Ear Care
Ear Care for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's beautiful, feathered ears are one of the breed's most recognisable features. They are also an area that deserves regular attention.
The Cavalier's breed standard describes the ears as long, set high and with plenty of feathering. While those characteristic ears are an important part of the breed's appearance, their structure can also make routine ear observation particularly important.
Good ear care is not about constantly cleaning your dog's ears. In fact, over-cleaning, inappropriate products and unnecessary manipulation can cause problems. Instead, good ear care means regularly checking your Cavalier's ears, keeping them appropriately clean and dry, recognising early signs of disease and seeking veterinary advice when something doesn't look or smell right.
This guide explains how to care for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ears, how often to check them, when cleaning is appropriate, signs of ear infection, ear mites, grass seeds, bathing and swimming, and when veterinary attention is needed.
Important: This page provides general educational information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your Cavalier has painful, inflamed, smelly or persistently abnormal ears, consult your veterinarian before cleaning or treating them.
Why Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Need Regular Ear Care?
The Cavalier has long, feathered ears that sit against the sides of the head. The ear itself is a complex structure, and problems can occur in the outer ear canal as well as deeper within the middle and inner ear.
One of the most common ear disorders in dogs is otitis externa, which means inflammation of the outer ear canal. Signs can include head shaking, scratching, redness, swelling, unpleasant odour and discharge. Causes can include allergies, parasites, foreign material, bacteria, yeast and other underlying conditions.
For Cavaliers, regular observation is therefore valuable. It allows owners to become familiar with what their dog's ears normally look and smell like, making changes easier to recognise.
What Should Healthy Cavalier Ears Look Like?
Every dog is slightly different, so there is no single appearance that defines a perfectly healthy ear.
However, your Cavalier's ears should generally be:
Comfortable when touched
Free from significant redness or swelling
Free from obvious wounds
Free from excessive discharge
Free from a strong or unpleasant odour
Not causing persistent scratching or head shaking
The outer ear flap may naturally contain some hair, wax and minor debris.
The presence of a small amount of wax does not automatically mean your dog's ears need cleaning.
The important question is whether there has been a change from what is normal for your individual dog.
How Often Should You Check Your Cavalier's Ears?
A quick ear check can be incorporated into your Cavalier's normal grooming routine.
For example, check the ears:
During brushing
During bathing
After swimming
After outdoor adventures
During tick checks
When grooming the ear feathering
Whenever your dog is scratching or shaking their head
You do not necessarily need to clean the ears every time you inspect them.
Think: Check regularly. Clean when appropriate. Treat only when advised.
This distinction is important.
Why Cavalier Ears Can Be Prone to Problems
Long, hanging ears can create an environment in which ventilation is reduced and moisture may remain around the ear. Dogs with long or hairy ears are more susceptible to otitis externa than some other dogs. However, ear disease is not simply caused by "dirty ears".
Underlying causes can include:
Allergies
Yeast
Bacteria
Parasites
Foreign bodies
Excess moisture
Skin disease
Anatomical factors
Middle-ear disease
Merck Veterinary Manual emphasises that successful treatment of ear disease requires identifying and addressing the underlying cause, because treating the visible symptoms alone may not prevent recurrence.
Should You Clean Your Cavalier's Ears?
Not necessarily. A healthy ear may require little or no routine cleaning.
If your veterinarian has recommended regular ear cleaning, follow their instructions regarding:
Which product to use
How frequently to clean
How much product to use
How the ear should be handled
Whether the product should be used in both ears
Routine cleaning can be appropriate for some dogs, particularly those with recurrent ear problems, but the correct cleaning routine depends on the individual dog.
Choosing an Ear Cleaner
If your veterinarian recommends an ear cleaner, use a product specifically formulated for dogs and appropriate for your dog's circumstances. Avoid experimenting with household products or homemade remedies. In particular, don't assume that vinegar, alcohol, peroxide, essential oils or other household substances are safe for your dog's ears.
Merck Veterinary Manual specifically cautions against irritating home remedies because they can worsen inflammation and secretions.
The safest approach is: Ask your veterinarian which ear-cleaning product is appropriate for your Cavalier.
This is especially important if the ear is already painful, red, inflamed or producing discharge.
How to Clean a Cavalier's Ears
If your veterinarian has recommended ear cleaning, ask them to demonstrate the technique.
A general cleaning process may involve:
1. Prepare everything first
Have the ear cleaner, cotton wool or gauze, towels and rewards ready.
2. Keep your Cavalier comfortable
Choose a calm location and use gentle handling.
3. Follow the product instructions
Don't use more product simply because you think "more must clean better".
4. Massage the base of the ear
If your veterinarian has advised this technique, gently massage the base of the ear to help distribute the cleaner.
5. Allow your dog to shake
Dogs naturally shake their heads after ear cleaning.
Be prepared for some product and debris to come out.
6. Wipe away loosened debris
Gently wipe the accessible parts of the ear with cotton wool or gauze.
7. Reward your Cavalier
Finish with something positive.
Merck notes that cleaning methods should be tailored to the individual ear and that owners should be shown appropriate techniques, particularly where ear disease is involved.
Never Push Cotton Buds Into the Ear Canal
One of the most important ear-care rules is:
Do not insert cotton buds deep into your Cavalier's ear canal.
The ear canal extends much further than it appears from the outside.
Pushing objects into the canal can:
Push debris deeper
Irritate the delicate tissue
Cause trauma
Potentially damage the eardrum
Instead, clean only areas that you can safely see and reach according to veterinary guidance.
Don't Pluck Ear Hair Without a Reason
You may hear advice that Cavalier ear hair should routinely be plucked to "let the ears breathe". This is not necessarily appropriate.
Merck Veterinary Manual notes that removing hair from the ear canal can sometimes be necessary in the management of particular ear problems, but routine removal of ear-canal hair can cause inflammation and should not automatically be performed when it is not contributing to a problem.
Therefore:
Don't routinely pluck your Cavalier's ear-canal hair simply because someone says it is necessary.
Discuss your dog's individual ears with your veterinarian or an experienced groomer.
Cavalier Ear Feathering
Ear feathering is an important feature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed standard specifically describes the ears as having plenty of feathering.
This beautiful hair should be maintained as part of normal grooming.
Regularly check for:
Knots
Mats
Grass seeds
Burrs
Dirt
Moisture
Foreign material
Gently brush the outer feathering as part of your normal grooming routine. Avoid pulling at tangled hair. If the feathering is severely matted, seek professional grooming assistance rather than causing your Cavalier pain by trying to remove the mats yourself.
Ear Care During Bathing
Bathing can introduce moisture around the ears.
When bathing your Cavalier:
Be careful around the ears.
Don't deliberately direct water into the ear canals.
Avoid filling the ear with water.
Keep shampoo out of the ear canal.
Gently dry the outer ear and surrounding feathering afterwards.
Keeping the ear canals appropriately dry is important because persistent moisture can compromise the ear's natural barrier and contribute to problems in susceptible dogs.
For more information, see our Knowledge Centre pages on Bathing and Drying.
Ear Care After Swimming
Swimming deserves particular attention. Water can enter the ear canal and remain there, especially in dogs with long, hanging ears.
After swimming:
Gently dry the outer ear.
Check the ear flap and surrounding feathering.
Look for obvious debris.
Monitor for head shaking or scratching.
Follow any preventative ear-care routine recommended by your veterinarian.
If your Cavalier frequently develops ear problems after swimming, discuss this with your veterinarian. They may recommend an appropriate drying or preventative product for your individual dog.
Ear Care in Queensland
Queensland's warm and humid conditions can create additional challenges for dogs prone to skin and ear problems. However, this does not mean that every Cavalier needs frequent ear cleaning.
Instead, pay particular attention after:
Swimming
Bathing
Wet-weather walks
Outdoor adventures
Visits to grassy areas
And remember that Queensland also presents another ear-related concern: paralysis ticks.
Don't Forget to Check for Paralysis Ticks
For Queensland dog owners, ear checks are also part of responsible tick prevention.
RSPCA guidance recommends thoroughly checking pets for ticks, with the face, neck and ears among the areas where ticks are commonly found. The entire body should still be examined.
When checking your Cavalier:
Examine the outer ear flap.
Check behind the ears.
Feel carefully around the head and neck.
Check beneath collars.
Examine the entire body.
If you find a tick or your dog develops signs consistent with tick paralysis, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Signs of an Ear Infection
Knowing what to look for is one of the most important aspects of ear care.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
Persistent head shaking
Frequent scratching at the ears
Rubbing the ears against furniture or the floor
Redness
Swelling
Heat
Pain
Increased sensitivity when the ear is touched
Unpleasant odour
Excessive wax
Discharge
Crusting
Scaly skin
Hair loss around the ear
Holding the head differently
Reduced responsiveness to sounds
Changes in behaviour
These are not conditions that should simply be managed by repeatedly cleaning the ear. Otitis externa can be painful and may become chronic or extend into deeper parts of the ear if underlying causes are not properly addressed.
Head Shaking Should Not Be Ignored
Occasional head shaking can be completely normal. Persistent or repeated head shaking is different.
It may indicate:
Ear irritation
Infection
Foreign material
Parasites
Allergy
Moisture
Pain
Another ear problem
If your Cavalier suddenly begins shaking their head frequently, investigate the cause rather than assuming they simply need their ears cleaned.
What Does Ear Infection Discharge Look Like?
Ear discharge can vary depending on the underlying problem.
It may appear:
Brown
Yellow
Cream
Dark
Waxy
Moist
Thick
Bloody
The appearance alone cannot reliably tell you what is causing the problem. Bacteria, yeast, parasites, foreign bodies and other conditions can produce different appearances.
Your veterinarian may need to examine the ear and perform cytology to identify organisms and inflammatory cells. Veterinary guidelines from the University of Melbourne recommend cytology when evaluating otitis externa.
Ear Mites
Ear mites can cause significant irritation, particularly in some dogs and other animals.
Possible signs include:
Scratching
Head shaking
Dark debris
Irritation
Inflammation
However, dark ear debris does not automatically mean your dog has ear mites. Other ear conditions can look similar.
Your veterinarian can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Do not assume an over-the-counter ear-mite treatment is appropriate without diagnosis.
Grass Seeds and Foreign Bodies
Queensland dogs that spend time outdoors can encounter grass seeds and other plant material. A foreign body lodged in or around the ear can cause sudden irritation, head shaking and pain.
If your Cavalier suddenly develops intense ear irritation, particularly after walking through long grass—seek veterinary advice. A foreign body can be difficult to see at home and may require veterinary examination and appropriate equipment to identify and remove safely.
The University of Melbourne's veterinary guidelines specifically identify foreign bodies such as grass seeds as an underlying cause that can be missed in ear disease.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Middle-Ear Disease
There is a Cavalier-specific ear condition that owners should be aware of called Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM), sometimes informally referred to as "glue ear".
PSOM is an uncommon condition involving accumulation of mucus within the middle ear and has been reported particularly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Importantly, PSOM is not simply a problem with dirty external ears. It involves the middle ear and therefore requires veterinary assessment.
Possible signs can include:
Hearing changes
Head or neck discomfort
Balance abnormalities
Facial changes
Neurological-type signs
Recurrent ear problems
If your Cavalier develops unexplained hearing or neurological changes, veterinary examination is important.
Ear Haematomas
A Cavalier with an irritated ear may shake their head or scratch vigorously. Repeated trauma can cause blood vessels within the ear flap to rupture, producing an aural haematoma—a pocket of blood within the ear flap.
The ear may suddenly become:
Swollen
Thickened
Warm
Painful
Droopy or differently shaped
An ear haematoma needs veterinary assessment.
Importantly, the underlying cause of the ear irritation also needs to be investigated. Simply treating the swelling without addressing the underlying ear problem may allow the problem to recur.
When Should You See a Veterinarian?
Seek veterinary advice if your Cavalier has:
Sudden symptoms
Sudden severe head shaking
Sudden intense scratching
Sudden ear pain
Sudden swelling
Sudden hearing changes
Persistent symptoms
Recurrent ear infections
Persistent odour
Ongoing discharge
Chronic scratching
Repeated head shaking
Potentially serious symptoms
Loss of balance
Head tilt
Facial weakness
Significant pain
Bleeding
A swollen ear flap
Changes in hearing
Neurological abnormalities
These symptoms can indicate problems beyond simple wax accumulation.
Do Not Treat an Infected Ear Yourself
This is particularly important. If your Cavalier has an ear infection, don't simply purchase an ear cleaner and hope it resolves the problem. The correct treatment depends on the cause.
Your veterinarian may need to determine whether the problem involves:
Bacteria
Yeast
Parasites
Allergies
Foreign material
Inflammation
Middle-ear disease
Another underlying condition
Some ear medications are not appropriate when the eardrum is damaged or its condition is unknown.
Merck Veterinary Manual emphasises that identifying the integrity of the eardrum can be important when selecting treatment.
Why Recurrent Ear Infections Need Investigation
If your Cavalier repeatedly develops ear infections, don't accept the problem as simply "something Cavaliers get". Recurrent otitis can have an underlying cause.
Potential contributors include:
Allergic skin disease
Chronic inflammation
Anatomical factors
Moisture
Repeated irritation
Foreign bodies
Parasites
Incomplete treatment
Middle-ear disease
Merck notes that recurrent or chronic ear disease warrants investigation of underlying causes because simply treating the infection may not prevent recurrence.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional tests depending on the circumstances.
Ear Care and Grooming
Ear care should be integrated into your Cavalier's broader grooming routine.
During brushing
Check the ear feathering for knots and debris.
During bathing
Prevent water from entering the ear canal.
During drying
Gently dry the outer ear and surrounding feathering.
During tick checks
Examine the ears and surrounding head and neck.
During routine health checks
Tell your veterinarian about any recurring ear problems.
This makes ear care a normal part of responsible Cavalier ownership rather than something you only think about when there is a problem.
Teaching Your Puppy to Accept Ear Handling
Ear care is much easier when your Cavalier has learned from an early age that their ears are safe to touch.
Begin with very short sessions.
Step 1
Touch your puppy gently on the head.
Reward.
Step 2
Touch the outer ear.
Reward.
Step 3
Lift the ear flap briefly.
Reward.
Step 4
Look at the ear.
Reward.
Step 5
Gently touch the feathering.
Reward.
Step 6
Introduce a towel or grooming tool.
Reward.
Step 7
Gradually introduce the equipment you will use for normal grooming.
Reward.
There is no need to rush.
The goal is to create a puppy who thinks:
"When someone touches my ears, good things happen."
What Not to Do
Don't clean healthy ears unnecessarily
More cleaning is not automatically better.
Don't use human ear products
Only use products appropriate for dogs and, where appropriate, recommended by your veterinarian.
Don't use homemade remedies
Particularly avoid acidic, alcoholic or irritating mixtures unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
Don't insert cotton buds deep into the ear
Clean only areas that can be safely accessed.
Don't routinely pluck ear-canal hair
Only do so when there is a specific reason and appropriate professional guidance.
Don't ignore persistent odour
An unpleasant smell can be a sign of ear disease.
Don't ignore repeated head shaking
Investigate the cause.
Don't put medication into a painful ear without veterinary advice
The eardrum may need to be assessed before certain products are used.
A Simple Cavalier Ear-Care Routine
Weekly
☐ Look at both ears.
☐ Check the outer ear flap.
☐ Check the feathering.
☐ Look for redness or swelling.
☐ Check for unusual discharge.
☐ Notice any unusual odour.
☐ Observe whether your Cavalier is scratching or shaking their head.
After swimming or bathing
☐ Check the ears.
☐ Gently dry the outer ear.
☐ Check the feathering.
☐ Monitor for subsequent irritation.
During Queensland tick season
☐ Thoroughly check the ears and surrounding head and neck.
☐ Check the entire body.
☐ Maintain your veterinarian-recommended tick prevention program.
If something changes
☐ Don't repeatedly clean and hope it resolves.
☐ Contact your veterinarian.
Cavalier Ear-Care Checklist
LOOK
Are the ears their normal colour?
SMELL
Do they smell normal?
TOUCH
Are they comfortable when gently handled?
CHECK
Is there unusual wax, discharge, swelling or debris?
OBSERVE
Is your Cavalier scratching or shaking their head?
ACT
If something has changed, seek appropriate veterinary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Cavalier's ears?
There is no universal cleaning schedule. A healthy Cavalier may require little routine cleaning, while another dog may need a veterinarian-recommended maintenance program. Check the ears regularly, but don't automatically clean them simply because you have reached a particular day of the week.
How often should I check my Cavalier's ears?
A quick visual check at least weekly is a sensible part of routine grooming, with additional checks after swimming, bathing and outdoor activities.
Why does my Cavalier's ear smell?
An unpleasant or unusual odour can be associated with ear disease, including inflammation, yeast or bacterial infection. If the smell persists or is accompanied by scratching, head shaking or discharge, consult your veterinarian.
Why does my Cavalier keep shaking their head?
Repeated head shaking can indicate ear irritation, infection, a foreign body, parasites, allergies or another problem. Persistent or sudden head shaking should be investigated rather than simply treated with ear cleaner.
Should I pluck my Cavalier's ear hair?
Not routinely. Ear-canal hair removal may sometimes form part of treatment for a particular ear problem, but routine plucking can itself cause inflammation. Discuss your dog's individual ears with your veterinarian or experienced groomer.
Can I use cotton buds to clean my Cavalier's ears?
Do not insert cotton buds deep into the ear canal. They can push material deeper or cause trauma. Follow your veterinarian's recommended cleaning technique.
Can I use vinegar to clean my dog's ears?
Do not use homemade vinegar solutions unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Irritating home remedies can worsen inflammation and ear disease.
Should I clean my Cavalier's ears after swimming?
Check and gently dry the outer ears after swimming. If your Cavalier is prone to recurrent ear problems after swimming, ask your veterinarian whether a specific preventative ear-care routine is appropriate.
What is PSOM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Primary Secretory Otitis Media is an uncommon middle-ear condition reported particularly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It involves mucus accumulation within the middle ear and requires veterinary diagnosis and management.
Can ear infections affect hearing?
Yes. Ear disease can affect hearing, particularly when inflammation or infection involves deeper parts of the ear. Any noticeable hearing change should be assessed by a veterinarian.
What if my Cavalier has a swollen ear flap?
A swollen ear flap may be an aural haematoma, particularly following repeated head shaking or scratching. Seek veterinary attention rather than attempting to drain or treat it yourself.
In Conclusion…
Good ear care is about observation, prevention and knowing when to seek help.
Remember:
Check your Cavalier's ears regularly.
Don't assume healthy ears need frequent cleaning.
Keep ears appropriately dry after bathing and swimming.
Use only dog-appropriate ear products.
Don't use homemade ear remedies.
Never insert cotton buds deep into the ear canal.
Don't routinely pluck ear-canal hair without a specific reason.
Take persistent head shaking, scratching or odour seriously.
Check your Cavalier's ears carefully for ticks in Queensland.
Seek veterinary advice for painful, inflamed, infected or recurrent ear problems.
Remember that Cavaliers can experience middle-ear conditions such as PSOM.
Teach puppies from an early age that gentle ear handling is normal and positive.
Beautiful ears are part of what makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel such a distinctive breed. But good ear care is ultimately about much more than appearance. The goal is healthy, comfortable ears and a Cavalier who is happy to have them gently examined and cared for throughout their life.
References
Dogs Australia. (2008). Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard. Dogs Australia — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2026). Ear infections and otitis externa in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual — Ear Infections and Otitis Externa
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2026). Otitis externa in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual — Otitis Externa
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2025). Primary secretory otitis media in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual — Primary Secretory Otitis Media
RSPCA Australia. (n.d.). How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Tick Paralysis Prevention
University of Melbourne. (n.d.). Ears — Companion Animal Medical Guidelines. University of Melbourne — Companion Animal Medical Guidelines: Ears
Disclaimer
This article is provided by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (Queensland) for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.