celebrationFirst-time online booking — Get 10% off!NEW10
Blogchevron_rightSkin & Healthchevron_rightHow to Clean Pet Ears and Prevent Infect
health_and_safetySkin & Health

How to Clean Pet Ears and Prevent Infections: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to clean pet ears correctly to prevent otitis, yeast infections, and foul odors in tropical weather.

PN
Pet NGON TeamPet Health Specialist
calendar_todaySep 12, 2026schedule4 min readvisibility195 views
How to Clean Pet Ears and Prevent Infections: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ear hygiene is an often overlooked aspect of regular pet maintenance. In humid environments like Ho Chi Minh City, ear canals easily trap moisture, wax, and debris, leading to painful infections. Understanding how to clean pet ears properly is a critical skill for every dog and cat owner.

Flappy-eared breeds like Poodles, Spaniels, and floppy-eared cats are prone to dark ear mites and yeast accumulation. Regular ear cleaning eliminates odor and keeps the canal healthy.

Follow this simple guide to maintain optimal ear hygiene for your companion.

Signs Your Pet Needs Ear Cleaning

Inspect your pet's ears during weekly grooming sessions. Healthy ears are light pink, clean, and odorless.

  • Frequent head shaking or ear scratching.
  • Dark brown or yellowish discharge inside the ear canal.
  • Foul, yeast-like odor emitting from the ears.
  • Redness, swelling, or heat when touch.

If your pet cries when you touch their ears, an active infection may be present.

Step-by-Step Ear Cleaning Method

Always use specialized veterinary ear cleaner solution. Never use plain water or alcohol.

  1. Hold your pet gently and lift the ear flap upward.
  2. Fill the ear canal with a generous amount of pet ear cleaner.
  3. Gently massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds. You will hear a squishing sound as wax dissolves.
  4. Allow your pet to shake their head to loosen debris.
  5. Wipe away dissolved wax and excess fluid using clean cotton pads or gauze.
pets
Studio session — Pet NGON, HCMC
tips_and_updates
Avoid Inserting Q-Tips Into the Ear Canal

Never insert cotton swabs (Q-tips) deep into the ear canal. Cotton swabs push wax further down toward the eardrum and risk rupturing sensitive ear membranes.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

Effective pet ear infection prevention requires keeping the ears dry. Always dry inner ear flaps thoroughly after bathing or swimming.

During routine hygiene bath sessions at Pet NGON, our groomers carefully clean ear canals and plucking excess ear canal hair for breeds requiring it to optimize ventilation.

When to Visit a Veterinarian

If you notice severe redness, blood, thick black discharge, or if your pet tilts their head continuously, seek veterinary care immediately.

Ear mites and deep bacterial infections require prescription drops and professional veterinary diagnosis.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean pet ears keeps your Boss comfortable and free from uncomfortable ear infections. Routine weekly checks prevent minor wax buildup from turning into severe medical issues.

Looking for full hygiene care for your pet? Book a comprehensive bath and ear hygiene session at Pet NGON in Bình Chánh via Zalo zalo.me/0325305143 or call (+84) 325 305 143 today!