Dog Ear Cleaning in Auburn, AL – Keep Your Pup Healthy at Kiesel Bark
Professional ear care that prevents infections and keeps your furry friend comfortable
Last summer, a sweet Golden Retriever named Max came into our Auburn facility shaking his head constantly and scratching at his ears. His owner, a teacher over at Auburn Junior High, had noticed Max whimpering more than usual but wasn’t sure what was wrong. After a quick look, we could see his ears were red and uncomfortable—classic signs of buildup that needed professional attention. Within 20 minutes of a gentle ear cleaning, Max was back to his happy, tail-wagging self.
Dog ear cleaning in Auburn, AL isn’t just about keeping your pup looking good—it’s about preventing painful infections and catching problems early. We’ve been caring for Auburn dogs since 2014, and one thing we’ve learned is that regular ear maintenance can save you a trip to the emergency vet and keep your furry friend comfortable year-round.
At Kiesel Bark Pet Resort, our experienced groomers know how to handle even the most sensitive ears. Whether your dog swims at Lake Ogletree, plays in the red Alabama clay near Kiesel Park, or just has floppy ears that trap moisture, we provide gentle ear cleaning that keeps infections away. Our climate-controlled facility right on Chadwick Lane makes it easy for Auburn and Opelika families to stop by—and we’ve got flexible hours that work around your schedule.
If your dog’s been scratching their ears, shaking their head, or you’ve noticed a funky smell, it’s time for a professional cleaning.
Why Your Auburn Dog Needs Regular Ear Cleaning
Dogs in Auburn deal with humidity, pollen from all the oak trees around campus, and plenty of outdoor play time. All that makes ear problems pretty common around here. Floppy-eared breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds are especially prone to ear issues because air doesn’t circulate well inside those cute droopy ears.
When dirt, wax, and moisture build up, bacteria and yeast start growing. Before you know it, your dog’s got an ear infection that requires expensive vet visits and antibiotics. Regular ear cleaning removes that buildup before it becomes a problem.
Our groomers check for redness, swelling, discharge, and bad odors during every cleaning. If we spot something that looks like it needs veterinary attention, we’ll let you know right away. We work closely with Auburn Oaks Animal Clinic and other local vets to make sure your pup gets the right care.
What Our Ear Cleaning Service Includes
When you bring your dog to Kiesel Bark for ear cleaning in Auburn, here’s what happens:
| Service Step | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Gentle Inspection | We start by looking inside your dog’s ears with good lighting to check for redness, swelling, parasites, or signs of infection. |
| Careful Cleaning | Using vet-approved ear cleaning solution, we gently wipe away wax, dirt, and debris from the ear canal and outer ear. We never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal—that can actually push debris further in and cause damage. |
| Drying | Moisture is the enemy when it comes to dog ears. We make sure ears are thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Plucking (if needed) | Some breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus grow hair inside their ear canals. If your dog needs it, we can carefully pluck excess hair to improve air flow. |
| Follow-Up Recommendations | We’ll let you know how often your specific dog should get their ears cleaned based on their breed, lifestyle, and ear health. |
The whole process usually takes about 10-15 minutes, and most dogs handle it really well. We use calm, reassuring techniques and never rush through the process.
Signs Your Dog Needs an Ear Cleaning
Not sure if your pup needs an ear cleaning? Here are the signs Auburn pet owners should watch for:
🐾 Excessive Scratching: Your dog is scratching at their ears more than usual or rubbing their head on the carpet or furniture. That’s often the first sign something’s bothering them.
🐾 Head Shaking: Head shaking is another big clue. If your dog keeps shaking their head like they’re trying to get water out after a bath, their ears probably need attention.
🐾 Bad Smell: Bad smell coming from the ears is a red flag. Healthy dog ears shouldn’t have a strong odor. If you notice a yeasty, musty, or downright stinky smell, it’s time for a cleaning.
🐾 Discharge: You can see brown, yellow, or bloody discharge in the ear. Any kind of discharge needs to be checked out—it could be wax buildup or an infection.
🐾 Redness or Swelling: The ears look red or swollen. Healthy ears are a light pink color. Dark red or inflamed ears mean something’s wrong.
🐾 Sensitivity to Touch: Your dog seems sensitive when you touch their ears or pulls away. Pain around the ears is never normal.
If you’re seeing any of these signs, give us a call at (334) 734-2650). We can often get you in the same day.
Dog Ear Cleaning for Auburn’s Most Common Breeds
We see all kinds of dogs at our Auburn location, but some breeds definitely need more frequent ear cleaning than others.
| Breed Type | Examples | Ear Care Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Floppy-Eared Breeds | Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles | Ears hang down and trap moisture. Need cleaning every 2-4 weeks. |
| Water-Loving Dogs | Labs, Golden Retrievers | Love swimming at Lake Ogletree. Water gets trapped easily, causing swimmer’s ear infections. |
| Hairy-Eared Breeds | Poodles, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers | Grow hair inside ear canals that blocks airflow. Need cleaning and hair plucking every few weeks. |
| Allergy-Prone Dogs | Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Mixed Breeds | Seasonal allergies often show up as itchy, irritated ears. Need extra attention during spring and fall. |
No matter what breed you have, our groomers tailor the ear cleaning to your dog’s specific needs.
11 Years of Ear Care Experience in Auburn
Since opening in June 2014, we’ve cleaned thousands of dog ears right here in Auburn. Our groomers have seen everything from simple wax buildup to stubborn yeast infections, and we know how to spot problems early.
We’re a local, family-owned business—not some big chain that rotates staff every few months. When you bring your dog to Kiesel Bark, you’re getting experienced groomers who’ve been with us for years. Miss Donna and Miss Patty are favorites with our regular customers, and they treat every dog like their own.
Our facility on Chadwick Lane is climate-controlled and kept spotlessly clean. We play calming music throughout the building, which helps anxious dogs relax during grooming. Parents often tell us their dogs come home happier and more comfortable after visiting us.
We’re located right across from Kiesel Park, making us super convenient for families in the Auburn and Opelika area. Whether you’re coming from near Auburn University, the Wire Road corridor, or out toward Loachapoka, we’re easy to get to.
What Auburn Pet Parents Say About Our Ear Cleaning
“We absolutely love Kiesel Bark for our boy Ollie! We take him to day care several times a week and have also used the grooming services. The staff cares for Ollie as if he were their own. It is obvious he loves his time at Kiesel Bark because he starts wagging his tail and crying every time we pull in the parking lot!”
— Robin, Auburn
“Donna and Patty and the rest of the staff at Kiesel Bark are THE BEST. They always take such great care of our fur-babies! Even though we live just a few blocks away from another dog-boarding facility, we happily drive all the way across town to Kiesel because they are so wonderful.”
— Bruce, Auburn
“Thank you Kiesel Bark for helping our babygirl see again! Best haircut CoFi has EVER had! We will be back!”
— Michelle, Auburn
These Auburn families trust us because we genuinely care about their dogs’ health and comfort. Ear cleaning might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference in your dog’s quality of life.
Schedule Your Dog’s Ear Cleaning in Auburn Today
Don’t wait until your dog’s uncomfortable or dealing with an infection. Regular ear cleaning is one of the easiest ways to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Our Ear Cleaning Service Includes:
- ✓ Quick 10-15 minute service
- ✓ Gentle, experienced groomers
- ✓ Same-day appointments often available
- ✓ Climate-controlled, clean facility
- ✓ Serving Auburn, Opelika, Loachapoka, and all of Lee County
Or stop by our facility at 633 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, AL 36832
Open Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm | Saturday: 7am-12pm
Combine Ear Cleaning with Our Other Grooming Services
You can also combine ear cleaning with our other affordable grooming services:
| Service | Description | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Trimming | Keep your dog’s nails at a healthy length | $10 |
| Just Baths | Relaxing wash and blow dry | $25-$45 |
| Full Grooming | Bath, cut, nails, and ears | $45-$75 |
| Deshedding Treatment | Reduce shedding and keep coat healthy | Add-on available |
Ask us about our grooming packages when you call (334) 734-2650) — we keep things affordable so you can give your dog the care they deserve without breaking the bank.
Ready to Give Your Dog Relief from Itchy Ears?
At Kiesel Bark Pet Resort, we’ve been part of the Auburn community for over 11 years. We’re here to help keep your furry family member healthy, comfortable, and ready for whatever adventures Auburn has to offer.
Call (334) 734-2650 to Schedule
Same-day appointments often available | Serving Auburn, Opelika & Lee County
Located right across from Kiesel Park, a popular Auburn city park with dog-friendly walking trails and enclosed play areas.

🏆 Convenient Location
Right across from Kiesel Park

🏆 Experienced Team
Staff who genuinely love and understand animals

🏆 Flexible Hours
We work around your Auburn/Opelika schedule