Shih Tzu Ear Infections and Ear Cleaning: Signs, Causes and Step-by-Step Care

A Shih Tzu's ears are almost hidden under a curtain of hair, which makes it easy to forget they are there until something goes wrong. A sudden odor during cuddle time, a dog who keeps pawing at one side of the face, or a groomer mentioning "a lot of wax" are often the first clues.

Below: why Shih Tzus are prone to ear trouble, the signs to look for, when to see a vet, and a step-by-step guide to cleaning your Shih Tzu's ears at home, including what to do about all that ear hair.

Why Shih Tzu ears need extra attention

Shih Tzus were bred as palace companions, not for practical ears. Several features stack up against them:

• Heavy, hair-covered ear flaps. Long coat on the outside of the flap adds weight and seals the ear opening against the head, so the canal stays warm with very little fresh air.
• Hair growing inside the canal. Shih Tzus grow hair down into the ear canal itself. Mixed with wax, it can form a dense, damp wad that is hard to see past.
• A flat face. As a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, Shih Tzus have a compact skull, and some individuals have narrower ear canals than longer-nosed dogs. Narrow canals clog more easily.
• Skin sensitivity. Many Shih Tzus deal with allergies or greasy, flaky skin. When the skin is inflamed, the lining of the ear canal is usually affected too.
• Constant grooming. Regular baths, conditioners and blow-drying are part of life with this coat. Each bath is a chance for water or product to end up in the ear.

The result is an ear that rarely airs out on its own, which is why routine cleaning matters so much for this breed.

Signs your Shih Tzu's ears need help

Because the coat covers so much, you often have to part the hair to see what is happening. During your weekly check, look and sniff for:

• Pawing at the ear or dragging the side of the face along rugs
• Head shaking that makes the ear hair flap loudly
• Damp, matted or discolored hair right at the ear opening
• Redness, swelling or a shiny, inflamed look inside the flap
• A yeasty, musty or sour smell
• Black, brown or yellow wax, or crumbly dark debris
• Sensitivity when you brush near the head or touch the ears
• Tilting the head to one side or seeming off balance

Crumbly, coffee-ground-like debris in a puppy or a dog who lives with cats can point to mites. Our guide to ear mites in dogs covers what they look like and why a vet should confirm them.

What usually sets off Shih Tzu ear problems

Allergies and skin conditions are frequent underlying triggers. Environmental allergies, food reactions and seborrhea (an oily, flaky skin condition) all inflame the ear lining, which then makes extra wax and becomes more welcoming to yeast and bacteria.

Hair and wax plugs are the classic grooming-related cause. When canal hair, wax and dander pack together, moisture is trapped behind them.

Bath water and grooming products that are not dried out properly leave the canal damp for hours under that heavy flap.

Ear mites are most common in young puppies and multi-pet homes.

Foreign material such as grass seeds can catch in the long ear hair after a walk and work inward.

Repeat problems usually mean an allergy or skin issue needs your vet's help, not more frequent cleaning.

When to see your vet

Cleaning is for healthy ears. If an infection is possible, your vet needs to examine the canal and eardrum and decide on treatment. Call your vet if you notice:

• Pain: your Shih Tzu yelps, flinches or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (possibly an aural hematoma)
• A bad smell together with discharge
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse
• Symptoms that have not improved after a few days, or keep coming back

Do not try to fix a sore ear with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or alcohol. They sting inflamed skin and can be harmful if the eardrum is damaged.

How to clean Shih Tzu ears, step by step

Plan on a weekly check and a clean every one to two weeks, plus after every bath or grooming appointment.

What you need: a dog ear cleaner, cotton balls or soft gauze pads, a small towel, a comb, and tiny treats. Leave cotton swabs in the drawer.

1. Settle your dog. Sit on the floor or a couch with your Shih Tzu on your lap. If they squirm, wrap a towel loosely around the body, burrito-style, leaving the head free.
2. Comb the ear hair out of the way. Comb the long flap hair back and clip or hold it aside so you can see the opening.
3. Check the canal. Look for redness, swelling, odor or discharge. If you see any of these, skip the clean and phone your vet.
4. Fill the ear canal. Lift the flap and fill the canal with cleaner. Your dog will likely try to shake right away, so keep a gentle hold on the flap.
5. Massage for 60 to 90 seconds. Rub the base of the ear in slow circles. You should hear a soft squelching sound as the cleaner works through the wax and hair.
6. Let your Shih Tzu shake. Release the ear and let them shake. Loosened wax and hair will come up toward the opening.
7. Wipe the opening and inner flap. Use a cotton ball or gauze around your finger to wipe away what has surfaced. Only clean as far as your finger comfortably reaches. Never push anything down the canal.
8. Dry the ear hair. Blot the ear and the hair around it with the towel. Damp hair against the head is exactly what you want to avoid.
9. Repeat and reward. Do the other ear, then give a treat.

For more detail on supplies and technique, read how to clean your dog's ears and the tools you'll need.

The ear-hair plucking question

Groomers used to pluck Shih Tzu canal hair as a matter of routine. Many vets now advise against plucking healthy ears, because pulling hair out of the canal can leave tiny wounds and inflammation. Plucking may still make sense for a dog whose canal hair is clearly trapping wax and causing repeated problems. Ask your vet which applies to your dog, and let your groomer know the plan.

Grooming habits that help:

• Ask for the hair around the ear opening and on the underside of the flap to be kept short, even if the rest of the ear stays long.
• Use a topknot or a shorter "puppy cut" around the face to keep hair from hanging over the ears.
• Put a loose cotton ball in each ear during baths and take it out afterward.
• Dry the ears on a cool blow-dryer setting after every bath.

Using EcoEars? EcoEars is a botanical ear wash made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility, with no antibiotics or steroids. Use it the way the label directs: fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your dog shake, then wipe away debris. Apply twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is labeled for dogs 12 weeks and older, and for dogs only.

Shih Tzu ear care FAQ

How often should I clean my Shih Tzu's ears?

Most healthy Shih Tzus do well with a clean every one to two weeks and after each bath or groom. A quick look and sniff once a week helps you catch problems early.

Should my groomer use ear powder on my Shih Tzu?

Ear powder is mainly used to grip hair for plucking. Powder can build up in a narrow canal, so ask your vet whether your dog needs it at all.

My groomer says my Shih Tzu's ears are dirty after every visit. What should I do?

Ask the groomer what they saw, then have your vet examine the ears. Heavy wax that keeps returning often has an allergy or skin issue behind it.

Can I keep my Shih Tzu's ears long?

Yes. Long outer ear hair is fine if you comb it regularly and keep the hair near the opening trimmed so air can reach the canal.