Dog Grooming & Haircuts
Full-service grooming for all breeds — ear cleaning included at no extra charge.
- Ear cleaning included
- All breeds welcome
- Full-service care
Louisville, KY Pet Grooming Specialist
Dog Ear Cleaning in Louisville, KY
Professional dog ear cleaning at Brandy's Pampered Pets in Louisville, KY helps prevent painful ear infections before they start. We use a gentle flush-and-clean technique to remove debris, excess wax, and moisture from your dog's ear canals. Included in all full-service grooming packages or available as a standalone add-on.
Licensed & Insured
4+ Years Experience
5-Star Rated
Pet-Safe Products
Prevention First
Why does my dog need professional ear cleaning?
A dog's ear canal is shaped like an L — moisture, wax, and debris easily accumulate at the bend where air circulation is limited. Without regular cleaning, that buildup creates the warm, moist environment that bacteria and yeast thrive in. Professional ear cleaning removes the buildup before it becomes a problem, keeping ears healthy between vet visits and reducing the likelihood of chronic infections in breeds prone to them.
- Removes accumulated wax, debris, and moisture from the ear canal
- Prevents bacterial and yeast infections before symptoms appear
- Especially critical for floppy-eared breeds where airflow is restricted
- Saves hundreds in vet bills by catching issues early
Last Updated: June 2026
Gentle, Thorough Process
How does Brandy's perform dog ear cleaning safely?
Our ear cleaning process uses a gentle, dog-safe ear cleaner solution applied on a cotton pad — never a cotton swab, which can push debris deeper. We work in stages, allowing the cleaner to break up buildup before wiping, and always inspect visually before and after. Most dogs relax completely once the bath is done and the ear cleaning begins.
01
Visual Inspection
We inspect the outer ear for redness, discharge, or swelling before beginning — signs of active infection mean we refer you to a vet first.
02
Ear Cleaner Application
A dog-safe ear cleaning solution is applied to a cotton pad. We use a massaging technique to help the solution loosen wax and debris.
03
Gentle Wipe-Out
Soft cotton pads remove loosened buildup from the visible canal. We never go deeper than is visually safe — no cotton swabs.
04
Post-Clean Check
A final visual check confirms the ears are clean and dry. We'll let you know if we noticed anything worth monitoring or discussing with your vet.
High-Risk Breeds
Which dogs are most prone to ear infections and need regular cleaning?
Breeds with floppy or hairy ears restrict airflow and trap moisture — the two primary factors that lead to ear infections. Dogs that swim frequently compound the risk. The following breeds benefit most from consistent professional ear cleaning at every grooming appointment, and should be checked monthly at a minimum.
Basset Hound
Extremely long, heavy floppy ears — almost no airflow
Floppy Ears
Cocker Spaniel
Dense feathering inside ears traps moisture and debris
Floppy Ears
Labrador Retriever
Avid swimmers — wet ear canals after every swim
Swimmer
Poodle
Hair grows inside ear canal, blocking ventilation
Hair Growth
Golden Retriever
Pendulous ears and frequent swimming, high infection rate
Swimmer
Shih Tzu
Dense ear hair creates moisture trap in small canal
Hair Growth
Beagle
Long drooping ears sit close to head, poor circulation
Floppy Ears
Doodle Mixes
Inherits Poodle's inner ear hair growth from both parent lines
Hair Growth
Know When to Act
What are the warning signs that your dog's ears need professional attention?
Most ear infections give early warning signs before they become serious. If you notice any of the following in your Louisville dog, it's time to book an appointment — and if multiple signs are present, see your vet first to rule out active infection before grooming. Early intervention at the grooming stage can stop minor buildup from escalating.
Head Shaking or Tilting
Persistent head shaking or tilting toward one ear signals discomfort or buildup in the canal that needs attention.
Unusual Odor
A yeasty, musty, or otherwise abnormal smell coming from the ear is a reliable early signal of bacterial or yeast buildup.
Visible Dark Discharge
Brown, black, or reddish discharge visible in the ear canal indicates buildup or early infection — don't wait to address it.
Scratching at Ears
Frequent scratching at or behind the ears often means the interior is irritated from buildup, moisture, or the early stages of infection.
Redness or Swelling
Redness inside the ear flap or around the canal is a sign of inflammation. If swelling is present, see your vet before grooming.
Flinching at Touch
If your dog reacts painfully when you touch their ears, this suggests significant inflammation — vet visit first, then grooming.
Common Questions
What do Louisville dog owners ask about ear cleaning services?
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Standalone ear cleaning add-ons cost $10–15 at Brandy's. It's included as part of every full-service grooming package at no additional charge. For dogs prone to chronic ear issues, regular professional cleaning can prevent costly vet visits.
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Most dogs benefit from ear cleaning every 4–6 weeks, aligned with regular grooming appointments. Floppy-eared breeds, swimmers, and dogs with a history of ear infections should be cleaned more frequently — monthly or at every grooming session.
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No — we're groomers, not veterinarians. If your dog's ears are showing signs of active infection (significant odor, discharge, head shaking, pain on touch), please see your vet before bringing them in for grooming. Once the infection is treated, we're happy to support ongoing preventive ear cleaning.
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No, when done correctly. We use a gentle flush technique with a dog-safe ear cleaner, cotton pads, and a light touch. Most dogs tolerate ear cleaning well, especially when they're relaxed from a bath. Dogs with inflamed ears from existing infections may have some sensitivity — another reason to see the vet first if infection is suspected.
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At-home ear cleaning is helpful for maintenance between visits, but professional cleaning goes deeper and uses appropriate tools to remove accumulated debris and moisture at the base of the ear canal. We also inspect for signs of irritation, excessive wax buildup, or early infection indicators that homeowners often miss.
Keep Exploring
What Other Services Might Your Pet Need?
Dog Nail Trimming
Walk-in nail trims available — clipping or Dremel grinding, your dog's preference.
- Walk-ins welcome
- Clipping or grinding
- Stress-free technique
Full Service Pet Grooming
The complete package — bath, cut, nail trim, and ear cleaning all in one visit.
- Bath, cut, nails + ears
- Complete care package
- Best value option