Ear care for dogs and cats

Healthy, upright ears in dogs and cats are largely self-cleaning, and there is no need for routine cleaning.

However, owners should still regularly check their pet’s ears. It’s best to get puppies and kittens accustomed to ear checks early by making it a positive experience—reward them with a treat, extra cuddles, or playtime afterwards.

Daily ear checks are particularly important for breeds with floppy ears (e.g., Spaniels, Setters, Poodles) or folded ears (e.g., Bulldogs, Scottish Folds). The lack of airflow or narrow ear canals creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.

Regular ear cleaning in these cases can help prevent infections.

Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaner for dogs and cats. Apply a generous amount into the ear canal, then gently massage the base of the ear. Allow your pet to shake their head, which helps loosen debris. Finally, wipe away any excess cleaner and dirt from the outer ear with a soft cloth.

Never use cotton buds (cotton swabs) inside the ear canal, as this can push debris deeper and cause damage.

Signs of an Ear Infection

If your pet frequently scratches their ears, has a foul odour, or shows excessive discharge, a veterinary visit is necessary.

He will then look inside the ear to find the cause and, if necessary, take a swab to look for certain yeasts (Malassezia) or ear mites (especially in kittens) under a microscope. If you have recurrent ear infections, a swab will be taken and analysed in the laboratory for bacterial pathogens.

Prescription ear drops are usually given into the ear once or twice a day for an ear infection. After one or two weeks, the ear should be examined by a vet before stopping the medication.

If the ear infection is severe, in addition to local treatment, the animal will need a painkiller and possibly antibiotics.

A foreign body in the ear canal can cause very sudden ear problems with pain and head tilting in one direction. Dry grain pits, for example, cause such symptoms in summer and late summer. The vet can easily determine this and remove the foreign body.

If your dog or cat has frequent ear infections for no apparent reason, it may be due to a food allergy.

Our team will be happy to advise you on ear checks and care!