A leading vet has warned the UK's 15.5 million dog owners that they may be getting a crucial grooming task wrong, and incorrect techniques could cause more harm than good. The warning comes as data shows over 21,000 Google searches for 'how to clean your dog's ears' in the past year.
Vet urges professional advice first
Medivet & Partners, one of the UK's leading veterinary care providers, is urging pet owners to consult professionals before attempting to clean their dog's ears. Veterinary experts caution that incorrect cleaning can lead to infection, irritation, or even damage to the eardrum and ear canal, with breeds with longer ears facing the greatest risk of ear infections.
Veterinary surgeon and Clinical Governance Director at Medivet & Partners, Dr Rhian Littlehales, has outlined six essential tips for safely cleaning dogs' ears.
Six essential tips for safe ear cleaning
Dr Rhian advises all pet owners to check whether their dogs even require ear cleaning. She says: "As not all dogs require ear cleaning, it's important to check with your vet whether your pet requires you to implement regular cleaning. Just like humans, some ear wax is normal, and dog's ears should not be overcleaned."
She cautions: "Cleaning your dog's ears incorrectly can worsen an infection or certain products may increase any existing damage to the ear drum, so always have a conversation with a professional first."
The vet advises watching for indicators that may point to an underlying issue before attempting ear cleaning. Dr Rhian shares: "Warning signs include redness, swelling or inflammation and a strong smell coming from their ears. If your dog is suffering from something worse, they may also begin shaking their head, scratching, rubbing their face or look uncomfortable. These symptoms mean that cleaning alone may not fix the problem, so it's important to take your dog to the vet first before cleaning if you're not sure."
If advised to clean your dog's ears, Dr Rhian recommends using a dog-safe ear cleaner and cotton wool or pads. She adds: "Apply the cleaner at the entrance of the ear, gently massage the base to loosen wax and debris, let your dog shake their head, then wipe away anything that comes out from the outer part of the ear."
Dr Rhian strongly cautions against using any force while cleaning. She warns: "Never use cotton buds or push anything down into the ear canal, as this can push debris further into the ear or cause damage."
Know when treatment is needed and risk factors
While ear cleaning can alleviate irritation, Dr Rhian warns not to presume it will resolve issues straight away. She adds: "Problems like infections, mites, allergies, or foreign bodies can all require specific treatment to help your dog feel better. Discuss with your vet whether your dog is at risk of ear issues to determine what's best."
Finally, Dr Rhian has an expert tip for dogs that enjoy swimming. She explains: "Lots of dogs love swimming, which can be a risk factor for ear infections and irritations. Some may need extra care after swimming, whether that's cleaning, or just gentle and careful drying of the area."
