Boston Terriers are famously low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, smooth coat needs little more than a weekly brush. But two areas deserve a few extra minutes of attention: those big, upright ears and the small folds of skin on the face and around the nose.
This guide gives you a simple weekly routine for checking and cleaning your Boston’s ears and facial folds, the supplies you need, and the signs that mean it is time to see your vet.
Please note: this guide covers routine at-home care. If your dog’s ears or skin are red, smelly, painful or discharging, consult your veterinarian before cleaning, because some problems need a diagnosis and prescription treatment first.
Why Boston Terriers Need Ear and Fold Care
Those big, upright ears
Boston Terrier ears stand erect and open, which actually lets air circulate better than in many floppy-eared breeds. Even so, the wide opening can collect dust, pollen and debris, and dogs with allergies often show it first in their ears. Our article on Boston Terrier ears covers ear shape and why some puppies’ ears take time to stand up.
Short faces and skin folds
As a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, many Boston Terriers have a small fold or wrinkle above the nose and around the muzzle. Bostons usually have far fewer wrinkles than English Bulldogs or Pugs, but any fold can trap moisture, food and tears. Warm, damp skin is a good environment for yeast and bacteria, which can lead to irritation called skin fold dermatitis.
Supplies You’ll Need
- A dog-specific ear cleaner recommended by your vet
- Cotton balls or gauze pads (not cotton swabs for inside the ear)
- Soft cloths or unscented dog-safe wipes for facial folds
- A dry towel or extra gauze to dry thoroughly
- Treats to make the routine a positive experience
Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar mixtures and essential oils unless your vet specifically recommends them. These can sting or irritate sensitive skin, especially if there is already inflammation.
Weekly Ear Check
Make this a quick weekly habit, and check more often during allergy season or after swimming and baths.
1. Look
Gently fold back each ear and look inside. Healthy ears are pale pink with little or no wax and no strong smell.
2. Smell
A mild, neutral smell is normal. A yeasty, sour or foul odor is a red flag.
3. Touch
Notice whether your dog pulls away, tilts their head or whines when you touch the ears. Pain is a reason to call your vet rather than clean.
How to Clean a Boston Terrier’s Ears
Only clean when you see visible wax or debris, or as often as your vet advises. Cleaning too often can irritate the ear canal.
- Hold the ear flap up and gently squeeze cleaner into the canal as directed on the label.
- Massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a soft squishing sound.
- Let your Boston shake their head. This brings debris up and out.
- Wipe the visible parts of the ear and the opening with a cotton ball or gauze.
- Never push anything deep into the ear canal.
- Finish with praise and a treat.
For a step-by-step walkthrough with photos, see our guide on how to clean a Boston Terrier’s ears.
Signs of an Ear Problem
Call your vet if you notice:
- Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears
- Redness, swelling or heat inside the ear
- Dark brown, yellow or bloody discharge
- A bad smell
- Pain, head tilting or loss of balance
- Crusts or scabs on the ear flap
Ear infections can have several causes, including yeast, bacteria, ear mites, allergies or a foreign object such as a grass seed. Your vet can look inside the canal and examine a sample under a microscope to choose the right treatment. If your dog keeps scratching, our article on Boston Terrier scratchy ears explains common causes.
Facial Fold and Wrinkle Care
Most Boston Terriers only need their facial folds wiped a few times a week, but dogs with deeper folds, heavy tearing or allergies may need daily attention.
How to clean facial folds
- Gently open the fold with your fingers.
- Wipe inside with a soft, damp cloth or a vet-approved wipe.
- Clean from the inside of the fold outward, removing any food, tears or debris.
- Dry the fold completely with a clean cloth or gauze. Leaving moisture behind defeats the purpose.
- Check the corners of the eyes and under the eyes for tear buildup at the same time.
If your Boston has reddish-brown staining under the eyes, see our guide to removing tear stains.
Signs of fold irritation
- Redness or raw-looking skin
- A musty or sour smell
- Moist, sticky or greasy residue
- Your dog rubbing their face on the carpet or furniture
Mild redness may settle with gentle, consistent cleaning and drying, but if it persists or gets worse, see your vet. Infected skin folds often need medicated wipes or other treatment.
Make It a Positive Routine
Bostons are smart and food-motivated, so short sessions with lots of treats go a long way. Start when your puppy is young: touch the ears and face gently, reward, and stop before your dog gets fidgety. Pair ear and fold checks with your regular bath routine or weekly brushing so it becomes part of normal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Boston Terrier’s ears?
Check weekly, but only clean when you see wax or debris, or as often as your vet recommends. Many Bostons need cleaning every week or two; some need it less.
Can I use cotton swabs?
Cotton swabs can push debris deeper and injure the ear canal. Use them only on the outer folds of the ear flap you can see, never inside the canal.
Do Boston Terriers have wrinkles like Bulldogs?
Usually not to the same degree. Most Bostons have only a small fold above the nose, but it still benefits from regular wiping and drying.
Why do my Boston’s ears smell?
A strong or yeasty smell often points to an ear infection or allergy flare. Have your vet check before you clean, since some treatments need a diagnosis first.
Is it normal for my Boston to shake their head after a bath?
A few shakes are normal. Constant head shaking afterward can mean water or irritation in the ear. Dry the outer ear after baths and call your vet if the shaking continues.
Consult your vet: If your Boston Terrier shows signs of ear pain, discharge or irritated skin, contact your veterinarian before starting at-home cleaning.