Head shaking, scratching at the ears or an unpleasant smell? Your pet’s ears may need a little extra attention. Looking after your pet’s ears is an important part of their overall grooming routine. Just like skin and coat care, regular ear checks can help you spot changes early and keep your pet comfortable.
But how often should you clean your pet’s ears? And how do you know when it’s time for a clean? The good news is that ear care doesn’t need to be complicated. For dogs and cats with ears that need routine maintenance, PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner provides a gentle way to help remove excess wax, dirt and debris without alcohol or harsh acids.
Here’s how to make ear care a simple part of your pet’s wellbeing routine.
Why is ear care important?
Your pet’s ears do a wonderful job of looking after themselves. A small amount of earwax is normal and helps support the ear’s natural cleaning process. However, excess wax, dirt and debris can sometimes build up, contributing to unpleasant odours and creating an environment where ear problems may develop.
Some pets need a little more help keeping their ears clean. Dogs and cats with hairy ears, narrow ear canals or long, floppy ears may be more prone to wax and debris build-up. Pets with allergies or a history of ear problems may also need an individual ear-care plan.
Regularly checking your pet’s ears helps you become familiar with what is normal for them. Healthy ears should not be persistently red, painful or strongly odorous. The goal is to keep ears clean and comfortable without over-cleaning or irritating the delicate skin inside the ear canal.
It’s important to remember that cleaning is not the same as treating an ear infection. If your pet has ongoing ear problems, they may need veterinary treatment to address the underlying cause.
When should you clean your pet’s ears?
For routine maintenance, PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is recommended for use once a week, or as directed by your veterinarian. You may consider adding ear cleaning to your regular grooming routine if your pet tends to accumulate excess wax or debris.
It’s also a good idea to check your pet’s ears after activities that leave them dirty or damp, such as outdoor adventures or swimming. However, not every pet needs frequent cleaning, so follow your veterinarian’s advice if your pet has a history of ear disease.
Look out for signs that your pet’s ears may need attention, including:
- Visible build-up of wax or dirt
- An unpleasant ear odour
- Frequent head shaking
- Scratching or rubbing at the ears
- Redness or irritation
The last three signs can indicate an underlying ear problem rather than simply a need for cleaning. If you notice persistent scratching, head shaking, redness or discomfort, speak to your veterinarian before cleaning. If your pet’s ears are very red, painful, swollen, unusually smelly or have pus-like discharge, seek veterinary advice rather than trying to manage the problem with an ear cleaner alone.
Meet PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is designed for dogs and cats that need help removing excess earwax, dirt and debris as part of their regular care routine. Its gentle formula contains purified hydrolysed oats, cold-pressed citrus oil and mild cleansers to help clean the ear canal while minimising irritation.
The formula also contains ingredients such as glycerine, panthenol, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to support a gentle cleansing experience. Like all PAW Dermatology products, Gentle Ear Cleaner is pH balanced for your pet’s specific skin needs, and is free from parabens, sulphates and fragrances. This makes PAW a first choice for many pet parents, veterinarians and dermatologists!
Why choose PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner?
Gentle cleansing
The formula helps soften and remove excess wax, dirt and debris, helping keep your pet’s ears clean and comfortable.
No alcohol or harsh acids
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is formulated without alcohol or harsh acids, making it a gentle option for routine ear hygiene when used as directed.
Naturally inspired ingredients
Purified hydrolysed oats and cold-pressed citrus oils are key ingredients in the formula. They help support gentle cleansing without relying on a harsh cleaning approach.
Easy application
The convenient applicator makes it easy to apply the solution directly into the ear canal, helping simplify your pet’s regular grooming routine.
Once-weekly maintenance
For routine care, the recommended frequency is once a week, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. PAW is committed to pet wellbeing through products that are vet developed and backed by science, helping pet parents make informed choices about everyday care.
How to use PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner
Cleaning your pet’s ears may seem daunting at first, but a calm approach and a few simple steps can make the process easier.
Step 1: Get comfortable
Choose a quiet place where your pet feels safe. If they are nervous about having their ears handled, introduce the process gradually and reward them with treats and praise.
Before the first use, remove the protective seal from inside the lid. Shake the bottle well before each use.
Step 2: Apply the ear cleaner
Gently lift your pet’s ear and squeeze PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner directly into the ear canal, filling the canal with the solution.
Use the product only as directed on the label. Do not force the applicator into the ear.
Step 3: Massage gently
Massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds to help distribute the solution and loosen excess wax and debris.
You may hear a gentle squelching sound as the liquid moves around the ear canal, this is normal.
Step 4: Wipe away excess
Allow your pet to shake their head if they wish. Then use a clean tissue to gently wipe away excess liquid and debris from the outer ear. Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects deep into the ear canal, as these can cause injury or push debris further inside.
That’s it! For routine maintenance, repeat once a week or follow your veterinarian’s individual recommendations.
When should you speak to your veterinarian?
Ear cleaning is best suited to routine hygiene. It should not replace veterinary assessment when something appears wrong.
Arrange a veterinary check if your pet has:
- Persistent head shaking or ear scratching
- Redness, swelling or obvious pain
- A strong or unusual odour
- Pus-like discharge or significant debris
- Symptoms that worsen after cleaning
- Repeated ear problems that keep returning
Do not use PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner if your pet’s eardrum is damaged or ruptured. If you suspect an injury or your pet reacts painfully when you touch their ears, seek veterinary advice before using an ear cleaner.
Make ear care part of their wellbeing routine
Healthy ears deserve the same attention as healthy skin and a healthy coat. Regular checks, gentle cleaning when needed and prompt attention to changes can help keep your pet comfortable. With its oat-based ingredients, cold-pressed citrus oil and easy-to-use applicator, PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner makes routine ear care simple for both dogs and cats.
A little care each week can help you stay on top of wax and debris and help you notice when your pet needs extra support.
Keep your pet’s ears clean and comfortable with PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner.
