Golden Retriever Ear Care Guide | Preventing Ear Infections & Home Care Tips

Your Golden Retriever's soft, floppy ears are undeniably adorable, but they also create a structure prone to ear infections. The ear flap covers the ear canal, limiting airflow, while the long hair around the ears traps moisture—creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. With regular, proper ear care, you can help keep your Golden Retriever's ears healthy and infection-free.

01Why Is Ear Care Especially Important for Golden Retrievers?

Golden Retrievers are known to have a higher risk of ear problems due to their floppy ear structure and thick double coat. The ear flap covers the ear canal, restricting air circulation, and the long hair growing around and inside the ears easily traps moisture and debris.

Given Golden Retrievers' love of water—a trait from their retriever heritage—swimming or bathing can leave moisture inside the ear canal, which may contribute to bacterial or yeast infections. Ear infections (otitis externa) generally present with symptoms like itching, odor, redness inside the ear, and head shaking. If left untreated, these infections can become chronic, making preventive home care essential.

As medium-to-large dogs weighing 55–75 pounds (25–34 kg), Golden Retrievers are highly active and spend significant time outdoors, increasing exposure to dirt, grass seeds, and other foreign materials that can enter the ears. Daily checks and cleanliness are a must.

02Golden Retriever Ear Health Checklist

Make it a habit to check your dog's ears 1–2 times per week. Early detection is the first step in preventing ear infections.

• Is the inside of the ear flap a pale pink color and clean?
• Is there no unpleasant odor coming from the ears?
• Is there no excessive buildup of earwax, and is it not dark or sticky?
• Does your dog avoid scratching the ears frequently or shaking their head?
• Is the hair around the ears not excessively overgrown?
• After swimming or bathing, is the inside of the ear not wet?

If you notice anything unusual in any of the above, proceed with ear cleaning immediately, or—if symptoms are severe—visit your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

03How to Clean Your Golden Retriever's Ears Properly

Supplies Needed

Prepare a pet-safe ear cleaning solution (alcohol-free), soft gauze or cotton pads, and treats (for positive reinforcement). Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the inner ear canal.

Cleaning Steps

Step 1: Have your Golden Retriever sit calmly and gently lift the ear flap. Speak in a soothing voice to keep them relaxed.
Step 2: Fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution (follow manufacturer's recommended amount), then gently massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound—this is normal.
Step 3: Release your hold and allow your dog to shake their head, which helps expel debris and excess solution.
Step 4: Wipe the inside of the ear flap and around the entrance with gauze, but do not push deep into the canal.
Step 5: Repeat on the other ear, then reward with treats to create a positive association.

Though Golden Retrievers have relatively large, open ear canals, using too much solution or cleaning too frequently can disrupt the ear's natural pH balance. Once a week or every two weeks is generally appropriate. However, always dry the ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.

04Special Care After Water Activities

Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting retrievers and love water, often enjoying swims in rivers or at the beach during summer. While swimming is excellent exercise, it requires special attention to ear health.

Immediately after swimming, moisture is likely trapped inside the ear canal. Use a soft, dry towel or gauze to wipe the inside of the ear flap, then apply an ear drying powder or cleaning solution designed to remove moisture. If needed, you can gently dry the area with a blow dryer on a cool setting, held at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from the ear.

During baths, prevent water or shampoo from entering the ears by placing a cotton ball lightly at the ear opening, or follow up immediately with a cleaning and drying routine. These steps may help prevent ear infections.

05Managing Ear Hair and Improving Airflow

Golden Retrievers' long double coat grows abundantly around the ears, and when this hair covers the ear opening, it further restricts airflow. Regular trimming of the hair around the ears can reduce the frequency of ear infections.

Long hair around the ear canal entrance can be carefully trimmed short with grooming scissors or clippers. If there is significant hair growing inside the ear canal, you may consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer about ear plucking. However, not all dogs require ear plucking, so it's safest to decide after a veterinary consultation.

In daily life, gently brush around the ears after walks to remove dirt and debris, and maintain indoor humidity at optimal levels (40–60%) to keep the ear environment comfortable.

06Daily Routines and Product Support for Ear Health

Maintaining your Golden Retriever's ear health is not a one-time task—it requires a consistent routine. Schedule weekly ear checks, biweekly cleanings, immediate drying after water activities, and monthly ear hair trimming on your calendar to stay on track.

Specialized home care products for ear and skin health may also be beneficial. For example, ANITOK Care is formulated for at-home ear and skin care and is used by busy pet parents for its convenience. Always check ingredients before use, and consult your veterinarian if your dog has allergies or skin sensitivities.

Lastly, balanced nutrition matters. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may support skin and mucous membrane health and contribute to immune function, potentially helping to increase resistance to infections.