How to Clean a French Bulldog’s Ears

How to clean a French Bulldog's ears? Close up photo of a French Bulldog's ears.

French Bulldog ears are prone to infections due to wax, dirt, and other debris. Therefore extra care is necessary in cleaning them!

You’ll be glad you took care of this little task when it saves them from an infection or other health problems down the line.

A few minutes of work will save you loads of trouble in the future. And all it takes is some time and patience.

Let’s explore how to clean a French Bulldog’s ears!

Why do you need to clean french bulldog ears?

French Bulldogs are prone to ear infections due to the shape of their ears and the amount of space inside their bat ears.

The wax and dirt that builds up in their ears can cause infection, pain, and even deafness if not cleaned regularly.

How often should you clean your French Bulldog ears?

To prevent the build-up of wax and dirt, you should clean your French Bulldog’s ears at least once a month.

What can I use to clean my French Bulldog’s ears?

There are many options for cleaning your French Bulldog’s ears, but you’ll want to use something that is NOT a cotton swab.

Cotton swabs can push wax and dirt further down into the French Bulldog’s ear canal, which can cause infection. It can also cause harm in the form of a puncture in the eardrum if not used correctly.

Instead, clean your Frenchie’s ears with one of the following:

Ear Cleaner

Using an ear cleaner specifically designed for dogs is a great way to clean your French Bulldogs’ ears.

These cleaners contain a balanced blend of soft cleansers and natural oils that break down wax and dirt, which will make it easier to remove from your dog’s ears.

Cotton Balls or Pads

Never use cotton buds, instead use cotton balls or pads. They are the best way to remove dirt and wax without pushing it further down in the ear.

How to Clean French Bulldog Ears

The best way to clean your French Bulldog ears at home is with a combination of ear cleaner, cotton ball, pads, or a wet cloth. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 – Wiping the Outer Areas of Your Dog’s Ears

With a warm wet cloth, wipe the outer ear parts of your dog’s ear until it is clean and free of dirt or wax. This will also help soften the build-up inside their ears.

Step 2 – Cleaning Your Dog’s Ear Canals

After you’ve wiped your dog’s ears, squeeze a liberal amount of ear cleaner onto a cotton ball or pad and place it inside each of its ears.

Gently massage the ball or pad around the inside of your dog’s ear, making sure to get ear cleaning solution all the way down to the eardrum.

Step 3 – Removing any Leftover Debris

After massaging for a minute or two, remove the cotton ball or pad and check to see if there is any leftover debris.

Eventually, your pup will shack its head, and the loose wax, debris, and ear cleaning solution will come out.

Step 4 – Reward Your Dog With Treats or Attention

After you’ve completed the process, shower your dog with either love or treats. They deserve it!

Step 5 – Set an Ear Cleaning Routine

It’s best to establish a regular ear cleaning routine, so you don’t forget to do it and cause more severe problems down the road.

Try to clean your French Bulldog’s ears at least once a month for optimal health.

Cleaning your French Bulldogs’ ears is an important task that can help prevent infection and other health problems down the line.

Always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry!

How much earwax is normal for a healthy french bulldog ear?

Earwax is normal and healthy in french bulldog ears. A small amount of wax helps protect the ear from infection and moisture, and too much wax can signify an infection. If you see a lot of wax in your french Bulldog’s ears, call your vet.

Are French Bulldogs prone to ear infections?

Yes, French Bulldogs are prone to ear infections, and this is because of the amount of space inside them.

The wax and dirt that builds up in their ears can cause infection, pain, and even deafness if not cleaned regularly.

What are some signs of ear infection in a French Bulldog?

Some signs of an ear infection in a French Bulldog include:

  • Excessive wax build-up;
  • Redness, swelling, and pain around and inside the ears caused by inflammation;
  • Pain or sensitivity to touch around the ear;
  • Discharge from the ear canals;
  • A foul smell emitting from the ears;
  • Shaking or head-scratching (especially if there is discharge);
  • Changes in hearing ability.

Call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment if you notice any of these signs. Ear infections can be serious and should be treated as soon as possible.

Can I clean my French Bulldog’s ears with hydrogen peroxide?

No, hydrogen peroxide should not be used to clean French Bulldogs’ ears. It is a harsh chemical that can damage your dog’s ear canal and eardrum. It is also ineffective in removing wax and dirt.

Only use ear cleaners or solutions made specifically for dogs to clean your Frenchie’s ears.

Can I clean my French Bulldog’s ears with vinegar?

No, vinegar should not be used to clean French Bulldogs’ ears. Like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar is a harsh chemical that can damage your dog’s ear canal and eardrum. It is also ineffective in removing wax and dirt.

Only use ear cleaners or solutions made specifically for dogs to clean your French Bulldog’s ears.

What if I own a French Bulldog with floppy ears?

It’s best not to clean your dog’s ears every month, but rather every two or three months.

Dogs with floppy ears need special care and attention because their ears are more likely to get dirty and infected.

It is a good idea to check your French Bulldog’s ears daily and wipe out any dirt or wax that builds up.

How can I get my French Bulldog to stop getting ear infections?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the root of the problem may be different for each dog. However, there are some ways to help reduce your French Bulldog’s risk of getting ear infections include:

  • Cleaning their ears regularly using a safe and effective ear cleaning solution;
  • And Keeping their ears as dry as possible.

You can also ask your vet for a solution that you can mix with your French Bulldog’s food each day to reduce his/her risk of developing an infection.

Why do French bulldog ears get so dirty?

French bulldogs have such dirty ears because of the amount of space inside their bat ears. There is a lot more room for dirt, wax, and bacteria to build up in French bulldog ears than in most other breeds.

Also, the hair inside their ears traps moisture, leading to bacteria growth and infection if not properly addressed.

Why do French Bulldog’s ears smell?

The smell in French Bulldog’s ears is usually caused by bacteria. The combination of moisture, dirt, and wax creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. This can cause a foul smell to emit from the ears, as well as inflammation and infection.

If your Frenchie’s ears smell bad, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Cleaning your French Bulldog’s ears is a pretty simple process. Still, it’s essential to do it regularly to avoid any health issues.

Check the ears for dirt, wax, and other debris regularly and clean them as needed. You can clean the outer parts of the ear with a damp cloth or cotton ball, and you can clean the inside parts of the ear with a slightly wet cotton ball.

Be sure to be gentle when doing it. Most importantly, make sure you clean your French Bulldog’s ears at least once a month. If you’re not up for the challenge, simply take your French Bulldog to a groomer or vet for an ear-cleaning service.

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Sara Santos

Writer, Editor and member of the Council, I am a dog person and I thrive to get the answers that will help you provide the best care a dog can have. You can also find me on my personal blog here.