Shih Tzus have such a distinct, signature look, their little face, their silky coat, and of course… those ears. And as cute as those floppy ears are, here’s the thing: they’re high-maintenance.
Because if you don’t stay on top of it? Those adorable ears can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast real quick.
I tell all my Divine Pup families: ear care isn’t optional. It’s essential. And no, it doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated, but it does have to be consistent.
Let’s walk through how to keep those ears clean, healthy, and smelling fresh, without turning it into a battle or guessing game.
Why Ear Cleaning Matters for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus have floppy ears that cover their ear canals, which creates the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. That’s why they’re more prone to ear infections than breeds with upright ears. If you don’t clean them regularly, you might not notice an issue until there’s already redness, itching, or a bad smell, and by then, it’s uncomfortable for your pup.
Routine ear cleaning doesn’t just keep infections away; it also helps you catch any problems early. A quick check and clean each week can save you from vet bills and your pup from unnecessary discomfort.
How Often Should You Clean Their Ears?
For most Shih Tzus, cleaning their ears once a week is a good routine. If your pup loves swimming or tends to get dirty easily, you may need to do it a little more often. But don’t overdo it, cleaning too frequently can irritate the ear canal.
Always check for signs like redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul smell. If you notice any of these, skip the cleaning and call your vet instead.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Shih Tzu’s Ears
- Grab your supplies: You’ll need a gentle, vet-approved ear wash, some cotton balls or gauze, and treats for bribery (let’s be real).
- Gently lift your pup’s ear flap so you can see inside.
- Squeeze a few drops of the ear wash into the ear canal (I recommend PawTree’s Ear Wash & Ear Dry duo, it’s soothing, alcohol-free, and made with natural ingredients like chamomile, yucca, and clove oil).
- Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to help the solution loosen debris. You’ll hear a little squishy sound.. that’s normal!
- Let your pup shake their head (stand back if you don’t want a face full of ear wash!).
- Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe out any visible dirt and excess solution. Never stick a cotton swab down into the ear canal.
Repeat on the other ear, and don’t forget to reward them with praise and a treat for being such a good sport!
Why I Recommend PawTree’s Ear Wash & Ear Dry
I’ve tried a lot of ear cleaners over the years, but this is the one I trust and use for my Divine Pups. It’s gentle, non-stinging, and packed with natural ingredients that soothe irritation while controlling odor and itching. Plus, it’s vet-developed and alcohol-free, so I know it’s safe for regular use.
You can snag it right here if you’re looking for a solid, easy-to-use option.
In Conclusion
A little regular ear care goes a long way in keeping your Shih Tzu happy, healthy, and infection-free. It doesn’t have to be complicated, you just need the right tools, the right routine, and the right mindset.
And if you’re raising one of our Divine Pups just know that we start them off with gentle handling and grooming exposure from the very beginning, so ear cleaning isn’t a scary thing. It’s just part of the love and care they’re used to.Ready to add a Divine Pup to your family, or want to learn more about what makes our pups so special? Check out our Ready Pups Nursery and see who’s waiting to meet you.
