How to Groom a Dog's Ears

Grooming your dog's ears is an essential factor in ensuring he remains healthy and happy. If your dog's ears are not groomed regularly, he is at an increased risk for ear infection, hearing loss and ear mite infestations. Cleaning should be done at least twice each month, and any abnormal signs or symptoms should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Scissors
  • Cotton swabs and pads
  • Commercial cleaning solution
  • Mineral oil
  • Flashlight, for looking inside the ear
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather all your supplies before you sit down with your dog to begin grooming his ears. This is essential, as once you begin, you will not be able to get up to find a missing item. You must have a brush, comb, scissors, cotton swabs and cleaning solution within reach.

    • 2

      Clean any built-up ear wax from your dog's ears using cotton swabs and mineral oils. Avoid inserting the swab too deeply into your dog's ears. Make gentle sweeping motions just inside the ear canal. Accumulated wax can prevent air circulation and attract ear mites.

    • 3

      Trim any hair you see growing from your dog's ear canal. If there is a significant amount of hair, you may want to take your dog to a professional groomer. Hair inside the ear canal can retain moisture, potentially leading to an infection.

    • 4

      Check your dog's ears for signs of infection or ear mites. Also, look for sores or other signs of allergies or irritation, and examine the ears for signs of infection or foreign bodies in your dog's ear canal. It is common for objects, such as blades of grass, to become lodged in the ears of animals. Check for discharge and visible tumors or other growths.

    • 5

      Wipe your dog's external ear canal using a cotton ball moistened with a commercial ear-cleaning product. Lift your dog's ear up, and gently swab and wipe away any dirt or debris you can find. Clean both sides of the ears.

    • 6

      Brush the hair around your dog's ears with a brush specifically designed for use in dogs. Remove any tangles and mats with a wide-tooth comb, and check the skin around your dog's ears for signs of irritation or infection.