Course 10 of 20 · Everyday tasks

Ears

Checking, cleaning the outer ear, drying, and the signs that belong to a vet.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. What does healthy ear care at home involve?

   Healthy ear care at home means regular checks, gentle cleaning of the outer ear only, and prompt referral for any warning signs.

2. Lesson 2. How do you check ears before cleaning them?

   Check both ears in good light before cleaning, looking and smelling for warning signs that mean cleaning should wait for a vet.

3. Lesson 3. How do you clean the outer ear safely?

   Clean only the visible outer ear with cotton wool or gauze and a suitable cleaner, never inserting anything into the canal.

4. Lesson 4. What should never go deep into the ear canal?

   Nothing should go deep into the ear canal at home, including cotton buds, fingers, tweezers and liquids poured into the canal.

5. Lesson 5. How do you clean ears on a floppy-eared dog?

   Lift floppy ears gently for air, checking and drying, and clean only the visible outer ear, watching for moisture and warmth.

6. Lesson 6. How do you clean ears on a hairy-eared dog at an introductory level?

   Brush and check hair around hairy ears, clean only the visible outer ear, and leave canal hair to a vet or groomer.

7. Lesson 7. How often should ears be checked and cleaned?

   Check ears weekly, clean only when the outer ear is dirty, and check again after bathing, swimming or any warning sign.

8. Lesson 8. What do smell, discharge and redness mean for referral?

   Smell, discharge and redness are warning signs that need veterinary assessment, not home cleaning or home treatment.

9. Lesson 9. How do you dry ears after bathing or swimming?

   Dry the outer ear and under the flap gently with a towel after water, and check the ear once it is dry.

10. Lesson 10. What should you do if a dog shakes its head constantly?

    Constant head shaking needs prompt veterinary assessment, not home cleaning, and the ear should be left alone meanwhile.

11. Lesson 11. How do you keep ear cleaning calm and brief?

    Keep ear cleaning calm and brief with gentle handling, a set routine, praise for settling, and a stop at the first sign of distress.

12. Lesson 12. When is ear care a vet job, not a home job?

    Ear care is a vet job when there are warning signs, a history of ear disease, injury, or any need for canal examination or treatment.

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