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Ear Cleaning Guide
Expert Guide
Ear Cleaning Guide
for Australian Shepherds
Why Australian Shepherd Ear Care Matters
Ear infections are one of the most common — and most preventable — grooming-related health issues in dogs. For the Australian Shepherd, ear anatomy and coat type interact: long, heavy ear leather and dense medium-long, double coat with feathering feathering create a warm, moist environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. Brush an Australian Shepherd at least twice a week focusing on the feathering behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the breeches where mats form first — these areas can mat within 3-4 days without attention. Left untreated, ear infections cause pain, head shaking that can rupture blood vessels in the ear flap (aural hematoma), and chronic scarring that narrows the canal permanently.
How Often to Clean Your Australian Shepherd's Ears
Healthy Australian Shepherd ears need cleaning every 1–2 weeks as part of routine maintenance — not daily, which strips protective wax and irritates the canal. Increase frequency to weekly during swimming season, after baths, or if your dog has a history of ear issues. Breeds with hair growing inside the ear canal, common in medium-long, double coat with feathering coats, may need professional ear plucking every every 6-8 weeks, plus regular brushing to keep the canal open — ask your groomer whether plucking or trimming is appropriate for your Australian Shepherd. Never clean ears that look red, swollen, or smell strongly yeasty — those symptoms mean infection, and cleaning can push debris deeper. See your vet first.
Gear for Australian Shepherd ear cleaning guide
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
An excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
Proper Ear Cleaning Technique
Use only a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner — never hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or water alone, all of which irritate the sensitive canal lining. Fill the ear canal with cleaner until you see it pool at the opening, massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds (you'll hear a squelching sound — that's correct), then let your Australian Shepherd shake their head vigorously. This shaking is essential — it brings dissolved wax and debris to the outer ear where you can wipe it away with cotton gauze or a soft cloth. Never insert cotton swabs into the canal; they push debris inward and can rupture the eardrum. Lift and hold the ear flap upright while cleaning to straighten the canal on the Australian Shepherd's heavy ears. Finish by drying the outer ear thoroughly; moisture left in the fold is a common infection trigger.
Signs of Ear Infection in Australian Shepherds
Know the difference between dirty ears and infected ears. Dirty ears have visible brown wax at the opening but no odor, redness, or behavioral change. Infected ears smell distinctly yeasty or foul, show redness or swelling inside the canal, produce dark discharge, and cause your Australian Shepherd to scratch persistently, shake their head, or tilt it to one side. Any head tilt lasting more than a day, balance problems, or crying when the ear is touched requires same-day veterinary attention. Chronic infections in floppy-eared breeds often trace back to inconsistent cleaning or incomplete drying after water exposure — both are entirely preventable with a consistent routine.
Coat and Ear Hair Management
For the Australian Shepherd's medium-long, double coat with feathering, hair inside and around the ear opening needs regular attention. Trim or pluck excess hair from the ear canal opening to improve airflow — your groomer can demonstrate the correct technique during your next every 6-8 weeks, plus regular brushing appointment. After every bath, place a cotton ball loosely in each ear during rinsing to prevent water entry, and remove it immediately after — never leave cotton in the ear. Always brush before bathing — wet mats tighten and become significantly harder to remove, so getting the coat as tangle-free as possible before getting the dog wet saves considerable time and discomfort. A light dusting of ear powder before plucking (if your groomer recommends plucking) gives grip and reduces discomfort.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Brush an Australian Shepherd at least twice a week focusing on the feathering behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the breeches where mats form first — these areas can mat within 3-4 days without attention.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for Australian Shepherds
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
An excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
Brush
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
The ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.