Head shaking, scratching at the ears, a dark waxy build-up or a sour smell — ear trouble is one of the most common things dog and cat parents ask us about at Season Pets House in Kepong. In Malaysia's warm, humid climate, ears are a part of grooming that's easy to overlook but really worth keeping on top of. Here's a clear, vet-informed look at how to care for your pet's ears, how to tell a simple wax build-up from something that needs a vet, and where ear mites fit in.
A pet's ear canal is warm, and after a bath, a swim or a rainy walk it can stay damp — and warmth plus moisture is exactly what bacteria and yeast like. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that ear infections (otitis externa) are common in dogs, and that dogs with floppy or hairy ears, or those that get water in their ears, can be more prone. In a year-round warm, humid place like Malaysia, that makes regular ear checks a sensible habit — especially for breeds with droopy or hairy ears.
A healthy ear is usually pale pink, with little odour and only a small amount of wax. Make a habit of a quick look and sniff every week. To clean, use a proper pet ear cleaner — not cotton buds pushed deep into the canal, which can pack debris down or damage the ear. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center explains that ear cleaning helps reduce debris, bacteria and yeast in the ear. The usual approach is to fill the canal with a vet-approved cleaner, gently massage the base of the ear, let your pet shake, then wipe the visible part with cotton wool or a soft pad. We stock a gentle, natural ear cleaner for dogs and cats (Kelco Zap Ear) and soft eye & ear cleaning wipes for routine wiping of the outer ear. Important: VCA advises that if the ear is red, swollen or painful, you should not clean it yourself — see your vet first, as there may be an infection or a damaged ear drum.
Ear mites are a very common cause of itchy, irritated ears — especially in kittens and young cats. VCA describes the ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) as a tiny surface mite that's highly contagious between cats, dogs and ferrets, and it often produces a dark, crumbly, coffee-ground-like discharge. Here's the catch: the signs of ear mites look a lot like the signs of an ear infection — black discharge, scratching and head shaking — so they can't reliably be told apart at home. Mites need the right anti-parasite treatment, and an infection needs different treatment, which is exactly why a vet check matters when something looks off.
A gentle ear clean is part of a full groom at Season Pets House. Our certified, award-winning team checks and cleans the ears, removes the moisture and debris that odour clings to, and can flag anything that looks like it needs a vet. If your pet has hairy ear canals or is prone to wax build-up, regular grooming keeps things in much better shape. See our grooming services or message us to book.
Please see your vet rather than reaching for a cleaner if your pet has a red, swollen or painful ear, a strong or persistent smell, a heavy dark or pus-like discharge, constant head shaking or scratching, or any sign of pain or hearing change. These can mean an infection, ear mites or another problem that needs proper diagnosis and treatment. This article is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
How often should I clean my pet's ears? There's no single rule — many healthy pets need only occasional cleaning, while dogs with floppy or hairy ears, or pets that swim or get ear infections, may need it more often. A good routine is a quick weekly check (look and sniff) and cleaning only when there's visible wax or after water gets in. Don't over-clean healthy ears, as that can cause irritation. If you're unsure how often, ask us or your vet.
How do I know if it's ear mites or an infection? You often can't tell at home, because both cause similar signs — dark discharge, itching, scratching and head shaking. Ear mites are especially common in kittens and young cats and are very contagious to other pets. Because mites and infections need different treatments, the safest move is a vet visit to get the right diagnosis rather than guessing.
Can I use cotton buds to clean my dog's or cat's ears? It's best not to push cotton buds (Q-tips) down into the ear canal — they can pack debris deeper or damage the ear. Instead use a pet ear cleaner to flush the canal and a cotton pad or ear wipe only on the visible outer part of the ear. And if the ear looks red, swollen or sore, don't clean it at all — see your vet first.
Want your pet's ears checked and cleaned as part of a groom? WhatsApp us: 010-392 3310. Season Pets House, 93, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan Kepong, KL. Open daily 10am–9pm.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Season Pet Shop offers a range of services such as pet grooming, pet food sales, and various other pet-related services to cater to the needs of pet owners in the area.
Posted by Season Pet Shop on 30 Jun 26
Malaysia