that ear checks stay pleasant.
When to stop and see a vet
Do not clean, and see a vet, if the ear is red or swollen, there is discharge, it smells bad, your dog shakes its head, scratches the ear or rubs it on the floor, holds its head tilted or flinches when the ear is touched. Then the ear canal needs a vet's examination, and cleaning at home may do harm.