How to clean a dog’s ears without stress or mistakes ?

Cleaning your dog’s ears is a bit like trimming their nails: everyone knows it’s important, but no one really knows how to do it. However, clean ears are a matter of comfort and health, preventing itching, unpleasant odors, and ear infections that make our companions grumpy. Fortunately, the good news is that with the right techniques, a gentle touch, and the right product, “how to clean a dog’s ears” is a question you’ll soon stop asking yourself!

Why is it important to clean your dog’s ears?

A dog’s ears capture the world around them: they hear, ventilate, communicate, and express emotions. But their shape often makes them a trap for dust, moisture, and earwax, which can lead to infections.

Some breeds are more prone to this than others. Dogs with droopy ears, such as cocker spaniels and basset hounds, ventilate less well, while avid swimmers such as golden retrievers easily accumulate moisture. In other breeds, a narrower or hairier ear canal retains more dirt.

Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears helps prevent irritation and keeps the skin inside the ear healthy. Because a dog with clean ears sleeps better, scratches less, and stays more alert.

Ear care can therefore be seen as a preventive measure, just like brushing their coat. It should be done regularly, takes only a few minutes, and requires a good lotion.

How often should you clean your dog’s ears?

It all depends on your dog. In general, cleaning once a month is sufficient for a healthy dog.

However, breeds with droopy ears (cocker spaniels, basset hounds, labradors, etc.), as well as dogs that love swimming and playing in water (retrievers, Australian shepherds, etc.) may need weekly cleaning.
Did you know that there are snoods available to protect your pet’s ears?

As always, to determine whether ear cleaning is necessary, take a look: if the inside of the ears is clean, odorless, dry, and without redness, there is no need to insist. On the other hand, if they give off a strong odor or if your dog scratches often, consult your regular veterinarian.

How to clean your dog’s ears step by step?

Prepare your equipment with Les Wouf cleansing lotion, some cotton balls or compresses, and keep everything within reach. Avoid cotton swabs at all costs: they push impurities deep into the ear canal and can cause injury.

Find a quiet place to settle your dog. Talk to them gently, explain that you are going to take care of them, and let them smell the bottle to avoid any surprises.

Apply the lotion. Pour a few drops onto your cotton pad, then gently massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds.

Wipe off any excess and let your dog shake his head. Finally, remove any visible dirt with a clean cotton pad and repeat the process until the cotton pad is clean and your dog is cooperating.

Finally, always end on a positive note. A kind word and a pat or a small treat, and you’re done. The ear is clean and the bond between you is strengthened.

Signs to watch for to know when to consult your veterinarian

Even with regular cleaning, some ears require special attention.

If your dog often shakes its head, tilts its head to one side, whines when touched, or scratches until it becomes red, it may have an ear problem. A strong odor, brownish discharge, or scabs at the entrance to the ear canal are also warning signs.

These symptoms may be those of otitis externa, a bacterial or fungal infection, or even the presence of a parasite such as mites. In this case, there is no need to clean the ears, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

The veterinarian will check the condition of the ear canal and recommend appropriate treatment. In the long term, it is always advisable to have your dog checked after swimming in the sea or walking in tall grass, especially during the grass seed season.
In summary, maintain to prevent, consult to cure, and always keep a small bottle of Les Wouf lotion at home.