Grooming & Spa
Keep your dog’s ears clean, healthy, and infection-free. Our groomers and spa techs provide gentle, thorough ear cleaning for dogs of all breeds and sizes — including long, floppy ears, heavy ear hair, or a history of ear infections.
New customer
Come experience the Pet Care Plus difference. Add ear cleaning to any grooming, daycare, or boarding service. Exclusions apply.
Located in Chicago’s West Loop at 350 N. Laflin St., Pet Care Plus is a full-service pet resort and grooming spa trusted by Chicago dog owners since 1998.
Dog ear cleaning is available as a standalone à-la-carte service, included in our Bath & Brush Out and Full Grooming packages, or as a convenient add-on during a daycare or boarding stay.
Regular ear cleaning every 3–4 weeks is recommended for most dogs — and for breeds prone to ear infections, even more frequently. Our groomers check for signs of irritation, excess wax, and odor with every cleaning, flagging anything that may need veterinary attention.
What’s included
Our groomers take a careful, gentle approach — inspecting and cleaning each ear thoroughly to remove buildup while checking for any signs of trouble.
Service options
Available as a standalone service or included with our popular grooming packages. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Contact us for pricing & availability
Includes ear cleaning
Includes ear cleaning
Why it matters
Dog ears are warm, moist environments — ideal conditions for yeast, bacteria, and mites. Regular cleaning is one of the most overlooked parts of routine care.
Cleaning removes the wax, debris, and moisture that let yeast and bacteria multiply — lowering the risk of painful ear infections.
We visually inspect each ear during every cleaning, flagging redness, odor, swelling, or discharge that may need a vet’s attention.
Wax and debris cause itchiness. Dogs that scratch their ears or shake their heads are often signaling a need for a cleaning.
That distinctive “doggy” smell often comes from dirty ears, not the coat. Cleaning removes odor at the source.
Breed notes
Certain breeds are more prone to ear problems due to ear shape, coat, or anatomy. If your dog is on this list, we recommend cleaning every 2–3 weeks, or as your vet advises.
Basset Hounds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Blood Hounds and other long-eared breeds trap moisture and debris.
Poodles, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, Maltese and others that grow hair in the canal are especially prone to infection.
Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Spaniels are prone to swimmer’s ear — moisture-related infections that need preventive care.
Dogs with environmental or food allergies — Bulldogs, Retrievers, German Shepherds — often have chronic ear inflammation.
Why Pet Care Plus
Experienced groomers — gentle handling for ear-sensitive dogs.
Visual health inspection with every cleaning.
All breeds — floppy ears, upright ears, hairy ears.
Included in all grooming packages — no extra charge.
Add-on during daycare or boarding — pick up a healthier pup.
Trusted by Chicago dog owners since 1998.
Full spa menu
Ear cleaning is one of many à-la-carte spa services. Book any combination for a complete spa day.
“Our little guy is a puppy mill rescue and far from the easiest dog to groom — our last groomer even recommended we sedate him. The groomers at Pet Care Plus just take extra time with him. He always looks fantastic after. Perhaps most amazing is how reasonably priced they are given all that they do.”— Samantha O. · Google Review
Hours
By appointment only. Can be added same-day during daycare or boarding.
Neighborhoods
At 350 N. Laflin St. in the West Loop — an easy drive from across the city.
FAQ
For most dogs, every 3–4 weeks is ideal. Dogs with floppy ears, heavy ear hair, or a history of ear infections should be cleaned every 2–3 weeks. Your groomer or vet can advise based on your dog’s breed and ear-health history.
Scratching at the ears, head shaking, a musty or yeasty smell, dark or waxy discharge, redness inside the ear, or rubbing the head along the floor or furniture. If you notice these, it’s time for a cleaning — and possibly a vet visit if symptoms are severe.
If your dog has an active infection, we recommend visiting your veterinarian first. Our groomers flag any signs of infection during cleaning and advise you to seek veterinary care. We don’t treat infections — that’s your vet’s role — but we can help prevent them through regular cleaning.
Yes — ear cleaning is included in our Bath & Brush Out and Full Grooming packages at no extra charge. It’s also available as a standalone à-la-carte service or as an add-on during a daycare or boarding visit.
Absolutely. It’s one of the most convenient add-ons we offer — your dog plays all day and comes home with clean, healthy ears. Just mention it when booking or at drop-off.
350 N. Laflin St., Chicago IL 60607 — in the West Loop, convenient from Fulton Market, The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, and surrounding neighborhoods. Call (312) 397-9077.
By appointment only — call us or book online. New customers always welcome!
Here to help — ask us anything
For bookings or anything specific, please call (312) 397-9077.