The Goblin’s Listening Stones: A Guide to Cleaning Pug Ears (Without Being Bitten Emotionally)

Pug ears: adorable on the outside, a dark pit of waxy secrets on the inside. Behind those twitchy little triangles lurks a whole host of potential problems—especially when your pug treats “ear scratching” as a competitive sport.

Common Ear Problems in Pugs (a.k.a. Why the Drama?)

1. Ear Infections: Warm, moist, and poorly ventilated = perfect gremlin breeding ground

2. Yeast Overgrowth: That mystery smell? It's not the carpet.

3. Wax Buildup: Like candle-making, but grosser

4. Ear Mites: Tiny freeloaders causing maximum chaos

5. Allergies: When the ears throw tantrums because the chicken was too spicy (or existed at all)

Pugs are especially prone to these thanks to their floppy ears, narrow canals, and a stubborn refusal to be cleaned “on principle.”

What to Watch For (Between Dramatic Ear Flicks)

• Head shaking like they’re trying to launch a satellite

• Scratching, rubbing, or flailing against the sofa with flair

• Redness, swelling, or mystery goop

• Unholy odours that make you question your life choices

• Tilting head like a suspicious squirrel (could signal deeper ear issues)

If you spot any of these—and your pug won’t let you get near with a cotton pad—it’s time for a vet consult. Or possibly a tiny exorcism.

Ear Cleaning: The Ritual (If the Gremlin Allows)

You’ll need:

• Dog-safe ear cleaning solution

• Cotton balls or pads (never swabs—those canals are dramatic and delicate)

• Treats and a deep sense of calm

• Optional: Reinforcement handler/assistant priest

How to survive it:

1. Gently lift the ear flap. Marvel at how offended your pug is.

2. Squeeze a few drops of cleaner into the ear canal.

3. Gently massage the base—prepare for squelching sounds and judgement.

4. Let them shake it out like they’re at a pug disco.

5. Wipe away the debris from the outer ear with cotton pads.

Praise. Treat. Apologise.

Prevention: Keeping the Chaos at Bay

• Clean weekly or as advised by your vet

• Dry ears thoroughly after baths (or rain zoomies)

• Watch for food or seasonal allergies triggering ear flare-ups

• Keep ear fur trimmed if your pug has that extra fluff (aesthetic + hygienic win)

Oh—and for pugs with hearing loss? They’ll pretend they can’t hear you either way, so... carry on as usual.

Bonus Gremlin Comfort Tip: The Squish Throne Returns

Use ear cleaning time as an excuse to lure them into their beloved orthopedic bed or snuggle trough—aka the land of false security. They’ll be too comfy to resist your soothing lies.

Final Thought: Soft Ears, Loud Drama

You’re not just cleaning ears—you’re protecting their hearing, health, and long-term ability to ignore you on their own terms. Embrace the snorts, dodge the flails, and know that somewhere beneath the chaos... they appreciate it.