Ear care does not need to be dramatic. The goal is clean, dry ears and a routine your dog can tolerate without stress.

Quick card

Quick Card: Ear cleaning

Issue Wax buildup, odor, and irritation risk.
Fix Gentle cleaner, soft wipes, calm routine.
Cost $
Difficulty Easy

Quick takeaways

  • Clean only what you can see. Do not dig deep.
  • If it smells bad or looks inflamed, call your vet.
  • Short, frequent sessions beat long, stressful ones.

Table of contents

  • How often to clean
  • What to use (and avoid)
  • Step-by-step routine
  • If your dog resists
  • When to call your vet

How often to clean

Most dachshunds do not need weekly cleaning.

  • If ears look clean and smell neutral, you can wait.
  • If your dog swims, clean after water exposure.
  • If wax builds up fast, talk to your vet about a schedule.

What to use (and avoid)

Gentle, vet-recommended cleaners are safest.

  • Use: a liquid ear cleaner and soft cotton pads.
  • Avoid: cotton swabs inside the ear canal.
  • Avoid: harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleaners.

If you are unsure, ask your vet for a safe product suggestion.

Step-by-step routine

Keep it short and predictable.

  1. Set the scene. Choose a quiet spot and have treats ready.
  2. Lift the ear flap. Look for redness, swelling, or strong odor.
  3. Apply cleaner. A small amount is enough.
  4. Massage gently. 10 to 15 seconds at the base of the ear.
  5. Wipe the outer ear. Remove loosened debris only.
  6. Reward and stop. One ear at a time is okay.

If your dog resists

Use tiny sessions to reset the emotional response.

  • Touch the ear, treat, and stop.
  • Show the bottle, treat, and stop.
  • Build up to a full clean over a week.

When to call your vet

Do not wait on signs of infection.

  • Strong odor or dark discharge
  • Red, hot, or swollen ear skin
  • Head shaking or constant scratching

FAQ

Q: Can I clean too often? A: Yes. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal and increase risk.

Q: My dog hates the cleaner. What now? A: Ask your vet about a different formula. Some dogs tolerate gentler products better.

Q: Should I pluck ear hair? A: Only if your vet recommends it. Plucking can irritate the skin.

Author

Doxie Lowdown Team