How To Clean Your Cavapoo’s Ears: The Ultimate Guide for a Happy, Healthy Pup

The Great Cavapoo Ear Mystery: Floppy, Furry, and Occasionally…Funky?

If you’ve ever been mid-cuddle with your Cavapoo when suddenly—what’s that smell?—you’re not alone. Those irresistibly soft, floppy ears are perfect for framing their sweet puppy-dog eyes. Still, they also create the ideal environment for wax buildup, moisture, and the occasional mystery debris (seriously, how do they always end up with something in there?).

The good news? Ear cleaning doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right approach, you can turn this necessary task into a quick, stress-free routine—maybe even a bonding moment (or at least a treat-worthy moment).

At Jones Farm Puppies, we believe in setting up our Cavapoo families for success, including knowing how to care for those adorable ears. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your pup’s ears clean, healthy, and infection-free!

Why Ear Cleaning Is Essential for Cavapoos

Cavapoos inherit their ear structure from their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, meaning they often have those signature floppy ears that, while adorable, can trap moisture, wax, and debris. Without regular cleaning, this can lead to:

• Ear infections (itchy, painful, and often smelly)
• Excess wax buildup (which can block the ear canal)
• Bacterial or yeast overgrowth (thanks to warm, dark ear flaps)
• Chronic irritation (cue the head-shaking, ear-scratching, and carpet-rubbing)

The best defense? A simple, consistent ear-care routine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Cavapoo’s Ears

What You’ll Need:

✔ Dog-safe ear cleaner (ask your vet for recommendations—never use human products!)

✔ Cotton balls or gauze pads (soft and gentle for wiping)

✔ Treats (essential for positive reinforcement)

✔ A towel (because the post-cleaning shake is inevitable)

🚫 Avoid Q-tips! They can push debris deeper or even damage the eardrum.

The Cleaning Process:

1. Set the Mood

Choose a calm time when your pup is relaxed—after a walk or play session works great. Have all your supplies ready so you’re not scrambling mid-process.

2. Inspect the Ears First

Gently lift each ear flap and look inside. Healthy ears should be:

• Light pink (not red or inflamed)
• Odor-free (or just a mild, neutral smell)
• Free of excessive debris (a little wax is standard; black, crumbly, or yellow discharge is not)

If you notice redness, swelling, a foul odor, or your pup seems painful, skip cleaning and call your vet.

3. Apply the Ear Cleaner

Hold the bottle near (but not inside) the ear canal and squeeze a small amount in. You’ll likely get a “Mom/Dad, why?!” look—stay strong.

4. Massage the Base

Gently rub the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds. You’ll hear a squishy sound—the cleaner breaking up wax. Some dogs love this part (like a mini ear massage); others will judge you deeply.

5. Let the Shake Happen

Release your pup and let it shake its head. This helps loosen debris—just be ready to dodge! (Pro tip: Do this outside or over a towel.)

6. Wipe Away Debris

Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the outer ear canal. Don’t dig deep—just clean what you can see. If the cotton gets dirty, use a fresh one.

7. Reward & Repeat

Praise your pup and give a treat! Then, repeat this in the other ear (yes, they both need attention).

How Often Should You Clean Your Cavapoo’s Ears?

• Weekly for maintenance (or as recommended by your vet).
• After baths or swimming (moisture = breeding ground for bacteria).
• More often, if prone to infections (some Cavapoos need bi-weekly cleanings).

Over-cleaning can irritate the ears, so stick to a schedule that works for your dog.

Signs of Ear Trouble: When to Call the Vet

Even with regular cleaning, some pups are more prone to ear issues. Watch for:

🔴 Redness or swelling

👃 A strong, unpleasant odor

💦 Excessive discharge (brown, yellow, or black)

🐾 Constant scratching or head-shaking

😣 Pain when touching the ears

If you see these signs, don’t wait—ear infections can worsen quickly.

Preventing Ear Problems Before They Start

• Keep ears dry – Gently dry the ears with a towel after baths or swimming.
• Trim excess hair – Some Cavapoos grow hair inside their ears; ask your groomer to thin it out.
• Check ears weekly – Catching issues early makes treatment easier.
• Feed a healthy diet – Good nutrition supports skin and ear health.

FAQ: Your Cavapoo Ear-Cleaning Questions, Answered

My Cavapoo hates ear cleaning. Any tips?
Try:

• Pairing it with treats (clean one ear → treat → clean the other → bigger treat).
• Start slow – Just lift the ear flap first, then work up to cleaning.
• Using a lick mat – Distract them with peanut butter while you work.

Can I use baby wipes or hydrogen peroxide?
No! Human products can disrupt the ear’s pH balance. Stick to vet-approved cleaners.

Are Cavapoos more prone to ear infections?
Their floppy ears make them more susceptible, but regular cleaning dramatically reduces risk.

How do I know if I’m cleaning too much?
If ears seem red or irritated after cleaning, space out sessions more.

My pup’s ears are always dirty. Is that normal?
Some wax is standard, but excessive buildup could mean allergies or infection. Ask your vet.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Ears = A Happier Cavapoo!

Cleaning your Cavapoo’s ears might not be their favorite activity, but it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent discomfort and keep them healthy. Plus, those fresh, clean ears are just begging for extra scritches!

At Jones Farm Puppies, we’re committed to raising happy, healthy Cavapoos—including helping you care for them at home. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we’re always here to help!

Now, give your pup an ear rub (and maybe a treat for being such a good sport).