To clean a dog's ears when it won't sit still, keep the session short and planned: use a vet-formulated ear cleaner, fill the canal, massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds, let your dog shake, then wipe only what you can see with a cotton ball or gauze. Steady a small dog on your lap or in a sling rather than wrestling it, never use cotton swabs in the canal, and see your vet first if the ear is red, smelly or painful.
The Pawsling grooming hammock mentioned below is for small dogs and cats only. Never leave your pet unattended in the hammock.
Should you clean your dog's ears at all?
Only when needed. The AKC says to "clean your dog's ears only when needed—not on a fixed schedule", because over-cleaning can irritate the ear (AKC: how to clean a dog's ears). VCA Animal Hospitals agrees that not every dog needs regular cleaning and suggests cleaning when you notice discharge or odour (VCA: ear cleaning in dogs).
Check with your vet first if the ear looks red or inflamed, smells yeasty, or your dog seems to be in pain (AKC). VCA says: "If your dog's ears are red, inflamed, or painful, consult with your veterinarian prior to cleaning." A dog that suddenly won't let you touch one ear may be telling you it hurts.
What do you need?
- A veterinary-formulated ear cleaner. The AKC says to "stick to veterinary-formulated ear cleaners" and not to use hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate healthy skin cells.
- Cotton balls or gauze. Not cotton swabs: the AKC says to avoid "cotton-tipped swabs or anything with a pointed tip", and VCA warns they can damage the canal or eardrum and push debris deeper.
- Treats and a towel, because your dog will shake.
How do you clean the ears of a wriggly dog, step by step?
- Pick a calm time. The AKC advises cleaning when your dog is calm, which makes the process easier.
- Position your dog. VCA suggests sitting a small dog on your lap; for medium dogs, sit on the floor with the dog's rear between your legs. The aim is a steady, gentle hold, not a fight.
- Hold the ear flap up and fill the canal. VCA says to "use enough cleaner to completely fill the ear canal". Don't push the bottle tip into the ear.
- Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the cleaner loosens debris (VCA).
- Let your dog shake its head. This moves the loosened debris outwards. Hold the towel up to protect yourself.
- Wipe only as far as your finger reaches with a cotton ball or gauze (VCA).
- Reward, then do the other ear, in the same session or later the same day if your dog has had enough.
How do you make it easier next time?
Most of the wriggling comes from the bottle and the cold liquid. Between real cleanings, practise for a few seconds a day: touch the ear, lift the flap, show the bottle, give a treat. Warm the bottle in your hands before use. Stop on a good moment, before your dog starts pulling away. If your dog fights every time, ask your vet or groomer to show you a hold, or to do it for you. Dry the ears after swimming or baths, too; see how to dry a small dog after a bath.
Where does a grooming hammock help, and where doesn't it?
For a small dog, a grooming hammock replaces the lap hold. Your dog lies in a mesh sling with its legs through leg holes, at working height:
- Your dog can't walk off between filling the canal and the massage.
- Both hands are free for the ear flap and the bottle, and you can see into the ear without bending.
- The head stays free, so your dog can still shake, which is part of the process.
The Pawsling grooming hammock with foldable stand stands on its own folding stainless steel legs. Where it doesn't help: it won't stop head shaking or make a sore ear tolerable, and it is not for medium or large dogs. Keep a hand on your dog the whole time. Check fit in the size guide; for nails, see how to trim a scared dog's nails.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
Only when needed, not on a fixed schedule. The AKC and VCA both say over-cleaning can irritate the ear. Clean when you notice discharge or odour, and ask your vet about dogs prone to ear problems.
Can I use cotton swabs to clean my dog's ears?
Not in the ear canal. The AKC and VCA warn that swabs can push debris deeper and damage the canal or eardrum. Use cotton balls or gauze and wipe only as far as your finger reaches.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide in my dog's ears?
No. The AKC says hydrogen peroxide can irritate healthy skin cells. Use a veterinary-formulated ear cleaner.
How do I hold a small dog still for ear cleaning?
VCA suggests sitting a small dog on your lap. Keep the hold gentle, the session short, and give treats. A grooming hammock can also keep a small dog in place while both your hands stay free.
When should I see a vet about my dog's ears?
If the ear is red, inflamed, smells yeasty, or your dog seems to be in pain. Both the AKC and VCA say to check with your vet before cleaning in those cases.
Sources
The Pawsling team