Those soft, floppy ears are part of a golden’s charm — and also their weak spot. Golden retriever ear care is one of the most overlooked parts of grooming, yet ear infections are among the most common reasons goldens end up at the vet. A few minutes of regular golden retriever ear care prevents a lot of pain, expense, and head-shaking. Here’s how to keep those ears healthy.
Why Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Ear Problems
A golden’s ear flap hangs down and covers the ear canal, trapping warmth and moisture — the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. Add a breed that loves swimming and getting wet, plus a tendency toward allergies, and you have a recipe for recurring infections. That’s exactly why proactive golden retriever ear care matters so much for this breed specifically.
A Simple Golden Retriever Ear Care Routine
Check weekly
Lift the ear flap and take a look and a sniff. Healthy ears are pale pink, clean, and nearly odorless. A yeasty or foul smell, redness, or dark discharge are early warning signs.
Clean as needed
Use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner — never cotton swabs deep in the canal. Fill the canal, massage the base of the ear, let your dog shake, then wipe away debris with a cotton pad. Over-cleaning healthy ears can irritate them, so clean when needed, not obsessively.
Dry after water
After every bath or swim, gently dry the ears. Trapped moisture is the number one trigger for infections in this breed.
Signs of an Ear Infection
See your vet if you notice head-shaking, scratching or pawing at the ear, redness or swelling, a strong odor, brown or yellow discharge, or signs of pain when you touch the ear. Ear infections rarely clear on their own and get more painful the longer they’re left — early treatment is quicker, cheaper, and kinder.
When to See the Vet
Don’t try to treat a suspected infection with home remedies or leftover medication. The right treatment depends on the cause (yeast, bacteria, or mites), which your vet can identify. Recurrent infections may also point to an underlying allergy worth investigating.
Related Reading
Ears are one piece of overall grooming and health. Visit our Golden Paw Guide home for more, and see our guides to golden retriever grooming and common golden retriever health problems.
Note: This article reflects our personal experience with three Golden Retrievers and general canine care information. For any suspected ear infection, consult your veterinarian.
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