Hey there, Doodle Owners! Elina here.

Keeping your Doodle's ears clean is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do at home. Doodles are particularly prone to ear issues due to their floppy ears and hair growth inside the ear canal, making regular cleaning necessary for preventing infections and discomfort.

Learning to clean your Doodle's ears properly at home saves money on grooming visits and helps you catch potential problems early. This process becomes routine once you understand the proper technique and frequency.

Doodles have several characteristics that make them more susceptible to ear problems than other breeds. Their pendulous ears create a warm, moist environment that bacteria and yeast love. Additionally, many Doodles grow hair inside their ear canals, which can trap debris and moisture.

The combination of limited air circulation and hair growth creates perfect conditions for:

• Bacterial infections 
• Yeast overgrowth 
• Wax buildup 
• Debris accumulation 
• Unpleasant odors

Regular cleaning removes excess wax, debris, and moisture before they cause problems. Prevention through consistent maintenance is much easier than treating an established ear infection.

Having the right supplies makes ear cleaning safer and more effective. You need specific products designed for dog ears, not human ear care items.

Required Supplies: 

• Veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution 
• Cotton balls or gauze pads 
• Hemostats or tweezers (for hair removal) 
• Treats for positive reinforcement 
• Towels for cleanup

What NOT to Use: 

• Cotton swabs or Q-tips 
• Hydrogen peroxide 
• Rubbing alcohol 
• Water alone 
• Human ear cleaning products

Cotton swabs can push debris deeper into the ear canal and potentially damage the eardrum. Harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide can irritate sensitive ear tissue and disrupt the natural balance of healthy bacteria.

Start by gathering all supplies in a well-lit area where your Doodle feels comfortable. Choose a time when your dog is calm and relaxed, not immediately after exercise or play.

Position your Doodle so you can easily access both ears. Some dogs do well sitting, while others prefer lying on their side. Have treats ready to reward cooperation throughout the process.

Examine the ears before cleaning. Look for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or strong odors that might indicate an infection requiring veterinary attention.

Step 1: Remove Excess Hair 

Use hemostats or tweezers to gently pluck visible hair from the ear canal opening. Pull only a few hairs at a time to minimize discomfort. This step improves air circulation and prevents hair from trapping debris.

Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution 

Fill the ear canal with cleaning solution according to the product instructions. Most solutions require enough liquid to fill the canal completely. Don't be afraid to use adequate amounts, as the ear canal is deeper than it appears.

Step 3: Massage the Ear Base 

Gently massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the solution works through the ear canal. This action helps loosen wax and debris.

Step 4: Allow Shaking 

Release your Doodle and step back. Most dogs will shake their heads vigorously, which helps expel loosened debris and excess solution. This natural response is helpful and expected.

Step 5: Wipe Clean 

Use cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe away visible debris and solution from the ear opening and surrounding area. Work from the inside of the ear outward, using fresh cotton for each wipe.

Reward your Doodle with treats and praise for cooperation. Check that both ears look clean and smell normal after the process. Some moisture remaining in the ear is normal and will evaporate naturally.

Monitor your dog for the next few hours to ensure they seem comfortable and aren't showing signs of irritation from the cleaning process.

Most Doodles benefit from weekly ear cleaning as part of their regular grooming routine. However, individual needs vary based on several factors.

Weekly Cleaning Recommended for: 

• Doodles with heavy ear hair growth 
• Dogs prone to ear infections 
• Active dogs who swim frequently 
• Humid climate conditions

Bi-weekly Cleaning May Work for: 

• Doodles with minimal ear hair 
• Indoor dogs with limited exposure to dirt 
• Dogs with naturally dry ears

Signs to Increase Frequency: 

• Rapid wax accumulation 
• Persistent odors between cleanings 
• History of ear infections 
• Seasonal allergy flare-ups

Swimming dogs need ear cleaning after each water exposure to prevent moisture-related problems.

Recognizing when your Doodle's ears need attention helps you maintain proper cleaning schedules and catch problems early.

Visual Indicators: 

• Dark, waxy buildup visible in the ear 
• Debris or dirt accumulation 
• Hair growing excessively in the ear canal 
• Redness or irritation around the ear opening

Behavioral Signs: 

• Head shaking more than usual 
• Scratching at ears frequently 
• Tilting head to one side 
• Reluctance to have ears touched

Odor Changes: 

• Sweet, yeasty smell (potential yeast infection) 
• Foul, strong odor (possible bacterial infection) 
• Musty smell (common with wax buildup)

Some situations require professional veterinary care rather than home cleaning. Recognizing these warning signs prevents you from worsening existing problems.

Stop Home Cleaning if You Notice: 

• Blood in the ear or on cleaning materials 
• Thick, colored discharge (yellow, green, or brown) 
• Severe redness or swelling 
• Strong, persistent odors despite cleaning 
• Your dog showing pain during cleaning 
• Balance problems or head tilting 
• Hearing changes

Emergency Signs: 

• Hematoma (blood-filled swelling on ear flap) 
• Ruptured eardrum symptoms 
• Severe head shaking causing injury

These symptoms indicate conditions that need professional diagnosis and treatment beyond basic home care.

Understanding what not to do prevents accidental harm during ear cleaning sessions.

Technique Mistakes: 

• Using cotton swabs inside the ear canal 
• Applying too much pressure during cleaning 
• Cleaning infected ears without veterinary guidance 
• Skipping the hair removal step 
• Using inappropriate cleaning solutions

Frequency Errors: 

• Over-cleaning healthy ears (can cause irritation) 
• Under-cleaning problem ears (allows issues to develop) 
• Inconsistent cleaning schedules 
• Stopping cleaning when ears look clean

Behavioral Mistakes: 

• Forcing cleaning on anxious dogs 
• Skipping positive reinforcement 
• Cleaning during stressful times 
• Ignoring signs of discomfort

Building positive associations with ear cleaning makes the process easier for both you and your Doodle over time.

Vet Organics EcoEars Multi-Action Ear Cleanser: This natural, alcohol-free ear cleanser uses organic ingredients to safely clean and deodorize your Doodle's ears. The gentle formula is effective for routine maintenance cleaning without harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive ear tissue.

Medical Cotton Balls Sterile: These sterile cotton balls are specifically designed for medical and grooming use. They hold more cleaning solution and debris than regular cotton balls, making the ear cleaning process more efficient and hygienic.

Hemostats for Pet Grooming: These locking tweezers provide precise control for safely removing ear hair. The curved design makes it easier to reach hair in the ear canal opening without going too deep.

Regular ear cleaning becomes second nature once you establish a routine that works for your Doodle. Start slowly, use positive reinforcement, and don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Consistent home care prevents most ear problems and keeps your Doodle comfortable and healthy.

How often do you currently clean your Doodle's ears? 

Comment below and share any tips that have worked well for your routine!