A Shih Tzu’s floppy ears are adorable, but they come with extra care responsibilities. One of the most overlooked areas in Shih Tzu grooming is ear hygiene—yet it’s crucial to their health and comfort. This guide walks you through how to clean Shih Tzu ears safely at home, step by step, with everything you need to know to do it properly.
What Is “How to Clean Shih Tzu Ears at Home”?
The phrase refers to the gentle process of removing wax, dirt, and debris from your Shih Tzu’s ears without needing a professional groomer or a vet. It’s a simple but essential task that protects your dog from infections and discomfort. For a breed like the Shih Tzu—with its long, droopy ears and dense fur—ear maintenance isn’t optional. It’s part of responsible dog ownership.
Why Shih Tzu Ears Need Regular Attention
Shih Tzus have a particular ear structure that traps heat and moisture. Their floppy ears cover the canal, making it harder for airflow to reach inside and naturally dry things out. Combine that with hair growth inside the ear and you’ve got a recipe for potential problems like yeast infections, bacterial growth, and foul odors. Regular cleaning helps prevent those issues before they become serious.
Benefits of Cleaning Shih Tzu Ears at Home
There are multiple benefits to handling this task yourself—beyond just saving time and money.
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Prevents infections caused by wax buildup and moisture
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Reduces unpleasant odor from dirt and bacteria
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Supports healthy hearing and overall hygiene
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Strengthens trust between you and your dog through gentle grooming
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Helps detect early signs of issues like ear mites, allergies, or injuries
When done routinely and gently, cleaning your Shih Tzu’s ears becomes a bonding experience, not a chore.
How Often Should You Clean Their Ears?
While it depends on your dog’s individual needs, most Shih Tzus benefit from ear cleaning once a week or once every two weeks. Dogs that swim, bathe frequently, or have sensitive ears may need more frequent care. Always inspect the ears weekly—even if you don’t clean them every time. Look for signs of wax, odor, or inflammation before proceeding.
Common Signs That Cleaning Is Needed
Being able to read your dog’s behavior and physical signs is key. Some of the most common indicators that your Shih Tzu’s ears need attention include:
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Head shaking or scratching
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A sour or musty smell
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Excess wax or visible dirt
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Redness or swelling
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Unusual discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody)
Don’t ignore these signs. If something looks off, don’t clean—consult your vet first to avoid making things worse.
Essential Supplies for Ear Cleaning
To clean your Shih Tzu’s ears safely at home, you’ll need the right tools. Avoid using human products or harsh chemicals. Stick to vet-recommended, alcohol-free, and pH-balanced ear cleaning solutions. Here’s your go-to supply checklist:
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Dog-safe ear cleaner (Virbac Epi-Otic or Zymox are trusted choices)
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Cotton balls or gauze pads (never Q-tips—they can damage the ear canal)
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Soft towel (to keep things tidy)
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Treats (to reward cooperation)
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Optional: Blunt-tipped tweezers or hemostats if you need to remove ear hair, only if advised by a vet
Always read the label of any product you’re using and confirm with your vet if you’re unsure about the ingredients.
Preparing Your Shih Tzu Before You Begin
Setting the tone is half the battle. Choose a quiet, well-lit space, and make sure your dog feels calm and secure. Use a towel to wrap around their body if they tend to wiggle. Offer some gentle petting and let them sniff the tools beforehand to reduce anxiety.
If it’s their first time, let them get used to the process slowly. You can start by just touching their ears and praising them to build trust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Shih Tzu Ears at Home
Step 1: Gently Inspect the Ears
Lift each ear flap and look inside. You’re checking for redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor. If you spot anything unusual, skip the cleaning and call your vet. Never clean infected ears at home.
Step 2: Apply the Ear Cleaning Solution
Hold the ear flap up and squeeze the cleaning solution into the ear canal, just enough to fill it, not overflow it. Be careful not to touch the dropper to the ear to keep it sterile. Once applied, gently massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. You’ll hear a squishing sound—that’s the solution breaking down wax and debris.
Step 3: Let Your Dog Shake
After massaging, give your Shih Tzu some space. Most dogs will instinctively shake their head, which helps expel the loosened gunk from inside the ear.
Step 4: Wipe the Ear
Now use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the outer ear and any debris that made its way to the surface. Do not push anything into the ear canal. Clean only what you can see.
Step 5: Dry and Reward
If needed, use a dry cotton ball to absorb excess moisture. End the session with plenty of praise and a small treat. This positive reinforcement encourages your dog to remain calm next time.
Should You Pluck Ear Hair?
Plucking ear hair used to be a common grooming routine, but opinions have shifted. Unless your vet advises you to pluck the ear hair, it’s best to leave it alone. Plucking can cause small wounds that increase infection risk if not done correctly.
If hair removal is necessary, let a professional groomer or vet do it safely using sanitized tools. Never attempt this on your own without proper guidance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Q-tips: These can push debris deeper into the canal or even rupture the eardrum.
Cleaning too deeply: Only clean the visible parts of the ear.
Over-cleaning: Excessive cleaning strips the ear of protective oils and can cause irritation.
Using water or vinegar: These can worsen inflammation and lead to infection.
Stick with what’s proven and vet-approved, and follow the proper steps consistently.
When to Avoid Cleaning and Call a Vet
There are times when a home cleaning can do more harm than good. Stop and call your vet if you see:
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Blood or pus
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Severe redness or swelling
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Strong foul odor that worsens
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Signs of pain or aggressive reactions to touch
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Recurrent infections or frequent scratching
These symptoms suggest a deeper issue that needs medical attention. It’s better to be cautious than to risk damage.
Recommended Products That Work Well
Here are a few professional-grade cleaners that dog owners and vets alike trust:
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Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced: Gentle, alcohol-free, ideal for routine use
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Zymox Ear Cleanser: Contains enzymes that naturally combat bacteria
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Vet’s Best Ear Relief Wash: Soothing botanical formula with aloe and chamomile
Avoid homemade mixtures unless prescribed by a vet. Natural doesn’t always mean safe when it comes to sensitive ears.
Routine Cleaning Schedule
You can adjust frequency based on your dog’s lifestyle:
| Cleaning Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Regular ear cleaning | Once every 1–2 weeks |
| After swimming/baths | Immediately after |
| Vet checkup | Every 6 months |
Consistency is key to preventing issues before they escalate.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Shih Tzu’s ears at home is not just a grooming habit—it’s a vital part of their health care routine. With the right tools, gentle technique, and regular schedule, you can prevent infections, odor, and unnecessary vet visits. Most importantly, it’s a chance to strengthen the bond you share with your furry friend.
Make the process calm, rewarding, and consistent—and you’ll have a happy, healthy Shih Tzu with clean ears and a wagging tail.
Keep your Shih Tzu happy—start ear cleaning today!
