Cocker Spaniel Ears: How to Clean Them and Prevent Ear Infections

If you own a Cocker Spaniel, you already know their ears are the best thing about them. Long, soft, wavy. Unfortunately, they are also their weak spot: cockers are one of the breeds with the most ear problems. The good news is that most of them can be prevented with a few minutes of care each week.

Cocker Spaniel ear care

Why do cockers have ear problems?

A cocker's ear is long, heavy and completely covers the ear canal. Air barely circulates, so the inside stays warm and damp. That is the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Add to that:

  • thick hair on the inside of the ear, which traps dirt and moisture;
  • water that gets in during baths or swimming and never dries out;
  • allergies (food or environmental), common in the breed, which often show up first in the ears.

The result can be otitis externa, an inflammation of the ear canal. Left untreated, it becomes painful, keeps coming back and, in severe cases, may need surgery.

Signs that something is wrong

See your vet if you notice any of these:

  • frequent head shaking or persistent scratching at the ear;
  • a bad smell, sweet or sour, coming from the ear;
  • redness, swelling or thickened skin inside;
  • brown, black, yellow or pus-like discharge;
  • holding the head tilted to one side;
  • whining or pulling away when you touch the ear.

Important: do not use leftover drops from an old treatment without a vet check. If the eardrum is damaged, some drops can do harm. The cause (bacteria, yeast, parasites or a foreign body such as a grass seed) can only be found at the vet.

How to clean the ears, step by step

  1. Use a dog ear cleaner recommended by your vet. Don't use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or vinegar: they irritate the skin.
  2. Lift the ear flap and fill the canal with the amount shown on the label.
  3. Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound: that's the wax loosening.
  4. Let your dog shake their head. That's how most of the dirt comes out (stand back a little).
  5. Wipe with a cotton pad or gauze, only the visible part of the ear, as far as your finger reaches.

Never put cotton buds into the ear canal. They push wax deeper and can injure the canal or eardrum.

Cocker Spaniel ear care

How often?

  • Check: once a week. Lift the ear, look and sniff. It takes 30 seconds.
  • Clean: usually every 1–2 weeks, or as your vet advises. Cleaning too often irritates the ear too.
  • After every bath or swim: dry the inside of the ear well with a soft towel.

Tips that make a difference

  • Trim the hair on the inner side of the ear and around the canal (or ask your groomer). Air circulates much better.
  • Use a tall, narrow bowl for food and water, so the ears stay out of it.
  • Keep allergies under control. If ear infections keep coming back, ask your vet about a possible food or environmental allergy.
  • After walks through tall grass, especially in summer, check for grass seeds caught in the coat.

In short

A cocker's ears need attention, but not much time: a weekly check, proper cleaning every 1–2 weeks and drying after baths. And at the first strange smell or constant head shaking, see your vet before the problem gets worse.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your veterinarian.

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