How to Clean Dog Ears Safely: NZ Routine Care Guide

The quick answer: only clean healthy dog ears as routine care, using a dog ear cleaner your vet or groomer is comfortable with, and only wiping what you can see. If your dog's ears are red, smelly, painful, have discharge, or your dog is frequently shaking their head, see a vet - do not try to treat an ear infection yourself.

When routine cleaning is okay

Routine ear cleaning is for healthy ears that sometimes collect wax or dirt, especially in dogs that swim, roll in grass, have floppy ears, or get muddy on NZ winter walks. It is not for ears that look sore.

Add ear checks to the same calm handling routine as how to bath a dog in NZ, but keep the actual cleaning separate if your dog finds it stressful.

Stop and call a vet if you see this

Do not clean and hope for the best if you notice:

• Redness or swelling.
• Bad smell.
• Pain, yelping, snapping or pulling away.
• Discharge, pus, blood or lots of dark debris.
• Frequent head shaking or ear scratching.
• Head tilt or balance changes.
• A grass seed or foreign object.

Red, smelly, painful ears or frequent head shaking mean vet. Do not self-treat an infection.

What you need

• Dog ear cleaner recommended by your vet, groomer or clinic.
• Cotton pads or gauze.
• Treats.
• Towel.
• Good light.

Do not use cotton buds down the ear canal, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils or alcohol-based home mixes unless your vet specifically instructs you.

Step-by-step routine cleaning

1. Check first. Lift the ear flap and look. If it is red, smelly or sore, stop. 2. Reward handling. Touch the ear, reward, and let your dog relax. 3. Apply cleaner only as directed. Follow the product label or your vet clinic's instructions. 4. Massage gently. If your dog is comfortable, massage the base of the ear briefly. 5. Let them shake. Stand back; shaking helps bring loosened wax outward. 6. Wipe visible areas only. Use cotton pads or gauze on the ear flap and outer folds you can see. 7. Reward and finish. Keep it short so the next session is easier.

For dogs who dislike grooming, build confidence through the same short-session approach used in dog brush types NZ.

How often?

There is no one NZ-wide schedule. Some dogs rarely need ear cleaning; others need it after swimming, beach trips or muddy farm runs. Over-cleaning can irritate ears, so ask your vet what is normal for your dog's breed, ear shape and lifestyle.

Quick takeaways

• Clean healthy ears only; sore ears need a vet.
• Wipe only what you can see.
• Use dog ear cleaner, not home remedies.
• Keep water and cotton buds out of the ear canal.
• Red, smelly, painful ears or frequent head shaking = vet, not DIY infection treatment.

Shop related categories at PetMall

Looking for routine grooming supplies in New Zealand? Browse the PetMall dog grooming range for current options and nationwide delivery.

-> Browse Dog Grooming

Related reading

• How to Bath a Dog NZ
• How Often to Bathe a Dog NZ
• Dog Brush Types NZ

References

• SPCA New Zealand, dog and puppy care, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/dog-care
• SPCA New Zealand, grooming position statement, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/advocacy/position-statements/article/grooming
• MPI, Code of Welfare: Dogs, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/codes/all-animal-welfare-codes/code-of-welfare-dogs

Important notice

*General routine grooming information for NZ dog owners. Ear redness, smell, pain, discharge, balance changes or frequent head shaking should be assessed by a NZ vet; do not try to treat an ear infection yourself.*