How to Clean Your Shih Tzu's Ears: A Simple Guide for New Owners
Shih Tzus need more than just brushing and baths. Learn how to gently check and clean your puppy's ears, how often to do it, and when to call your vet.
By Tillery Family · June 21, 2026 · 7 min read
Shih Tzus are known for their sweet personalities, beautiful coats, and adorable faces — but their grooming needs go beyond brushing and baths. You can also learn more about their beautiful coat variety on our Shih Tzu Colors & Patterns page.
Because Shih Tzus have floppy ears and hair around the ear area, moisture, wax, and debris can sometimes build up. Regular ear checks and gentle cleaning can help keep your Shih Tzu comfortable and make it easier to notice early signs of irritation.
Why Ear Care Matters for Shih Tzus
A Shih Tzu's ears should be checked regularly as part of their grooming routine. Healthy ears usually look clean, light pink, and should not have a strong odor.
Ear cleaning can help remove mild wax or debris, but it is important not to over-clean. Cleaning too often or too aggressively can irritate the ear canal. The goal is gentle maintenance — not deep cleaning.
Veterinary sources recommend using a dog-safe ear cleaner and avoiding anything harsh or irritating. If your puppy's ears are red, painful, inflamed, or have a bad smell, it is best to contact your veterinarian before cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean a Shih Tzu's Ears?
Not every Shih Tzu needs their ears cleaned on the same schedule. Some dogs naturally have cleaner ears, while others may need more frequent care.
A good routine is to check the ears once a week. If the ears look clean and healthy, you may not need to clean them. If you notice light wax or debris, you can gently clean them with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
For many Shih Tzus, ear cleaning may be done every couple of weeks or as needed. Dogs with allergies, frequent ear issues, or heavier buildup may need a different schedule recommended by their veterinarian.
What You Need
Before cleaning your Shih Tzu's ears, gather:
- Dog-safe ear cleaning solution
- Cotton balls or gauze
- Treats for positive reinforcement
- A towel, if needed
Avoid using cotton swabs deep inside the ear canal. Wipe only what you can see and do not clean deep into the ear canal.
For a simple list of helpful products to have ready before bringing your puppy home, visit our Puppy Essentials page.
How to Clean Your Shih Tzu's Ears
1. Make Sure Your Puppy Is Calm
Choose a quiet time when your Shih Tzu is relaxed. You can offer treats and gentle praise to make the process feel positive.
2. Lift the Ear Gently
Lift the ear flap and look inside. The ear should not be red, swollen, painful, or have a strong odor. If the ear looks irritated or your puppy acts painful, stop and contact your veterinarian.
3. Apply Ear Cleaner
Use a dog-safe ear cleaning solution. Follow the directions on the bottle or your vet's instructions. Apply the solution into the ear canal gently.
4. Massage the Base of the Ear
Gently massage the base of the ear for a few seconds. This helps the cleaner loosen wax and debris.
5. Let Your Shih Tzu Shake
Your puppy may shake their head after the cleaner is applied. That is normal and helps bring debris outward.
6. Wipe What You Can See
Use cotton or gauze to gently wipe the visible part of the ear. Do not push anything deep into the ear.
7. Reward Your Puppy
Give praise and a treat afterward. This helps your Shih Tzu associate ear care with something positive.
What Not to Do
When cleaning your Shih Tzu's ears, avoid:
- Using cotton swabs deep in the ear
- Using alcohol, peroxide, or harsh household products
- Cleaning ears that look infected without veterinary advice
- Digging deep into the ear canal
- Cleaning too often when the ears already look healthy
Gentle is best. Ear cleaning should never be painful.
Signs Your Shih Tzu May Need a Vet
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Strong odor from the ears
- Redness or swelling
- Dark discharge
- Yellow or green discharge
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
- Pain when the ears are touched
- Crusty or irritated skin around the ear
- Loss of balance or unusual behavior
Ongoing or painful ear problems should always be handled by a veterinarian.
Should Shih Tzu Ear Hair Be Plucked?
Some Shih Tzus grow hair inside or around the ears. Whether ear hair should be trimmed or plucked depends on the dog, the groomer, and the veterinarian's recommendation.
For some dogs, excess ear hair may trap moisture and debris. For others, unnecessary plucking may cause irritation. If you are unsure, ask your groomer or veterinarian what is best for your puppy.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Shih Tzu's ears does not have to be complicated. The most important things are to check the ears regularly, clean gently when needed, and know when something does not look normal.
A simple ear care routine can help your Shih Tzu stay comfortable and can make grooming easier as they grow.
At Oh My Shih Tzus, we encourage new puppy families to build gentle grooming habits early. Regular brushing, face cleaning, nail trims, and ear checks can help your puppy feel more comfortable with care throughout their life.
Families preparing for a new puppy can also view our Available Shih Tzu Puppies or complete our Puppy Application when they are ready to take the next step.
Helpful Pages
- Shih Tzu Colors & Patterns
- Available Shih Tzu Puppies
- Puppy Application
- Puppy Essentials