Easy Ear & Eye Cleaning Routine

DONALD LEE WARNICK | Updated on 04/10/26

Introduction

Keeping your dog's ears and eyes clean is one of those small parts of pet care that can easily be forgotten.

Most owners remember the big things—feeding, walking, playing, and regular grooming—but small daily checks are just as important. A quick look at your dog's ears and eyes can help you notice changes before they become bigger concerns.

When I first became a dog owner, I honestly did not pay much attention to ear and eye cleaning. I assumed that if my dog looked happy and healthy, there was nothing I needed to do.

Over time, I learned that simple routines make a big difference.

My Labrador does not need complicated grooming, but I started adding a few minutes of ear and eye checks into our weekly routine. Usually, it happens after brushing or after a walk when he is already relaxed.

Sometimes I simply wipe away small marks around his eyes. Other times, I check his ears to make sure everything looks normal.

These small moments have helped me become more familiar with what is normal for my own dog.

Every dog is different. Some breeds naturally have more ear or eye care needs because of their coat type, ear shape, or lifestyle. Dogs that spend more time outdoors may also need more frequent checks.

This article is based on my personal experience as a dog owner and general pet care information. It is intended for everyday home care education and is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice.

Why Regular Ear and Eye Cleaning Matters

Dogs use their ears and eyes every day to explore the world.

Their ears help them understand sounds around them, while their eyes help them navigate their environment.

Keeping these areas clean can help maintain comfort and allow owners to notice changes in their dog's normal condition.

Regular checks can help you notice:

Excess dirt or buildup
Unusual discharge
Changes in smell
Redness
Swelling
Excessive scratching or rubbing

For me, the biggest benefit is simply knowing what is normal.

My dog naturally gets some small tear marks around his eyes, especially after sleeping.

That alone is not unusual for him.

However, if I suddenly noticed a major change, such as increased discharge or discomfort, I would recognize that something was different.

Knowing your dog's normal appearance is one of the most useful parts of everyday care.

Understanding Your Dog’s Ear Type

Not all dogs need the same amount of ear cleaning.

A dog's ear shape and lifestyle can influence how much attention their ears need.

Dogs With Floppy Ears

Examples:

Cocker Spaniels
Beagles
Basset Hounds

Dogs with floppy ears may have less airflow around the ear area, which means owners often need to pay closer attention.

The ears can trap moisture and dirt more easily, especially after swimming or bathing.

Dogs With Upright Ears

Examples:

German Shepherds
Siberian Huskies

Dogs with standing ears often have better airflow, but they can still collect dirt from outdoor activities.

My friend's German Shepherd spends a lot of time outside, and even though his ears stand upright, regular checks are still part of his routine.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

There is no single schedule that works for every dog.

Some dogs may need occasional cleaning, while others may need more frequent attention.

The right frequency depends on:

Ear shape
Coat type
Outdoor activity
Swimming habits
Individual needs

For my own dog, I do not clean his ears on a strict daily schedule.

Instead, I check them regularly.

If they look clean and normal, I leave them alone.

If I notice dirt buildup, I gently clean them.

One thing I learned is that more cleaning is not always better. Over-cleaning can sometimes make ears uncomfortable.

The goal is maintenance, not constant intervention.

Supplies You’ll Need

Preparing the right supplies makes the process easier.

For basic ear and eye cleaning, I usually keep:

Dog-safe ear cleaning solution
Cotton pads or soft gauze
Clean towel
Soft damp cloth
Treats for positive reinforcement
Good lighting

I avoid using random household products because dogs have sensitive areas that require gentle handling.

For eye cleaning especially, I prefer simple tools that allow me to clean carefully without unnecessary pressure.

Easy Eye Cleaning Routine

Eye cleaning is usually one of the easier parts of grooming.

Many dogs develop small amounts of discharge or tear marks, especially around the corners of their eyes.

A simple routine can help keep the area comfortable.

Step 1: Choose a Calm Moment

I usually clean my dog's eyes when he is already relaxed.

Trying to do it when he is excited makes the process much harder.

A calm dog is more likely to cooperate.

Step 2: Check Before Cleaning

Before wiping, I take a quick look.

I check:

Is there normal tear buildup?
Is the area clean?
Does my dog seem comfortable?

This helps me avoid cleaning unnecessarily.

Step 3: Use a Soft Cloth

I gently wipe around the eye area.

I avoid rubbing directly on the eye.

The goal is simply removing surface dirt or dried discharge.

For my dog, this takes less than a minute, but doing it regularly prevents buildup.

Easy Ear Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your dog's ears can feel a little intimidating at first.

When I first tried cleaning my dog's ears, I was worried about doing something wrong. I did not want to make him uncomfortable, and I was not sure how much cleaning was actually necessary.

Over time, I learned that a gentle approach works best.

Ear cleaning should not feel like a complicated procedure. For most dogs, it is simply a matter of checking the ears regularly and cleaning when needed.

Step 1: Let Your Dog Get Comfortable

Before touching your dog's ears, make sure they are relaxed.

I usually start by gently petting my dog and touching around his ears before cleaning.

This helps him understand that ear handling is normal.

Dogs that are introduced to ear checks slowly are often more comfortable with the routine.

When I first started, my dog would move his head away whenever I touched his ears. Instead of forcing him to stay still, I spent a few seconds every day gently touching his ears without cleaning.

After some time, he became much more relaxed.

Step 2: Check the Ear Appearance

Before using any cleaning solution, take a moment to look at the ear.

A normal ear may have:

A small amount of natural wax
Normal skin color
No strong odor
No obvious discomfort

What you are looking for is anything unusual compared with your dog's normal condition.

For example, if your dog's ears normally look clean but suddenly become dirty, smelly, or your dog starts scratching more often, that change is worth paying attention to.

Step 3: Apply Ear Cleaner Carefully

If your dog needs ear cleaning, use a product designed for dogs.

Follow the instructions on the product and avoid putting objects deep into the ear canal.

I learned early that cotton swabs are not a good choice for reaching inside the ear. They can push debris deeper and may make cleaning more difficult.

Instead, I prefer using a soft cotton pad or gauze to gently clean areas that I can easily see.

Step 4: Wipe Gently

After applying an appropriate ear cleaning solution, gently wipe away visible dirt.

The goal is not to make the ear completely free of all natural material.

Dogs naturally produce ear wax, and some amount is normal.

The purpose of cleaning is simply maintaining comfort and hygiene.

Common Ear and Eye Cleaning Mistakes

Even though ear and eye care seems simple, there are some common mistakes owners can accidentally make.

Cleaning Too Often

One mistake I made at the beginning was thinking that more cleaning meant better care.

However, constant cleaning is not always necessary.

A dog's ears and eyes have their own natural processes, and excessive cleaning may cause unnecessary irritation.

A better approach is regular observation and cleaning only when appropriate.

Using Human Products

Many household products are not designed for dogs.

The skin around a dog's eyes and ears can be sensitive, so I prefer using products made specifically for pets.

Keeping things simple is usually better than trying too many different products.

Ignoring Your Dog’s Reactions

Your dog's behavior can tell you a lot.

If your dog constantly pulls away, scratches at the ears, shakes their head, or seems uncomfortable during cleaning, it is important to notice that.

A dog’s reaction is valuable information.

Personal Experience: Making Cleaning Part of Our Routine

At first, ear and eye cleaning felt like an extra responsibility.

I worried that my dog would dislike it or that I would make him uncomfortable.

But after making it part of our normal grooming routine, it became much easier.

Now, after brushing his coat, I usually take a quick look at his eyes and ears.

Most of the time, nothing needs to be done.

Sometimes I wipe away a little dirt or clean around his eyes.

The biggest change was not the cleaning itself. It was becoming more familiar with my dog's normal condition.

I learned what his healthy ears looked like, what normal eye discharge looked like, and how he reacted when something bothered him.

That knowledge gives me confidence as an owner.

When Should You Pay More Attention?

Most small changes do not mean something serious, but some signs should not be ignored.

Consider paying closer attention if your dog shows:

Frequent ear scratching
Constant head shaking
Strong ear odor
Unusual discharge
Swelling or redness
Keeping one eye closed
Excessive rubbing around the eyes
Sudden changes in normal behavior

If something appears unusual or uncomfortable, it is better to seek appropriate guidance rather than guessing.

As a pet owner, I have learned that knowing when to handle something at home and when to ask for help is an important part of responsible care.

Tips for Making Cleaning Easier

Here are a few things that have helped me make grooming routines smoother:

Start Young if Possible

If you have a puppy, gently introducing ear and eye checks early can help them become comfortable with handling.

Keep Sessions Short

A few minutes is often enough.

Long sessions can make dogs lose patience.

Reward Calm Behavior

I often give my dog a small treat after grooming.

Over time, he began connecting cleaning with a positive experience.

Stay Calm

Dogs notice our emotions.

If I approach grooming while feeling rushed or frustrated, my dog becomes less cooperative.

When I stay relaxed, he usually does too.

Conclusion

Easy ear and eye cleaning does not need to become a stressful task.

For most dog owners, the goal is not complicated grooming. It is simply creating a habit of paying attention.

A few minutes of regular checking can help you understand your dog's normal condition and notice changes early.

Through my own experience, I have learned that good pet care is built from small routines.

A quick wipe around the eyes, a gentle ear check, or a few extra seconds during brushing may seem insignificant, but these small moments strengthen the connection between you and your dog.

Every dog is different.

Some dogs need more grooming attention, while others need very little.

The best routine is the one that keeps your dog comfortable, respects their boundaries, and fits naturally into your daily life.

FAQ

How do I know if my pet has an ear infection?
Signs include dark waxy discharge, bad odor, head tilting, loss of balance, or pain when ears are touched. See a vet promptly.
Can I use human eye drops or wipes on my pet?
No. Only use products specifically formulated for pets. Human products may contain harmful ingredients.
How often is too often to clean ears?
Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal. Follow your veterinarian’s advice based on your pet’s individual needs.
What causes excessive tear staining?
Blocked tear ducts, allergies, dental issues, or diet can contribute. A veterinary check-up can help identify the cause.
My pet hates having its face touched. What should I do?
Desensitize gradually with short sessions and high-value rewards. Professional help may be beneficial.

References

American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dog Ear Cleaning and Care
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-clean-dogs-ears/
American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dog Eye Care Tips
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-eye-care/
ASPCA – Dog Grooming and Care Resources
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care
VCA Animal Hospitals – Ear Cleaning and Eye Care Information
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet
RSPCA – Dog Health and Grooming Advice
https://www.rspca.org.uk/

About DONALD LEE WARNICK

Donald is a pet care writer and office worker with 5 years of hands-on experience caring for cats and dogs, balancing a busy 9-to-5 schedule with pet parenthood.

Each of his articles draws from real-life wins and learning moments, answering questions busy pet parents face: how to keep pets happy and healthy without extra stress, simple daily habits, budget-friendly tips, and solutions for common issues like picky eating or late-night troubleshooting.