Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears is an essential grooming step no matter the breed. Dirty ears are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which could lead to painful infections. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have an ear infection, if there is a lot of dark debris in the ears or if your dog appears to be experiencing ear pain.

Cleaning the ears is a fairly simple process, but may require two people. Ensure you have all your supplies ready within arm’s reach before starting. Use a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian to ensure you have the right product for your pet’s specific needs.

1. Fill one ear canal with the cleanser to the point where it starts to drip out. Your dog will naturally want to shake their head, but do not let them yet.
2. Place your fingers at the base of the ears and massage gently for 30-60 seconds. You should hear the liquid sloshing in the ear canal. This helps loosen the debris that is lower down in the ear canal that you cannot see or reach.
3. Allow your dog to shake his/her head for 30-60 seconds – this will move the debris further up in the ear canal.
4. Using cotton balls, remove the debris seen on the ear flap and as far into the ear canal as you can see.
5. Do not use Q-tips as you may unintentionally damage the ear.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 on the other ear and allow the ears to dry naturally.

Some breeds require more frequent cleaning than others; ask your veterinarian how often is appropriate as cleaning too often could cause irritation. Remenber to always use positive reinforcement when cleaning your dog’s ears.