Are you wondering how to clean dog ears? While ear cleaning is essential to your dog's basic grooming routine, over-cleaning could cause irritation in the ear canal.
"Always consult your vet to find the best way to clean your dog's ear," a spokesperson from The Kennel Club tells Country Living. "It is important that nothing is pushed into the depth of their ear canal as this can cause damage or trigger an infection."
How often should you clean dog ears?
Cleaning your dog's ears does not require any special equipment, but can be simply done with cotton wool and a dash of warm water (or professional ear cleaner). Check with your vet to see how often you should clean your dog's ears. Depending on the breed, this can vary from once a week to once a month.
According to Purina, droopy-eared breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds will require more ear cleaning as they are prone to infections. Likewise, dogs who love to swim will also need theirs cleaned more often as water moisture can predispose them to ear infections.
We speak to the experts to find out how to clean your dog's ears safely. Take a look at the easy steps below...
How to clean dog ears
1. To clean your dog's ears, start by massaging the ear for about 20 seconds to soften and release any material.
2. Then, wipe the inside of your dog's ear flap several times with a cotton ball or a wet wipe, starting at the entrance to the ear canal and moving toward the tip of the ear, so as to drag any material away from the ear canal. Remove any visible dirt, as well as any hiding behind the ear. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips), as this could cause trauma to the ear canal.
"Cleaning your dog's ears is an essential part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing," says Justin Bland, dog expert at Pointer.
"Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a soft cloth or cotton ball. Gently wipe the outer part of the ear, avoiding deep insertion to prevent damage. Cleaning regularly helps to prevent infections and keeps your dog's ears in top condition."
3. Dry the ear gently with a towel afterward. Don't forget to clean both ears thoroughly.
"Remember, if you're ever unsure about the process, your vet is always a great resource for guidance," says Justin.
The best dog nail clippers to keep paws neat and tidy
Pet supplier Petstoreo was founded by two working veterinarians who have created an extensive range of high-quality and sustainable pet products, including these sturdy nail clippers.
An adjustable claw guard allows you to change the size of the clipping area to more precisely accommodate your dog's nails. It has a safety guard for storage and non-slip rubber handles.
Using an electric grinder is effective, but loud noises may faze more nervous dogs. This one has been designed to be extra-quiet to avoid causing any upset. It has a four-hour charge and two speeds; a slower one for trimming to length and another for filing smooth afterwards.
Another affordable pair, but guillotine-style instead. Their ergonomic design is easy to use and will get the job done efficiently, delivering sharp clean cuts.
This cordless nail grinder comes with five file attachments that can be switched out. Two sanding drums are also included to keep the files at their best. It’s one of the cheaper nail grinders we’ve seen, but bear in mind that it is battery-powered rather than rechargeable.
This cordless grinder has LED lights, providing a clearer view of claws. It has a two-hour charge and a low vibration.
Designed to clip just the tip of the nail, these clippers have a unique patent-pending conical blade that doesn't crush the nail. Recommended by veterinarians and groomers, they also come in a range of sizes so you can find the right one.
If you're nervous about cutting your pooch's nails for the first time, try these clippers. An anti-slip handle helps you maintain a firm grip so you can comfortably cut their nails, while a spring-loaded safety stop prevents over-cutting.
This electric nail grinder is suitable for all breeds. It has two speeds and three grinding ports, so you can choose the right setting for your pet. It also has a two-hour charge.
We love this handy nail trimmer, which comes with four practical LED lights. It also has a replacement blade and a nail trapper which helps catch nail clippings for an easy clean-up.
Designed to cut any type or thickness nail safely, this clipper set also comes with a handy file so you can get your dog's nails just right.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
