Dog Ear Cleaning:

Confused on how to clean your dog’s ears or how often should you clean your dog's ears?

We can help!

Cleaning dogs’ ears is an important part of routine grooming care to maintain good health. Just like humans, dogs produce wax and dirt in their ears that can build up over time, inhibiting air flow.

If you notice your dog has smelly ears or is shaking his head, it could be a symptom of an ear infection. You can help keep your dog’s ears clean and prevent infection by getting their ears cleaned out at any of our three Scrubbers locations throughout Metro Detroit.

Cleaning a dog’s ears can be messy, especially if your dog’s ears are excessively dirty. We can help.

Ear infections are the No. 1 reason dog owners seek veterinary care. Thorough and regular ear cleaning maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections. Other causes of ear infections include mites -- pesky parasites that live inside the ears -- and allergies.

Even if your dog doesn’t tend to get ear infections, cleaning them when they look or smell dirty is a good idea.

Many dogs do not like having their ears cleaned, which makes doing a good job very difficult. Our professional groomers are highly trained at cleaning dogs’ ears and have learned how to make the ear-cleaning experience pleasurable for both you and your dog.

Ear infections in dogs can be extremely painful, so do not delay seeking veterinary treatment if you suspect a problem. And if your dog yelps or cries when you touch his ears, seek treatment immediately.

What Type of Dog & Dog Breed Need Special Attention?

Some dogs, especially certain dog breeds, are prone to developing ear infections.

Dogs with drop ears -- Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever -- are more prone to ear infections than dogs with ears that stand upright.

In addition, some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax.

Some breeds like Poodles and Doodles grow hair inside the ear canal, which can further limit air flow and lead to ear infections.

Your dog’s ears should be cleaned at least once a month, more often if your dog is prone to ear problems, according to the American Kennel Club.

Do All Dogs Need Their Ears Cleaned?

Your dog’s coat is only one part of good grooming hygiene. Ears require every bit as much attention.

You should examine your dog on a weekly basis, checking for excess hair, odor and dirt/wax buildup. Exactly how often you clean the ears depends on your dog.

For some dogs, you will need to clean the ears monthly. For other dogs, you’ll need to clean the ears every other week or even weekly.

Dog ears come in a variety of shapes and styles. Some of the most common include:
Drop ear: Ears that hang down over the side of the head, like a Basset Hound.
Prick ear: Pointed ears that stand erect, like a German Shepherd Dog.
Rose ear: Ears that fold backwards, like a Bulldog.
Semi-prick ear: Pointed ears that fold over slightly on the top, like a Collie.
V-shaped ear: Long ears that end in a V-shape, like a Vizla.

While all dogs’ ears need care, dogs with drop ears or folds oftentimes require additional attention because the shape of the ear causes more moisture to become trapped.

Dogs that have a lot of hair in the inside of their ears also may require additional maintenance, like, increased cleaning and -- for some -- plucking of hair growing in the ear.

If your dog has a lot of hair growing in the ear canal, it might be beneficial to pluck it out prior to cleaning the ear. Plucking a dog’s ear is when you gently pull or tweeze the hair from the inside of a dog’s ear. Removing this hair will keep it from blocking the canal, allowing more air to circulate, which helps prevent ear infections and moisture build-up.

Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning.

If your dog is itching his ears a lot, if the ears smell funny, are very red or inflamed, or if your dog is constantly shaking his head, it is best to visit your veterinarian as these may be indications of an existing ear infection or other ear problem.

Look inside the ear to check for dirt, scratches, parasites, or discharge. Then give them a good sniff. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant odor.

Keep ears dry and clean, or your dog may face recurrent ear infections that are difficult to treat. Avoid using drying agents on a regular basis, because drying agents can sometimes dry out the ear too much. Drying it up without treating the cause may lead to more ear problems.

If your dog has an ear infection and needs medication, apply it after the ears are clean and wiped out.

Each groomer on our staff has a true love and affinity for dogs, and our combined experience ensures that your doggy best friend will get excellent care each time they visit.