The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Let’s talk ears.
Not the adorable floppy ones that you pet and talk to like a Victorian kid while scratching your pug.
I mean the crevices.
The caves.
Funkytown, where bacteria party like it’s 1999, is accessible through secret, shadowy portals.
If you’ve got a pug, you already know: these snorty, wrinkly gremlins are adorable disasters when it comes to staying clean. And their ears?
They are pure dirt magnets.
But don’t panic. You don’t need a vet tech degree, a lab coat, or a doggy day spa membership to get those ears clean.
All you need is this straightforward guide, a steady hand, and a little patience.
So let’s clear the air and get right to the point: how to clean your pug’s ears without causing any drama, harm, or an expensive vet bill.
Let’s clarify one thing.
Pugs have peculiar anatomy. That’s their charm. But it also means trouble in weird places.
The ideal environment for buildup is created by their short ear canals, constricted passages, and inadequate air circulation. You have a funky situation when you combine dirt, wax, moisture, and possibly some leftover peanut butter from treat time.
If you let it fester, you’re not just looking at gross ears. You’re looking at:
Ear infections
Itching and head shaking
Yeast overload (yes, the stinky kind)
Pain and vet bills that make your wallet weep
So yeah. Ear care isn’t optional. It’s pug parenthood 101.
You don’t need to wait for an ear to sprout a tiny mushroom colony to clean it.
Here’s what to look out for:
A sour or musty smell (the kind that makes you say “ugh” mid-sniff)
Excess head shaking or ear scratching
Visible gunk, wax, or dark buildup
Redness or inflammation
Your pug is looking at you like, “Dude, something’s off.”
A healthy ear is pale pink, mostly odorless, and clean-ish inside.
It’s probably time for a clean if you wouldn’t want to lick it. (Kidding. Please don’t lick it.)
Don’t overthink this. You don’t need 47 products.
Here’s your basic kit:
Dog-safe ear cleaner: Choose one designed for delicate puppies. Avoid anything with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals
Never, ever use Q-tips; instead, use gauze or cotton pads. We’re not trying to puncture an eardrum here
Treats: Consider them valuable. Chicken bits. Cheese. Leftover steak if you’re feeling generous
Towel: The towel will flap. There will be drips. Protect your floor (and your sanity)
Optional: A peanut butter distraction device or a lick mat, as sometimes you need a second pair of hands.
Step 1: Set the Mood
Turn off the chaos. Sit on the floor. Speak softly. Make it feel less like a medical procedure and more like “treats with a side of ear wiggles.”
Step 2: Lift and Inspect
Gently lift one ear flap. Look inside. Don’t dig yet; just make sure you have what you need. Light gunk? Cool. Serious swamp vibes? It might be time to call the vet.
Step 3: Squeeze and Soak
Squeeze a bit of ear cleaner directly into the ear canal. Yes, they’ll squirm. Yes, your pug will look betrayed.
For 20 to 30 seconds, gently massage the base of your ear; you’ll hear a squishy sound. That’s what the cleaner is doing.
Step 4: Shake It Off
Let your pug shake like they’re mid-concert. It’s messy, but it helps bring the gunk to the surface.
Step 5: Wipe It Down
Use a cotton pad or gauze to gently wipe out the ear flap and outer canal. No deep digging. Stay shallow, like a gossip column.
Step 6: Repeat on the Other Side
Same steps, different ear. Don’t forget to reassure, praise, and treat throughout the process.
Step 7: Treat Yo’ Pup
Give them a snack, a cuddle, a “who’s the cleanest lil’ gremlin” moment. Make it memorable. Reinforce the positive vibes.
To put it simply, excessive cleaning is as hazardous as not cleaning at all.
Overcleaning can dry out the ear canal and cause irritation. You want balance.
For most pugs: every 2 to 4 weeks is perfect
If your pug has floppy ears that retain moisture, is prone to allergies, or has yeast? You might need to clean more often
Been swimming? In the mud somewhere? Extra clean might be needed that week
Always observe. Let their ears tell you when it’s time. (Not really, unless your pug speaks English fluently in secret.)
Look, I’m all for the hands-on, self-reliant lifestyle. But there’s a line.
Call your vet if you notice:
Yellow, green, or bloody discharge
Strong foul odor that won’t quit
Excessive swelling or redness
Is your pug crying, wincing, or guarding their ear
Head tilting or balance issues
You don’t want to mess with infections.
Ear infections in pugs can spiral fast. Vet care means less pain, less stress, and faster healing.
Here’s the thing, Boss:
Your pug doesn’t need perfection. They don’t care if you use the most expensive products or adhere to a grooming tip that goes viral.
They just need you to show up. to clean as required. to take care of them with patience, love, and perhaps a towel draped across your lap.
Ear cleaning doesn’t have to be this dramatic ordeal.
It can be a moment of trust. A ritual. A quiet act of love.
One swipe at a time.
So grab the cleaner. Light that metaphorical candle.
And clean those floppy little sound holes like the noble pug whisperer you were born to be.
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