Ear cleaning is an essential part of your dog’s grooming routine, yet many owners feel uncertain about how to do it safely. A simple, consistent ear care routine makes a real difference to your dog’s comfort and long-term ear health. As part of a preventative healthcare approach, regular ear maintenance can help you avoid problems before they develop into issues requiring veterinary treatment.
This guide covers how to clean your dog’s ears safely at home, why dog ear wipes are an effective hygiene solution developed by veterinary professionals, and how to keep ear care simple and stress-free.
Why Regular Ear Cleaning Matters
Your dog’s ears collect dirt, wax, and moisture daily. Without regular attention, minor build-up can develop into more serious problems.
Dirt, Wax & Everyday Debris Build-Up
Every dog produces ear wax as part of normal ear function. Add dust from walks, pollen from fields, sand from the beach, and water from swimming, and debris accumulates quickly.
Left unattended, this wax and debris can:
- Trap moisture in the ear canal
- Produce unpleasant ear odour from wax buildup
- Create an environment where bacteria and yeast thrive, potentially leading to infections
Regular cleaning removes wax and dirt before it becomes uncomfortable or develops into a problem. Consider it routine preventative maintenance rather than reactive treatment.
Dogs With Floppy Ears or Active Lifestyles Need More Regular Care
Some dogs need extra attention based on their breed characteristics and lifestyle. Dogs with long, hanging ears are significantly more prone to ear infections than those with upright, pointy ears. Small breeds under 10 kg generally have a lower risk than larger breeds.
Breeds particularly prone to ear problems include:
- Basset Hound
- Chinese Shar Pei
- Labradoodle
- Beagle and Golden Retriever
- Poodle and Spaniel types
Dogs with floppy ears have reduced air circulation in their ear canal, making the ear environment more humid and prone to bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Additionally, food allergies, environmental triggers, or flea bites can cause chronic ear infections, redness, or irritation. Intense ear itching, redness, or discomfort can also occur due to a dry ear canal.
Dogs that swim, roll through grass, or spend significant time outdoors collect more debris, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
If your dog fits into any of these categories, a consistent ear care routine is particularly important. Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain clean, comfortable ears between veterinary visits.
What Dog Ear Wipes Are Designed to Do
Dog ear wipes provide safe, everyday ear cleaning without the complications of liquid cleaners – offering a convenient solution for maintaining your dog’s ear health at home.
Gently Remove Wax, Dirt & Odour-Causing Residue
Gentle ear cleaning wipes, like Pet Head Health Ear Wipes, are mild, pH-balanced wipes suitable for removing dirt, wax, discharge and debris. Formulated with olive oil and botanical extracts, they help soothe ear tissue while lifting away surface buildup without causing irritation – providing a simple and effective solution for gentle ear cleansing and odour removal.
Pet Head Health Ear Wipes eliminate debris physically – wiping away contaminants rather than using harsh antibacterial ingredients. This physical removal reduces the build-up of bacteria and yeast that can cause odour, supporting healthy ears through regular maintenance.
The wipes effectively remove dirt, oil, and wax without stripping the ear’s natural oils, making them ideal for the delicate tissue in and around the ear. The olive oil provides gentle lubrication while the botanical extracts help maintain skin comfort during cleaning.
Convenient for Routine Home Hygiene
Wipes offer practical advantages for dog owners. They’re quick, controlled, and easy to use anywhere. No dripping liquids. No mess. No guesswork about how much product to use.
They fit seamlessly into everyday grooming routines, alongside general dog wipes for paws, coats, and faces. When ear care is straightforward, it happens more consistently as part of your dog’s regular health maintenance.
Safe for Everyday Use When Used as Directed
When used correctly, dog ear wipes are a safe hygiene product suitable for routine care. They’re designed for topical, external use only and should never be inserted deep into the ear canal.
Pet Head Health Ear Wipes are vet-approved formulations crafted by professionals and vets at Company of Animals. They’re fragrance-free, alcohol-free and pH-balanced, developed with gentle, minimal ingredients for clean, effective ear care.
Key Ingredients:
Olive Oil – A gentle natural ingredient rich in fatty acids. Olive oil soothes and moisturizes the ear skin, acting as a lubricant to reduce itching from dry skin and preventing dryness and irritation. Due to its emollient properties, it helps soften excess wax, dirt and debris, making it easier to remove and preventing blockages and discomfort.
Chamomile Extract – A traditional, natural, herbal ingredient used to help support the ear’s natural microbiome. Chamomile helps soothe ear tissue and provide comfort.
Decyl Glucoside – A naturally sourced, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and wax without stripping natural oils. It works well with moisturizing agents like olive oil and soothing extracts like chamomile, enhancing their efficacy in ear wipes.
The wipes are plastic-free, plant-based, biodegradable and compostable, suitable for all dogs above 12 weeks old and designed for daily use when needed.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Keeping ear cleaning calm and methodical ensures safe, effective results. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dog
Choose a quiet moment when your dog is relaxed. After a walk or rest period works well. Gather your supplies: ear wipes and plenty of small treats.
If your dog is new to ear cleaning or anxious about ear handling, start by building positive associations:
- Gently touch the outside of the ear and immediately reward with a treat
- Gradually progress to lifting the ear flap, rewarding each time
- Practice handling the ears for a few seconds, then reward
- Repeat over several sessions until your dog remains calm during ear touching
Stay calm throughout. Dogs read body language, and your confidence helps them settle. Use a soothing, steady voice and reward cooperation frequently.
Step 2: Use a Dog Ear Wipe
Take a dog ear wipe and gently fold it over your finger. Offer your dog a treat before you begin.
Do NOT insert deep into the ear canal.
This is critical. You should only clean visible, easily accessible areas. Never probe or push into the ear canal, as this can cause damage and create problems.
Step 3: Clean the Ear Flap & Outer Ear
Wipe the internal and external areas of the ear using gentle strokes toward the outside of your dog’s ear. Start with the inner surface of the ear flap, then move to the visible outer ear. Speak calmly and reassuringly as you work. Reward your dog with treats during the process, particularly if they remain still and calm.
This technique allows for physical removal of debris, including wax and dirt sitting near the entrance of the ear canal.
Use a fresh wipe for each ear to avoid transferring debris or bacteria. Offer another treat between ears. If your dog shakes their head afterwards, this is normal behaviour. Finish the session with a final treat and praise to reinforce that ear cleaning is a positive experience.
Pet Head Health Ear Wipes are safe for all dogs above 12 weeks old and suitable for daily use when needed.
How Often Should You Use Dog Ear Wipes?
Frequency varies by individual dog. A calm, indoor dog may need less frequent cleaning than an active swimmer or a breed prone to ear problems.
Depends on Breed, Ear Type & Activity Level
General frequencies for ear cleaning based on breed characteristics, ear type and activity level:
- For healthy ears: Clean at least once per month
- For floppy-eared dogs, breeds prone to ear issues, or frequent swimmers: Every 1-2 weeks
- Always clean after bathing or swimming
Dogs with long or floppy ears have less air circulation in their ear canal, making the ear environment more humid and prone to bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Breeds such as Basset Hounds, Chinese Shar Peis, Labradoodles, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Spaniels require particular attention. Certain activities such as swimming necessitate more frequent cleaning. If your dog is predisposed to ear problems, discuss a cleaning routine with your veterinarian.
This preventative routine supports healthy ears and helps avoid complications. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately. It’s recommended to inspect your dog’s ears regularly – at least twice per week – to catch potential issues early.
Routine Cleaning Supports Healthy Ears
Regular ear hygiene works best as part of a complete grooming routine and overall preventative healthcare approach. If you’re bathing your dog, it’s worth reviewing common mistakes. A good starting point is our article on Dog Bathing Mistakes to Avoid.
When to Avoid Cleaning & Visit a Vet Instead
Cleaning is preventative, not curative. Regular cleaning and monitoring can help identify issues early, but some signs require professional veterinary attention rather than home cleaning.
Signs That Need Professional Attention
There are various health conditions that can make a dog more likely to develop ear problems, such as skin allergies, endocrine disorders, masses and foreign bodies in the ear canal.
If you notice any of the following, don’t attempt cleaning. Book a veterinary visit instead:
- Persistent odour
- Redness or swelling
- Scratching or signs of discomfort
- Discharge of any kind
- Frequent head shaking
- Yelping or crying when ears are touched
These can indicate infection or inflammation requiring medical treatment, not home cleaning.
Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs’ Ears?
It’s a common question, and the answer is no. Baby wipes are formulated for human skin, not canine ears. They may contain fragrances, surfactants, or preservatives suitable for humans but potentially irritating to sensitive canine ear tissue.
Dog-specific products are tested and formulated specifically for canine ear hygiene, making them safer and more effective. Pet Head Health Ear Wipes are designed for this purpose, with hypoallergenic, minimal ingredient formulations that prioritize safety.
While general dog wipes are useful for coats and paws, ears always deserve a dedicated product.
Other Grooming Essentials to Pair With Ear Cleaning
Ear care works best as part of a comprehensive grooming routine. Looking after the rest of your dog’s body helps reduce the dirt, allergens, and irritation that can affect their ears.
Quick Fix Shampoo
Regular bathing removes dirt, pollen, and allergens that can travel from the coat into the ears.
Quick Fix Shampoo is an efficient everyday shampoo designed to cleanse effectively without over-drying, making it ideal for regular use. It removes dirt when your dog gets muddy on walks or rolls in something unpleasant, helping keep the coat clean and reducing the amount of debris that ends up around the ears.
Sensitive Soul Shampoo
Sensitive Soul Shampoo is formulated specifically for dogs with delicate skin. With gentle ingredients like oatmeal extract, calendula extract, marula oil and aloe vera, it cleanses without stripping natural oils.
This shampoo can also help maintain skin comfort in dogs whose skin sensitivity extends to their ears. When the skin barrier is supported, ears are less likely to react to everyday environmental triggers.
Paw Butter
Paws endure considerable wear from pavements, rough ground, temperature extremes, and daily activity, which can dry out the skin and lead to cracks. Applying Pet Head On All Paws Paw Butter after walks helps keep paw pads soft, hydrated, and protected. Make this part of your dog’s grooming routine for complete care.
Coat Refreshers Between Baths
Some dogs collect dirt rapidly. One walk, one swim, or one roll in the grass, and they need freshening up before the next scheduled bath.
Pet Head Ultimutt Clean Coat Refresher is designed for those in-between moments when a full bath isn’t practical. This light spray helps lift everyday dirt, grease, and grime from the coat while adding gentle hydration, leaving fur softer and easier to manage without residue or heaviness.
What distinguishes this product is its natural deodorising properties using enzymes created through the fermentation of sustainable sugar cane. These enzymes help break down odour molecules rather than simply masking them, keeping coats fresher for longer.
A Calm Routine Goes a Long Way
Cleaning your dog’s ears doesn’t need to feel complicated. With Pet Head Health Ear Wipes, a gentle approach, and consistency, it becomes a simple act of care rather than a stressful task.
Healthy ears mean a more comfortable dog. That’s always worth a few minutes of your time.
FAQs
Are dog ear wipes safe?
Yes, when used as directed. Choose wipes designed specifically for dogs and never insert them deep into the ear canal. Pet Head Health Ear Wipes are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free, making them safe for regular use.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
This depends on your dog’s breed, activity level and overall health. Generally, cleaning your dog’s ears once per month is good practice if they have healthy ears. However, you should increase the frequency to every 1-2 weeks if your dog has long, floppy ears or swims frequently. It’s important to clean your dog’s ears after bathing or swimming, ensuring all excess moisture is removed. You can also ask your veterinarian who will be able to advise on frequency according to your dog’s characteristics.
What’s the correct way to clean a dog’s ears at home?
For dogs with healthy ears, use gentle dog ear wipes to help remove excess wax and dirt. Wipe the external areas of the ear applying gentle strokes toward the outside of your dog’s ear. Use a fresh wipe for each ear. Never use any object or cotton buds to clean inside the ear canal as this can cause damage.
Can I use baby wipes to clean my dog’s ears?
No. Baby wipes are not recommended as most contain fragrances or surfactants suitable for humans but not appropriate for dogs’ ears. Always use wipes specifically formulated for canine ear care.
What are the signs my dog’s ears need cleaning?
Mild odour, visible wax, or dirt around the ear opening can indicate it’s time for routine cleaning.
When should I see a vet instead of cleaning at home?
There are a variety of health conditions that can make a dog more likely to develop an ear infection, such as skin allergies, endocrine disorders, masses and foreign bodies in the ear canal. It’s recommended to inspect your dog’s ears regularly and at least twice per week. If you notice any changes or your dog keeps shaking their head, scratching their ears, yelping or crying when the ears are examined or stroked, signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul odour, your dog may have an ear infection and you should speak to a veterinarian immediately.
Are ear wipes enough, or do I need liquid ear cleaner too?
For regular maintenance cleaning, wipes are sufficient. Liquid cleaners should only be used if recommended by your veterinarian.
Do ear wipes help with wax and odour?
Yes. They help remove wax and dirt through physical cleaning, reducing odour-causing build-up.
Can ear wipes help dogs with floppy ears?
Absolutely. Regular wiping helps manage moisture and debris common in floppy-eared breeds. Dogs with long or floppy ears have less air circulation in their ear canal, making regular cleaning particularly important.
Can I use ear wipes for daily maintenance?
Yes, you can use dog-safe ear wipes like Pet Head Health Ear Wipes as part of regular ear cleaning, provided your dog’s ears are healthy. They’re suitable for routine maintenance cleaning.
When should I start cleaning my dog’s ears?
Ear cleaning should be part of your dog’s normal grooming routine. It’s recommended you start examining your dog’s ears regularly when they are a puppy so they become accustomed to having their ears handled as they get older. This early introduction makes ear cleaning much easier throughout their life.
How do you remove brown discharge from a dog’s ear?
You can remove visible dirt or discharge with an ear wipe, gently wiping it away while taking care not to insert the ear wipe into the ear canal. If the discharge persists, or the amount seems unusual, you should visit your veterinary clinic as your dog may have an infection.
What makes Pet Head Health different?
Pet Head Health has been crafted by the professionals and vets at Company of Animals, using only ingredients with a purpose. Using carefully selected ingredients sourced by our experts, our products work effectively but in the gentlest way to help keep your dog in the best of health. Our goal is to provide an extensive health range that addresses all aspects of your dog’s care, using high quality, sustainably sourced, gentle but effective ingredients.