Dachshund Ear Cleaning Guide: Keep Those Floppy Ears Healthy & Odor-Free

One of the first things we noticed about Harvey — beyond his dramatic side-eye and obsession with blankets — was his ears. Soft, floppy, and ridiculously expressive. But those adorable ears come with a hidden challenge: they trap moisture, debris, and wax like no one’s business.

I remember one Sunday morning sitting outside at Grind Espresso in South Cronulla with Caitlin, sipping our usual large cappuccinos and trying to enjoy the sunshine. Harvey was with us, doing his usual routine of sniffing everything, barking at everyone and begging for any treat that might be avaliable. But by that afternoon, he was shaking his head constantly. A vet visit the next day confirmed what we’d feared — an early-stage ear infection. Turns out, dachshund ears are like little echo chambers for bacteria when left damp or dirty.

According to the American Kennel Club, “dogs with floppy ears are more susceptible to infections due to limited air circulation,” which includes our beloved dachshunds. In fact, ear issues are among the top five most common health concerns for the breed (AKC).

If your dachshund is anything like Harvey — curious, adventurous, and slightly dramatic — regular ear care isn’t just hygiene. It’s preventative health.

This guide will walk you through:

• Why dachshunds are prone to ear issues
  
  
• How to spot warning signs early
  
  
• How to clean your pup’s ears at home (safely)
  
  
• What tools and products you’ll want on hand
  
  
• When it’s time to see the vet

Dachshunds are known for their low-slung frames and long ears — and while those floppy ears add to their charm, they also create the perfect environment for ear issues to thrive. Unlike dogs with upright ears that allow airflow to naturally dry out moisture, a dachshund’s ears trap humidity, wax, and dirt. Over time, this creates a warm, dark space that bacteria and yeast absolutely love.

In Harvey’s case — even as a short-haired silver dapple — we learned quickly that neglecting a simple weekly ear check could lead to redness, constant head shaking, and in one instance, a particularly smelly infection that had us doing the walk of shame into our local vet at the time, the southside animal hospital.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), breeds with floppy ears are more likely to suffer from chronic ear infections than those with erect ears — and dachshunds are no exception [source].

If you’re living somewhere with a bit more humidity — or you’ve just taken your pup for a splash at the dog beach — regular cleaning becomes even more critical. Moisture is one of the biggest contributors to ear infections in dogs, especially in warmer climates.

Regular cleaning not only keeps your dachshund comfortable but helps you catch issues early. It’s one of those little habits that pays off tenfold — and can save you a few hundred dollars at the vet.

It usually starts subtly: a little more head shaking than usual, some scratching behind the ears. But within a day or two, it can escalate — fast. Caitlin and I once noticed Harvey pausing mid-walk outside the Miranda Hotel, just to obsessively dig at his right ear. That night, it was red, inflamed, and warm to the touch — classic signs of an ear infection.

Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they last more than 24–48 hours, it’s worth speaking with your vet. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ear infections left untreated can lead to chronic inflammation, hearing loss, or more serious inner ear issues [source].

Pro tip: snap a photo or keep a note in your phone when you spot something off. It makes it easier for your vet to track changes — and helps if your dachshund pulls a “perfectly fine” act once you’re actually in the clinic.

When it comes to cleaning your dachshund’s ears, frequency depends on their lifestyle, ear shape, and individual wax production. As a general rule, aim for once every 2–3 weeks — but if your pup swims often, rolls around in the garden, or is prone to waxy buildup, you might need to increase that.

In our case with Harvey, he’s not a huge fan of water, but he is a professional-level sunbather and grass-roller. After a few weekends of letting him go wild at Greenhills beach in cronulla, we noticed he’d scratch his ears more than usual. That was our cue to check inside.

Veterinarians often recommend checking your dachshund’s ears weekly — not necessarily cleaning each time, but making sure there’s:

• No strong odor
  
  
• No redness, swelling, or discharge
  
  
• No signs of excess wax or debris
  
  

According to the American Kennel Club, “Routine cleaning is essential, but over-cleaning can actually irritate the ears.” If your dachshund has healthy ears, cleaning every 2–4 weeks is enough. If they’re prone to infections, speak with your vet — they may suggest a medicated cleaner and a more frequent schedule.

Want more guidance on what to include in your routine? Jump over to our full Dachshund Grooming Tools guide — we’ve got ear-safe cleaners and accessories you can order online.

Cleaning your dachshund’s ears isn’t difficult, but it does require a gentle touch, a calm environment, and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide we follow with Harvey — even though he’s short-haired and not particularly prone to ear problems, we still build it into his regular grooming routine.

You’ll need:

• A vet-approved dog ear cleaning solution
  
  
• Cotton balls or gauze
  
  
• A towel (for messy pups or wrigglers)
  
  
• Treats for bribery (essential)
  
  

We recommend options like Virbac Epi-Otic or Zymox Otic Ear Solution, both of which are available on Amazon with great reviews from dachshund owners and groomers alike.

We like to do this in the bathroom with the door closed. Harvey’s less likely to make a break for it, and the enclosed space helps him settle. Keep your tone calm and your movements slow.

Gently lift your dachshund’s ear flap and squeeze in the recommended amount of solution. Don’t let the tip of the bottle touch the inside of the ear — this can spread bacteria. Let your pup shake their head after application — it helps dislodge debris.

Use your fingers to massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You should hear a squelchy sound — that means the solution is breaking up wax and buildup.

Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the visible parts of the ear canal and outer ear. Don’t go digging deep — if it’s not visible, leave it be.

 Veterinary Tip: According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “You should never use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®) inside your dog’s ear canal. This can cause trauma or push debris further into the ear.”

Most dachshunds will tolerate one ear — it’s the second one where the negotiation really begins. Use a treat and lots of praise to make the experience positive.

End on a good note — we always give Harvey a small chew or game of tug after grooming. It helps reinforce the routine in a positive way.

If you’re still building out your grooming kit, don’t forget to check our full guide on essential grooming tools — we’ve curated the basics so you don’t have to guess.

While regular cleaning helps prevent issues, dachshunds — especially those with floppy ears — are still prone to ear infections due to moisture and lack of airflow. The key is spotting early warning signs before things escalate.

Here are the common red flags we look for with Harvey:

If your dachshund is obsessively scratching one ear or shaking their head more than usual, that’s a sign something’s irritating them. It could be as simple as wax buildup — or as serious as a yeast or bacterial infection.

A strong, musty, or sour smell from the ears is a giveaway. Healthy ears shouldn’t have much of a smell. If they do, it’s time for a closer look — and likely a vet visit.

Gently check inside the ear flap. If the skin looks inflamed, irritated, or swollen, don’t delay in seeking help. Infections can develop quickly.

A little wax is normal. But brown, yellow, or bloody discharge is a red flag. The texture matters too — goopy or crusty buildup should be checked by a vet.

If your pup flinches, whines, or pulls away when you touch their ear, that’s a clear sign something’s off. Pain on touch is never normal.

According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “Otitis externa (outer ear infection) is one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to veterinary clinics. Chronic cases can cause permanent damage to the ear canal if left untreated.”

If your dachshund shows any of these signs, don’t attempt to treat it solely at home — call your vet. Early intervention can prevent complications and long-term discomfort.

Even with the best at-home care, there are times when you need to hand things over to the professionals. When Harvey had his first ear infection, we caught it early — but only because we acted fast and trusted our gut. If you’re unsure whether something’s off, it’s better to be cautious.

Here’s when it’s time to book a vet appointment:

If your dachshund keeps scratching, shaking their head, or showing signs of discomfort for more than 48 hours after a clean, don’t wait it out — call your vet.

Any strong smell, yellow/brown discharge, or visible pus is a clear sign of infection. A vet can swab the ear, identify the cause (bacteria, yeast, mites), and prescribe the right treatment.

If you see blood, serious swelling, or signs of pain, get your pup seen urgently. Left untreated, even minor ear issues can become chronic and affect hearing or balance.

If your dachshund gets more than one ear infection every few months, a vet can explore underlying causes — like allergies, hormone imbalances, or ear canal abnormalities — and may refer you to a canine dermatologist for long-term management.

Your vet will usually examine the ear with an otoscope and may take a swab to check for bacteria or yeast under the microscope. They’ll then prescribe ear drops or an oral medication depending on the cause. Most treatments clear things up within 7–14 days.

And yes — Harvey absolutely hates the vet’s ear scope. But he loves the treat at the end, so we all survive.

If you’re ever unsure, Better Vet has a solid ear infection guide, and it’s worth reading before your appointment to know what questions to ask.

Whether you’re just starting out or levelling up your dachshund’s grooming routine, these Amazon finds are trusted by pet owners (and vets) alike. Every product below is dachshund-friendly — meaning it’s gentle on their sensitive ears but tough on dirt, wax, and odor.

One of the most vet-recommended over-the-counter treatments for minor ear infections. It’s enzyme-based, meaning it fights bacteria and yeast without harsh antibiotics. A lifesaver for mild flare-ups.

Buy Now!

An alcohol-free ear solution that removes wax and dries the ear canal. Great for routine maintenance and particularly helpful for pups prone to moisture buildup.

Buy Now!

If your dachshund hates droppers, these pre-moistened wipes make ear cleaning easier and less messy. Gentle and soothing with aloe vera and witch hazel.

Buy Now!

Another highly-rated option with cucumber melon scent, these are ideal for in-between deep cleans or quick post-bath wipe-downs. Especially useful for travel or weekend stays.

Buy Now!

If your vet advises removing excess ear hair (common in longer-coated doxies), these surgical-grade hemostats offer precision and control without tugging too harshly.

Buy Now!

Explore the rest of our Dachshund Grooming Collection — everything you need to keep your doxie looking sharp, smelling fresh, and feeling their best:

• Dachshund Shedding Solutions
  Discover why dachshunds shed, how to manage it, and the best brushes and tools for coat care.
  
  
• Dachshund Grooming Tools
  Your go-to guide for the best shampoos, combs, clippers, and brushes — all dachshund-tested.
  
  
• Dachshund Nail Trimming
  Learn how often to trim, how to avoid the quick, and which tools make it stress-free.
  
  
• Long-Haired Dachshund Grooming
  From detangling to managing seasonal blowouts — tailored advice for the fluffier variety.
  
  
• Wire-Haired Dachshund Grooming
  How to hand-strip, maintain texture, and avoid matting in these scruffier sausages.
  
  
• The Ultimate Dachshund Grooming Guide
  Your master guide to all things dachshund grooming — from bath time to ear checks and everything in between.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.