How to Check Your Dog’s Ears and Spot Problems Early
In this article
By Dr Duncan Houston
A brief ear check can help you notice a change before it becomes a bigger problem. It should be calm and comfortable, not a deep clean or an attempt to diagnose an infection. Some healthy ears need very little intervention.
Quick Answer
Look at the visible ear flap and opening when your dog is relaxed, comparing with their normal appearance and smell. Redness, odour, discharge, pain or repeated head shaking warrants veterinary advice. Clean only when appropriate for your dog, using a recommended product and technique; there is no universal weekly schedule based on ear shape.
Build a comfortable checking routine
- Start with gentle contact near the head and reward relaxed participation.
- Briefly lift the ear flap if your dog is comfortable.
- Look for redness, swelling, crusts, discharge or a change from normal.
- Stop before the dog becomes worried and let them move away.
Normal skin pigmentation varies, and a small amount of wax can be normal. Never put a finger, swab or tool deep into the canal. A home check cannot show the eardrum or the full depth of the ear.
Signs and the next step
| Finding | Action |
|---|---|
| Comfortable ear with no unusual odour or discharge | Continue gentle observation; cleaning may not be needed |
| Persistent shaking, scratching, odour or increased wax | Book veterinary assessment |
| Marked pain, blood, sudden shaking after a walk or a swollen ear flap | Seek prompt advice, often the same day |
| Head tilt, loss of balance, abnormal eye movements or severe distress | Arrange urgent veterinary assessment |
Why ears become inflamed
Allergies are a common underlying contributor. Foreign material such as grass seeds, parasites and other conditions can also cause inflammation. Bacteria or yeast may then overgrow, but discharge colour or smell cannot identify the organism reliably.
Your vet may examine the canal with an otoscope and look at a sample under a microscope. Painful or obstructed ears may need additional treatment or sedation to allow a safe examination. Repeated episodes warrant investigation of the underlying cause.
When cleaning is appropriate
Ask the clinic to demonstrate the technique and specify the product and frequency. If advised, apply cleaner as directed, gently massage the base, allow shaking and wipe only material you can readily see at the opening and on the flap. Keep the bottle tip clean and avoid touching it to the ear.
Stop if cleaning hurts. Do not pour liquid into an acutely painful ear or an ear suspected of containing a foreign body before advice. Eardrum status matters when choosing products. Some dogs with healthy, clean ears may never need routine flushing.
Common mistakes and prevention
Cotton buds can push material deeper and injure the canal. Alcohol, peroxide, vinegar and essential oils can irritate tissue and should not be improvised as treatments. Leftover drops may be wrong for the current episode, even if the ear smells similar.
Keep bath water out of the canals and dry the outer ear gently after swimming. Dogs prone to moisture-related problems may benefit from a specific veterinary maintenance plan. Avoid routine plucking or repeated cleaning unless it is appropriate for that individual.
Frequently asked questions
Do floppy ears need cleaning twice a week?
Not automatically. Ear health, wax production, swimming and previous disease matter more than a fixed breed rule.
Can a photo confirm an ear infection?
No. It can show visible changes, but cannot replace examination and sampling when needed.
What if my dog will not let me touch the ears?
Stop and consider pain first. After medical assessment, gradual reward-based handling practice can help.
Gentle observation and timely assessment are more useful than frequent cleaning without a reason.
Further reading
For more practical guidance on caring for your dog, explore ASK A VET™. If your dog needs urgent treatment, contact your veterinary clinic directly.
