DoggMatch

My Dog

Ears

Have a look, have a sniff. That's most of ear care.

Healthy ears are pale pink inside, without much smell. Knowing that baseline is the whole trick.

Ears don't need deep cleaning as a routine. Poking around inside a healthy ear tends to cause the problems it's meant to prevent.

The weekly look

Lift the flap, look inside, take a sniff. A few seconds while you're already sitting together.

  • Pale pink, no strong smell, no discharge
  • A little wax is normal
  • Dry the ears after swimming or a bath

If your vet has given you cleaner

Use their product and their instructions. Never push cotton buds down the ear canal — you'll pack debris further in.

Ears that need more attention

Floppy ears, hairy canals and dogs who swim a lot are more prone to trouble. That's about the individual dog, not just the breed.

Based on guidance from

  • RSPCAEveryday dog care advice

Keep going

More everyday care