Not every dog needs ear cleaning very often. Check carefully first: a healthy ear is light pink, does not smell strongly and does not have a noticeable build-up of dirt or ear wax. If you only see some visible dirt, you can gently clean the ear with a dog-specific ear cleaner. Is the ear red, painful, swollen, does it keep smelling bad or can you see discharge? Then stop trying to deal with it yourself and let a vet take a look.
How to tell whether an ear is just dirty or genuinely unhealthy
A little ear wax is perfectly normal, as long as the ear otherwise looks calm: light pink, without a strong smell and without a thick layer of dirt. Pay extra attention if your dog scratches a lot, shakes its head, does not like its ear being touched, shows other signs of stress (see stresssignalen bij honden herkennen) or if you see redness, wet discharge or dark debris. In that case, there is often more going on than just a dirty ear, and cleaning alone is usually not enough.
Not every dog needs their ears checked as often
| Type of dog or situation | What should you watch for? | Practical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Beagles, Labradors and other dogs with floppy ears | Less ventilation, quicker build-up of moisture and dirt | Look and smell regularly, clean only if there is visible dirt or on your vet's advice |
| Labradoodles and dogs with more hair in or around the ear | Dirt can get trapped more easily | Check gently; do not pluck ear hair without good reason, only trim it carefully or have it done |
| Active swimmers and outdoor dogs | Moisture, sand and grass seeds | Check briefly after swimming or rough walks, do not automatically clean every time |
| Puppies | Getting used to touch and grooming | Short, calm practice sessions; only clean if there really is dirt |
| Dogs with allergies or previous ear problems | Recurring irritation or quicker inflammation | Follow your vet's advice and do not rely on a fixed routine you have guessed yourself |
How to clean them calmly and safely
A calm approach makes a big difference. Let your dog first get used to having its ears touched and keep it shortβje hond leren βsettleβ can helpβand think about je hond belonen for calm behaviour.
- Choose a calm moment and first check whether it is really visible dirt or ear wax.
- Use a dog-safe ear cleaner and apply it as directed on the label.
- Gently massage the base of the ear so dirt and ear wax can loosen.
- Then let your dog shake its head for a moment.
- Only wipe the visible part clean with a soft gauze pad or cotton pad, and reward calm behaviour with dog training treats.
A lick mat can help distract and calm during ear cleaning; see een likmat gebruiken en vullen.
Do not go deep into the ear canal. Only repeat if the product or your vet recommends it.
These products and habits are best avoided
- Do not use cotton buds or other objects deep in the ear; they can push dirt further in and damage the ear.
- Water, baby wipes and common household oils such as coconut oil, olive oil or sunflower oil are not standard solutions for ear care.
- Do not deeply rinse or flush an ear on your own, especially not if it is painful or smells strongly.
- Do not blindly pluck out ear hair; only trim it carefully if you know what you are doing, or have it done by a groomer or vet.
For broader grooming guidance that complements ear care, see vachtverzorgingstips.
When cleaning it yourself is not enough
Stop cleaning the ear yourself if it is painful, looks red or swollen, keeps smelling bad, has a lot of discharge or if your dog keeps scratching and shaking its head. Problems such as an ear infection, ear mites, recurring irritation, allergy-related issues such as hay fever in dogs or a foreign object such as a grass seed often need a different approach from routine care. A vet can look deeper into the ear and assess whether cleaning is enough or whether medication or further investigation is needed.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning dogs' ears
These are the questions that come up most often about ear care at home and about symptoms where it is better not to wait too long.
What dissolves ear wax best?
Stuck ear wax usually loosens best with a dog-specific ear cleaner designed to soften and loosen ear wax. If the ear remains painful, blocks up again quickly or seems to stay full, have your dog checked by a vet instead of continuing to experiment at home.
Can a dog's ear infection clear up on its own?
Usually not reliably. An ear infection often does not clear up by itself if the cause remains, and in the warm, enclosed ear the problem can actually get worse. A persistent smell, pain, redness, discharge or constant scratching and head shaking are signs not to wait.
What does it cost to have my dog's ears cleaned at the vet?
That depends on what is needed: just a consultation and ear examination, or also cleaning, microscopic examination, medication and sometimes sedation. Especially with recurring symptoms or if both ears need to be treated, it is wise to ask your vet for a price estimate in advance.
What is a good treatment for an ear infection in a dog?
There is not one treatment that is right for every ear infection. The correct treatment depends on the cause, for example bacteria, yeast, ear mites, allergies or a foreign object in the ear. A regular ear cleaner can sometimes help with removing dirt, but an inflamed or infected ear often needs targeted treatment from the vet. That is why it is sensible not to try different products yourself if the ear is clearly irritated or painful.
