Check your dog’s ears regularly for redness, odor, discharge, or swelling
Use a vet-approved ear cleaner if your dog’s ears are not severely infected
Gently hold your dog’s ear flap and apply the ear cleaner to the ear canal as directed on the label
Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds
Let your dog shake their head
Wipe the visible part of the ear with a clean cotton ball or gauze
Repeat wiping only until the cotton/gauze comes out mostly clean
Dry the outer ear thoroughly after cleaning
Clean only as often as your veterinarian recommends (commonly weekly to monthly, depending on the dog)
Use cotton balls or gauze; avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal
Stop cleaning and contact a veterinarian if you see pain, significant discharge, a strong odor, bleeding, or your dog keeps shaking/scratching
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or essential oils in the ear unless a veterinarian instructs you to
If your dog has frequent ear problems, ask your vet about the cause (allergies, yeast, mites, infection, ear structure)