Our Gentle Tips for Cleaning Your Dog's Ears at Home

Cleaning your dog’s ears might not be at the top of your list of favourite activities, but it’s a vital part of their grooming routine. While it may feel daunting at first, maintaining clean ears is essential for your dog’s health, helping prevent any discomfort or potential infections caused by dirt or wax build-up.

Here are our tips to make it a smooth and straightforward process for both you and your dog. Let’s walk through the steps.

Set the scene for calm

Before you begin, find a quiet, comfortable spot where your dog feels at ease. Whether it's their favourite spot by the fire or a cosy corner of the living room, a relaxed environment will help make the process much easier for both of you. It helps if you use Digby Mood Spray in the air around dogs, taking care to avoid direct contact with mouth, nose and eyes.

Make sure you have the right tools

Preparation is key. You’ll need a gentle ear-cleaning solution designed specifically for dogs, free from harsh chemicals or fragrances. You’ll also need soft cotton balls or compostable pet wipes, steer clear of cotton swabs, as they can push debris further into the ear canal.

A few of their favourite snacks will help keep them calm and create a positive association with the process.

Gently wipe the outer ear

Now it’s time to start cleaning. Using a cotton ball or wipe, gently clean the visible part of your dog’s outer ear. Be sure to wipe away any dirt or wax you see, but always with a soft touch some dogs even find this part soothing, almost like a mini ear massage. Continue wiping until the cotton comes away clean.

Soothing massage

After the initial cleaning, give your dog’s ear a gentle massage at the base. This will help loosen any remaining debris and stimulate blood flow, which is great for overall ear health. Plus, it’s a comforting step for your dog and can make the experience more enjoyable for them.

Leave your dog to shake it off

Once you’ve finished cleaning, your dog will likely feel the need to give their head a good shake and that’s a good thing. This natural instinct helps to dislodge any remaining wax or cleaner from the ear canal. Afterward, simply use your cotton ball or wipe to clear away anything that’s surfaced.

We recommend trying this after a soothing dog shampoo to make lighter work of cleaning your dogs ears. Try Digby Dog Wash and Digby Dog Conditioner for a gentler wash to soften everything up first.