Healthy dog and cat ears are pale pink with a small amount of light-coloured wax and no bad smell; clean them when they are dirty, usually every 1–4 weeks, with a special ear cleanser and a cotton pad, never pushing cotton buds into the ear canal. Wipe the eyes with a separate damp pad for each eye to remove discharge from the corners. If your pet shakes its head, scratches its ears, the ears smell or have dark discharge, or the eyes are red, watery or have pus, it needs a vet, not a cleanser.
How often to check and clean
- Check the ears and eyes once a week — for example while brushing.
- Clean the ears only when you see dirt or wax: usually every 1–4 weeks. Cleaning too often irritates the skin.
- More often for dogs with floppy ears (spaniels, Basset Hounds, retrievers), hair in the ear canal (Poodles, Schnauzers) and dogs that love to swim.
- Eyes are wiped as needed, often daily for flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Shih Tzus, Persian cats).
How to clean the ears step by step
- Get the ear cleanser, cotton pads and a treat ready. The cleanser should be at room temperature.
- Gently lift the ear flap and pour a little cleanser into the ear canal as directed on the bottle.
- Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds: you'll hear a squelching sound as the cleanser dissolves the wax.
- Let your pet go — it will shake its head and the wax will come out.
- Wipe the visible part of the ear with a cotton pad. Don't push cotton buds deep into the ear: you can push wax further in or injure the ear.
- Praise your pet and give a treat.
For routine hygiene try Arterium Aurikap ear cleanser, Otomin ear lotion or the probiotic Probioday Ear Lotion.
Warning signs in the ears
| What you see | What it may be |
|---|---|
| Dark, dry discharge like coffee grounds; intense itching | Ear mites — especially common in kittens and cats |
| Bad smell, yellow or brown discharge | Bacterial or yeast infection (otitis) |
| Redness, swelling, pain when touched | Inflammation, allergy |
| Head tilt, loss of balance | Deep ear involvement — see a vet urgently |
If you see these signs, don't put anything in the ear before an examination: some drops are dangerous if the eardrum is damaged. Treatment is prescribed by a vet; medications are available in the medications section.
How to care for the eyes
- Moisten a cotton pad with an eye cleanser or cooled boiled water.
- Gently, without pressing, remove discharge from the corner of the eye.
- Use a fresh pad for the other eye so you don't spread infection.
- Don't use human eye drops or home remedies — they can cause irritation.
For daily hygiene there are eye cleansers such as EliteZoo with witch hazel and chamomile.
Tear stains in light-coloured pets
White dogs and cats and flat-faced breeds often develop reddish-brown stains under the eyes, caused by pigments in the tears. Regular wiping and special products help, such as the Trixie tear stain remover. If tearing has noticeably increased, have a vet check the tear ducts and eyelashes and rule out allergies.
When eye problems need a vet urgently
- red whites of the eyes, swollen eyelids;
- yellow or green discharge;
- squinting, pawing at the eye, sensitivity to light;
- cloudiness, a spot on the cornea, the third eyelid covering the eye.
Corneal injuries and ulcers get worse quickly, so don't wait with eye problems.
Ear and eye cleansers, wipes and hygiene products are in the eye, ear and skin hygiene section. Nova Poshta delivery across Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my dog's ears with cotton buds?
Not inside the ear canal: a bud pushes wax deeper and can injure the ear. You can only gently wipe the folds of the ear flap with one.
What should I use to clean my cat's ears?
A special ear cleanser for animals and a cotton pad. Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol are not needed — they irritate the skin.
Is it normal for my cat to have crusts in the corners of its eyes?
A small amount of dry discharge after sleep is normal. If there is a lot, it looks like pus or the eye is red, take your cat to the vet.
How can I tell if my pet has ear mites?
Usually there is intense itching, head shaking and dark, dry discharge in the ears. Only a vet can confirm it during an examination.
