Ear Cleaning for Your Havanese or Havapoo
Ear care is one of those grooming tasks that is easy to overlook until there is a problem, and by then, a simple maintenance routine has turned into a vet visit. We have always made ear cleaning a regular part of our own grooming routine with every dog we raise, and we strongly encourage our families to do the same. A few minutes every week or two keeps your puppy comfortable, prevents infections, and gives you a chance to catch any early signs of trouble before they become serious.
Both Havanese and Havapoos have floppy, pendant ears that fold down over the ear canal. This ear structure, while absolutely adorable, limits airflow and creates a warm, moist environment that is more prone to bacterial and yeast infections than upright-eared breeds. Add to that the fact that these breeds grow hair inside the ear canal, which can trap debris and moisture, and you have good reason to be proactive about ear maintenance from day one.
What You Will Need
Ear Cleaning Solution
A veterinarian-recommended dog ear cleaning solution. Never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or vinegar.
Cotton Balls
Cotton balls or gauze pads for gentle cleaning. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal.
Small Treats
A few small treats for rewarding your puppy throughout the cleaning session.
What NOT to Use
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or vinegar in your dog’s ears. These products can irritate healthy tissue or cause stinging. Do not use cotton swabs (Q-tips) inside the ear canal—they can push debris deeper and risk injury if your puppy moves suddenly. Cotton swabs can only be used on the very outer visible folds where you can clearly see what you are doing.
How to Clean the Ears: Step by Step
Start with a calm, settled puppy. If your puppy has just come inside from play and is wound up, wait a few minutes. Grooming of any kind goes better when your puppy is relaxed, and ear cleaning is no exception.
Hold the ear flap gently upward to open the canal. Apply your ear cleaning solution directly into the ear canal, following the directions on your specific product. Most solutions call for a few drops to a generous fill depending on the size of the ear. Gently massage the base of the ear between your thumb and forefinger for about 20 to 30 seconds. You will likely hear a soft squishing sound, which is the solution loosening debris and wax inside the canal. That is exactly what you want.
The Cleaning Process Continued
Release the ear and let your puppy shake their head. This helps bring loosened material up from the canal where you can reach it. Have a towel nearby because this step can be enthusiastically messy. After the shake, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to gently wipe out the ear canal and the folds of the inner ear flap. Work from the inside outward, using a fresh cotton ball as needed until it comes away clean. Never push cotton or anything else further down into the canal than you can comfortably see.
After cleaning, make sure the ear is dry. Moisture left behind is exactly what you are trying to avoid. A dry cotton ball wiped through the visible portion of the canal and a gentle pat of the outer ear flap with a clean cloth finishes the job.
Finish with praise and a treat. Every grooming session should end on a positive note.
Hair in the Ear Canal
Havanese and Havapoos grow hair inside the ear canal that needs to be periodically removed to allow proper airflow and prevent buildup. Some owners and groomers pluck this hair by hand using ear powder for grip, which helps keep the canal clear between professional grooming appointments.
If you want to manage ear hair at home, apply a small amount of ear powder to your fingertips and gently pull small amounts of hair from the canal. Do not pull large clumps at once.
How Often to Clean
For most Havanese and Havapoos, cleaning the ears every one to two weeks is sufficient for routine maintenance. Dogs who swim frequently, get regular baths, or have a history of ear infections may need more frequent attention.
Check the ears every week even if you are not cleaning them. A quick look and brief sniff takes only seconds and allows you to catch problems early.
When to Let Professionals Handle Ear Hair
If your dog has had ear infections or seems to be sensitive about the ear canal, have your groomer or veterinarian handle the hair removal rather than doing it at home. Some dogs do better having ear hair managed at every professional grooming visit, and that is a perfectly reasonable approach.
Signs That Something Is Wrong
Starting Young
We begin touching and handling our puppies’ ears from their very first days in our nursery, which means they arrive at their new homes already accustomed to having their ears handled. Building on that foundation early makes ear cleaning something your dog simply accepts as part of life rather than something they dread or resist.
If you ever have questions about what you are seeing in your puppy’s ears or are not sure whether what you are looking at is normal, reach out to us. We would rather you send us a photo and get a quick answer than wait and wonder.
Prevention Is Always Better
Regular ear cleaning is one of those simple preventive measures that makes a meaningful difference in your puppy’s comfort and health. When you make it part of your regular grooming routine, it becomes quick and easy for both of you.
A puppy who learns early that ear cleaning is just part of life will cooperate readily throughout their adult years. The few minutes you invest every week or two can prevent the discomfort, expense, and stress of ear infections down the road.
Like all aspects of grooming, consistency is key. The more regularly you do it, the easier it becomes and the better the results.
