Dogs look super cute when they tilt their head! And they may simply be doing it to make you go “awww,” but did you know this behavior can also be a sign of gunky ears? Fortunately, keeping your pup’s ears squeaky clean and infection-free is easy with the best dog ear cleaner.
Apart from excessive head shaking, other cues that might tell that you need to clean your pup’s ears are if they often scratch them aggressively, and the more obvious one is if they emit a foul odor. But with shelves overflowing with ear cleaners, choosing the right one for your dog, no matter their type of breed, can be confusing.
At DogTime, we’ve done the legwork for you. Read on to learn about different types of cleansers and how to address common ear problems. From gentle cleaning solutions for sensitive ears to medicated options for infections, you’ll find all this and more below!
Is it Okay to Use Dog Ear Cleaning Drops?
Dog ear cleaning drops are a popular option for maintaining your dog’s ear hygiene, but it’s important to understand when and how to use them correctly. Here are some instances when you can use ear-cleaning drops:
Routine Cleaning
Some ear cleaning drops are designed for regular use to help maintain a healthy ear environment and prevent wax buildup. However, always consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate frequency and type of cleaner for your dog.
After Swimming or Bathing
If your dog’s ears get wet, it’s a good idea to use drying ear drops to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.
Before Applying Medication
If your vet prescribes ear medication, they may recommend using a cleaning solution beforehand to ensure the medication can penetrate effectively.
Never Use Drops in an Infected Ear
If your dog has an ear infection or other ear problems, consult your vet before using any ear cleaning products. Some drops can worsen infections or damage the eardrum if used improperly.
Choose the Right Type of Drops
There are various types of ear cleaning drops available, each with specific purposes. Consult your vet to select the most appropriate one for your dog’s needs.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Always read and follow the instructions on the ear cleaning drop bottle. Using too much or too little can be ineffective or even harmful.
Do I Need to Clean My Dog’s Ear Wax?
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that helps protect your dog’s ears from dirt, debris, and bacteria. While a small amount of wax is normal and beneficial, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, infections, and even hearing problems. We’ve listed some signs that can tell you when your dog’s ears need cleaning:
Visible Wax or Debris
If you notice a significant amount of wax or dirt in your dog’s ears, it’s time for a cleaning.
Odor
A foul smell coming from your dog’s ears can indicate a buildup of wax or a possible infection.
Redness or Swelling
These signs can suggest inflammation, which may be caused by an infection or irritation.
Excessive Scratching or Head Shaking
If your dog is frequently scratching their ears or shaking their head, it could be a sign of discomfort due to wax buildup or other issues.
The Best Dog Ear Cleaners to Buy in 2024
Maintaining your dog’s ear health is crucial for their overall well-being. To make that task easier, we’ve rounded up the top-performing dog ear cleaners of 2024, formulated to keep those floppy ears clean, healthy, and odor-free.
BEST OVERALL
Pet MD Ear Wipes for Dogs
PHOTO CREDIT: Pet MD
Why We Love
Vet recommended
Gentle formula
Deodorizing
Safe for regular use
Easy to use
Alcohol-free
But…
Only for use on the accessible part of the ear
Topping our list are the Pet MD ear wipes, which are very easy to use and lead to hassle-free ear cleaning! Designed by veterinarians, the wipes offer a gentle yet effective way to maintain your dog’s ear health. Each sheet is soaked with a vet-recommended formula — a blend of soothing ingredients like aloe vera and eucalyptus oil — that gently removes dirt, wax, and discharge that can lead to odor and irritation.
Ideal for quick cleanups or regular maintenance, the wipes curtail wax buildup and help keep chronic ear issues at bay. The pleasant cucumber-melon scent leaves your pooch’s ears smelling fresh and clean. Plus, the alcohol-free formula is suited to all dogs over 12 weeks of age, especially the ones with sensitive ears.
BEST EAR CLEANING SOLUTION
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser
PHOTO CREDIT: Virbac
Why We Love
Veterinarian Recommended
Addresses chronic ear issues
Easy application
Non-irritating formula
Neutral pH
Eliminates odors
But…
Not ideal for dogs with ear sensitivities
For pet parents looking to tackle more than just routine ear cleaning, Virbac EpiOtic Advanced may be the right choice. This veterinarian-recommended formula goes beyond basic cleaning and addresses issues like chronic otitis externa — inflammation of a dog’s external ear canal.
Using this solution regularly ensures the effective removal of dirt, excessive wax, and debris from your pooch’s ear while maintaining the natural pH balance of their ear canal. Don’t let the lack of scent fool you; these drops effectively clear away bad odors. With this bottle’s easy-to-use nozzle, you can clean your dog’s ear without any messes. Always check with your vet before starting this product.
BEST EAR CLEANER WIPES
Earth Rated Dog Ear Wipes
PHOTO CREDIT: Earth Rated
Why We Love
Hypoallergenic
Convenient to use
Paraben and sulphate-free
Oatmeal scent
Cruelty-free
Large size, one wipe is good for cleaning both ears
But…
Not suitable for deep cleaning
If you are a pet parent who prioritizes convenience without compromising effectiveness, the Earth Rated dog ear wipes offer a quick and gentle solution for maintaining healthy ears. These handy wipes are pre-moistened with a calming blend of aloe vera and chamomile, perfect for wiping away everyday dirt, wax buildup, and discharge during routine cleanings. The wipes are larger than others available in the market — enabling you to use a single wipe to clean both ears.
The hypoallergenic formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive ears, and the convenient, resealable pack keeps wipes fresh and readily available. Earth Rated wipes feature an oatmeal scent that gets rid of nasty smells quickly. They are also very convenient to use — simply wipe the outer ear folds (never insert into the ear canal) and dispose. Easy-breezy!
BEST FOR INFECTIONS
Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution
PHOTO CREDIT: Zymox
Why We Love
Natural enzymatic formula
Easy application
Targets the source of infections
Veterinarian strength
Non-toxic formula
Suitable for dogs of all ages
But…
It may be too strong for daily use
Is your fur baby also a water baby who cannot help but swim every chance they get? Then, ear infections could be a potential issue. Zymox Otic’s Enzymatic Solution may help you deal with such ear issues. Trusted by pet parents and recommended by veterinarians, this enzymatic formula effectively targets ear infections at their source, providing relief for your dog’s discomfort. It also includes 1% hydrocortisone — a corticosteroid that treats general ear inflammation and allergic reactions.
Powered by a natural LP3 enzyme system, the dog ear cleaning solution for ear infections breaks down germ-infested biofilms and harmful bacteria, yeast, and fungi without harsh chemicals or antibiotics. Gentle yet potent, it soothes irritation, addresses foul smells, and reduces itching, promoting healthy ears and preventing future infections. Plus, the easy-to-use dropper allows for mess-free application into the ear canal.
BEST GENTLE EAR CLEANER
VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs
PHOTO CREDIT: VetWELL
Why We Love
Formulated by vets
Gentle formula
It comes in two fragrances
Easy to use
Stops itching
Made in U.S.A
But…
The applicator tip may be tricky to use
Are you looking for a gentle ear cleaner for your furry friend? Look no further than VetWELL EarWELL! This veterinarian-formulated solution is perfect for routine cleaning and maintaining optimal ear hygiene. The soothing blend of ingredients, including aloe vera and lactic acid, removes dirt, fluid, and wax buildup while calming irritation and itching.
We love that this solution comes in two scents — cucumber melon and sweet pea vanilla — allowing you to choose the one that suits you and your furry BFF best. Perfect for dogs with sensitive ears or prone to infections, this easy-to-use cleaner ensures hassle-free application with its convenient nozzle — simply pour the solution into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear, and allow your pet to shake their head. Afterward, clean any excess with cotton or a cloth, and done.
BEST ANTI-BACTERIAL CLEANER
Vetnique octibliss Ear Flush
PHOTO CREDIT: Vetnique
Why We Love
Formulated by vets
Easy to use
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Deodrizes the ear
Vet-strength ingredients
Made in U.S.A.
But…
It may not be suitable for treating existing infections
Made with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole, the Vetnique octibliss ear flush is perfect for thorough ear cleaning and dislodging debris, wax buildup, and irritants that can cause discomfort and infections. Do you know that floppy ears, allergies, or excess cleaning can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for infection? Bacteria love moisture! This is why you need an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal cleaner like Vetnique.
Enriched with aloe vera leaf juice, which moisturizes irritated skin, the gentle vet-formulated solution effectively cleanses your pooch’s ears while minimizing itching and redness. The easy-to-use bottle with a nozzle is designed for convenience, making ear cleaning a breeze for you and your pup.
BEST FOR DAILY-USE
VETERINARY FORMULA Ear Therapy
PHOTO CREDIT: VETERINARY FORMULA
Why We Love
Vet-formulated
Safe for daily use
Promotes healthy ear canal
Easy to use
Gentle formulation
Alcohol-free
But…
Not suitable for severe ear infections
Ear cleaning is not just for concluding a grooming session, whether at home or the groomer’s. If time permits, you can easily incorporate cleaning your precious pet’s ears into your daily schedule. All you need is a gentle cleaner like the Veterinary Formula Ear Therapy, and your furry friend’s ear canals will remain healthy and ward off bacterial growth.
Developed by veterinarians, this advanced formula cleanses the ear canal by flushing out dirt, debris, and wax buildup. Containing soothing ingredients like glycerin and lactic acid, it’s not just a cleanser but also a solution that promotes a healthy ear environment. Available in different-sized bottles, it’s also easy to use and apply. While effective for routine care, consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a serious ear infection.
How We Chose the Best Dog Ear Cleaner
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best dog ear cleaners, assessing factors such as anti-fungal and anti-microbial ingredients, ease of application, and vet recommendations. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is the best product to clean a dog’s ears with?
There’s no single “best” cleaner. The most popular and vet-recommended ones typically have soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. However, consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Pet MD ear wipes for dogs, Petsmart dog ear cleaner, and Zymox dog ear cleaner are some of the most popular and effective choices.
What do groomers use to clean ears?
Groomers often use specialized ear cleaners designed for dogs, containing gentle yet effective ingredients to remove dirt, wax, and debris. These products are formulated to maintain ear health and prevent infections. They might also use soft cotton pads or gauze to wipe away loosened dirt and wax gently.
How do I get rid of my dog’s dirty ears?
First, pick a gentle ear cleaner specifically made for dogs. Then follow the label instructions; some might ask you to fill the ear canal (not force!), massage the base, let them shake their head, and then gently remove the debris with a cotton pad around the ear opening. You can also clean the inner folds of your pooch’s ear, but be very careful. If you are not confident about filling the ear canal, apply the cleaner to a cotton ball or pad and follow the same process.
How does a vet clean dogs’ ears?
Veterinarians clean dogs’ ears using specialized techniques and gentle ear cleaners. They start by examining the ears with an otoscope, delicately removing wax and debris with gentle tools. They may also prescribe medicated solutions to treat infections or underlying issues if needed.
Is it OK to clean dogs’ ears?
Yes, cleaning your dog’s ears can be a helpful part of their grooming routine! But it’s important not to overdo it. Healthy ears may not need frequent cleaning. If cleaning the ears at home, make sure to use gentle, dog-specific ear cleaners and follow proper processes to avoid causing harm or discomfort. Speak to a vet or a groomer if you are unsure about it.
How to remove dog earwax?
Use a vet-approved solution, pour a few drops into your dog’s ear, and gently massage the base of the ear. Let your pup shake their head, then wipe away any dislodged wax with gauze or a cotton ball.
Can I use coconut oil to clean my dog’s ears?
Coconut oil can be used sparingly to clean a dog’s ears, but it’s not a substitute for vet-recommended cleaners. Consult your vet before using any home remedies on your pet.
Can I use a human ear-cleaning solution on my dog?
No, avoid using human ear cleaning solutions on your dog’s ears as they can have different formulations that can irritate your dog’s ears and potentially worsen any existing problems. Only use a vet-approved solution designed specifically for dogs.
