How to clean your pet’s ears safely—and when to stop
Not every pet needs routine ear cleaning. Cleaning too often, using the wrong product or reaching into the ear canal can irritate or injure it. Ask your veterinarian whether your pet needs cleaning, which cleaner to use and how often.
Before you clean
Look only at the part of the ear you can see. If it is painful, red, swollen, has a strong smell or has unusual discharge, contact a veterinary practice before cleaning. Head shaking, repeated scratching, a head tilt or sudden discomfort also deserves advice. These signs can have several causes, and cleaning may make an inflamed ear more painful.
Use only the cleaner recommended for your pet. Avoid alcohol, peroxide, essential oils and leftover ear medicine unless your veterinarian specifically directs you to use them. Never put cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. The VCA ear-cleaning guide warns that cotton-tipped applicators can push debris deeper or cause injury.
A gentle routine, if your vet has recommended cleaning
- Choose a quiet place and have the approved cleaner, cotton wool or gauze, and a towel ready.
- Let your pet sniff the supplies. Reward calm behaviour and stop if they struggle or seem distressed.
- Follow the product and veterinary instructions. Wipe only the visible ear flap and entrance to the ear; do not insert anything into the canal.
- Let your pet shake their head, then gently wipe away loosened material that you can see.
- Praise your pet and note any pain, redness or worsening smell. Contact the practice if these appear.
If your pet will not tolerate handling, do not hold them down and force it. Ask your vet or groomer for help with safe handling. For cats, ear-cleaning needs differ from dog care; check with a veterinary professional rather than applying a dog routine automatically.
Where Collar fits
For health questions, Collar is not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Its role is practical: help you keep your pet profile and service bookings organised, and make it easier to contact a participating care provider. Ask a veterinary professional to interpret symptoms, records and treatment.
The experience depends on the services each provider has enabled. Explore the Collar app.
