doggrooming.trade

Service

Ear cleaning

Ear cleaning by a groomer costs £9 to £12 as an add-on or short appointment, the middle half of 19 published UK prices in October 2026, and is included in most full grooms and baths. It means wiping the outer ear and the entrance to the canal and, for breeds with hairy canals, plucking or trimming the hair.

Illustration: a sitting dog with one ear folded back under a magnifying lamp, cotton pads and ear cleanser beside it

What this covers

Typical price. £9 to £12 on its own or as an add-on (the middle half of 19 published prices, October 2026); included in most full grooms and baths

What the job covers

  • Wiping the ear flaps and canal entrance of a spaniel with long ears
  • Plucking loose hair from a poodle's ear canal
  • Trimming hair around the ear opening of a shih tzu instead of plucking
  • An ear check and clean added to a bath and brush
  • A quick ear clean between grooms for a dog prone to wax

What is involved

A groomer cleans what can be seen: the ear flap and the entrance to the ear canal, wiped with cotton wool or pads and an ear cleaner, never with cotton buds pushed down the canal. For breeds whose ear canals grow hair, such as poodles, poodle crosses, shih tzus, bichons, schnauzers and some terriers, the groomer may pluck loose hair with fingers and ear powder, or trim around the opening instead. Most groomers include an ear check and wipe in every full groom and bath.

Whether to pluck is debated in the trade. Some groomers pluck routinely to let air into the canal; others now advise plucking only when the hair is causing a problem, because plucking can irritate the canal. Many groomers ask the owner's preference and will trim rather than pluck. Dogs with long, heavy ears, such as spaniels and basset hounds, collect more wax and debris and benefit from regular checks between grooms.

A groomer is not diagnosing anything, but they look at a lot of ears and will tell you if one smells, is red, hot or swollen, has dark discharge, or makes the dog shake its head and flinch. Those are signs of an infection or ear mites, and a dog with sore ears should see a vet rather than have them cleaned. Ask whether ear cleaning is already included in the groom, whether they pluck or trim, and what cleaner they use.

Choosing someone for the job

Ask whether ear cleaning is included in the groom you are booking, and what a separate ear clean costs. Ask whether they pluck ear hair, trim it, or ask your preference, and what cleaner they use. Ask them to tell you if they see redness, discharge or a smell, so you can get it checked. If your dog has had ear problems, tell the groomer before they start.

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Common questions

How much does a groomer charge for ear cleaning?

The middle half of 19 published prices is £9 to £12 (October 2026), as an add-on or on its own. It is included in most full grooms and baths at no extra charge.

Do groomers clean dogs' ears?

Yes. Most groomers check and wipe the ears as part of every full groom and bath, and many offer it on its own. They clean the visible ear and the canal entrance only.

Should a groomer pluck my dog's ears?

Opinion is divided. Some groomers pluck routinely for hairy-eared breeds; others pluck only when the hair is causing a problem, or trim instead. Many groomers ask what you prefer.

How often should a dog's ears be cleaned?

Most dogs need only the check and clean they get at each groom. Dogs with long, heavy or hairy ears may need a wipe every week or two at home.

Find someone near you

Groomers who list dog ear cleaning

949 listed groomers say they offer it.

A selection of them

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