By: The Critter Corner Team | 5-Minute Read
If you are a dog owner, you have probably stared at your pup’s floppy ears and wondered: "Is it time?"
Cleaning a dogs ears is one of the most overlooked parts of grooming, yet it is essential for preventing painful infections. In my six years in the pet industry, I’ve seen countless owners wait until there is a smell or a scratch before taking action.
But proactive care is easy. In this guide, we will break down how often to clean a dog's ears, the dangers of dog ear wash diy recipes, and exactly what to use to clean dogs ears safely.
How Often Should You Really Clean Them?
The short answer? It depends on the dog.
While some breeds with upright ears (like Huskies) have excellent airflow and self-cleaning canals, others need help. Generally, a dog ear cleaning routine should happen:
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Monthly: For average dogs with healthy ears.
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Weekly: For dogs with long, floppy ears (Spaniels, Retrievers) or history of infections.
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After Every Swim: Moisture is the enemy. You must wash dogs ears (flush them) after lakes or pools to prevent "Swimmer's Ear."
The Golden Rule: Don't just clean by the calendar. Use the "Sniff Test." Healthy dog ear skin should be pink and odorless. If it smells yeasty or looks red, it’s time to clean.
The Danger of "DIY": Why You Should Skip the Vinegar
A common search online is for a dog ear wash diy. It’s tempting to mix up vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol at home to save a few dollars.
Please, don't do this.
Veterinarians warn that peroxide and alcohol can damage healthy tissue, sting open sores, and leave water behind in the canal—which actually feeds bacteria. When looking for a dog ear cleaner solution, you need a pH-balanced formula designed specifically for the unique shape of a canine ear canal.
What to Use to Clean Dogs Ears (The Vet-Preferred Way)
To perform the best dog ear cleaning, you need the right tools. You generally need two types of products in your kit:
1. For Deep Flushing & Wax Removal
If you are dealing with a floppy-eared dog or a swimmer, you need a liquid solution. This is often cited as the vet recommended ear cleaner for dogs type because liquids can flow down the vertical canal.
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Our Recommendation: [Wellix Ear Cleaner Drops]. This solution is designed to break up stubborn wax and debris without the sting of alcohol. It’s the gold standard for dog ear wax removal.
2. For Routine Maintenance
If your dog’s ears are relatively clean and you just want to freshen them up, you don't always need a full flush.
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Our Recommendation: [Wellix Ear Wipes]. These are perfect for wiping away surface dirt and keeping the ear flap (pinna) clean and smelling fresh.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dog's Ears
Because the dog ear canal is shaped like an "L," simply wiping the surface isn't enough to prevent infection. Here is the proper method for cleaning dogs ears:
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Fill the Canal: Lift the ear flap. Squeeze a generous amount of Wellix Ear Cleaner Drops into the ear. Don't be shy—you need enough liquid to flush the "L" bend.
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Massage: Gently massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound. This breaks up the wax.
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Shake it Out: Step back! Let your dog shake their head. This centrifugal force brings the deep debris to the surface.
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Wipe: Use a cotton ball or a Wellix Ear Wipe to gently clean the visible part of the ear. Never use Q-tips inside the canal.
The Bottom Line
Finding a vet-approved ear cleaner for dogs (or a formula that meets those rigorous standards) is the best investment you can make in your dog's comfort. Regular maintenance doesn't just prevent vet bills; it makes your dog feel better.
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