Ear cleaning is one of the most important parts of your dog cleaning routine—or at least it should be. Unfortunately many dog owners often overlook the need for using dog ear cleaning treatments.
Using regular water to clean your dog’s ears might seem to be the cheaper option. However this is until you have to pay large amounts for vet bills due to your dog’s ear infection. That’s why we’ve decided to review the best dog ear cleaners on the market to ensure that’s not your fate.
The ideal ear cleaner must help reduce excessive wax build up which may cause infections or impair hearing. The Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner is a good example because of its alcohol free and mild cleaning properties which won’t damage your dog’s ears.
Want to know what are the best ear cleaners for dogs?
Keep reading.
Best Dog Ear Cleaners
Buyer’s Guide
Liquid or Wipes?
There basically two types of ear cleaners: drops and wipes. The one you pick will depend on the condition of your dog’s ear. We’ll discuss them below.
Liquid
Drops are similar to eye drops but the only difference is they’re used in the ear. By dropping these into the ear they work by loosening any particles or debris stuck in the ear. This type is ideal if you want to clean the inner-most part of your dog’s ear. Also, it works best if your dog suffers from an ear infection.
Wipes
Unlike the drops, these wet wipes are used for wiping the external parts of your dog’s ears. In case you’re wondering if they’ll injure your dog’s ears in the process—don’t. They’re made using soft cotton to avoid scraping your dog’s ears.
Their major draw is they’re very simple to use. If your dog has no ear infection and you just want to do some regular cleaning then these are your best bet.
What You Should Know Before Selecting a Dog Ear Cleaner
Before deciding on dog cleaner there are factors you must be aware of so you pick the right one.
How gentle is it?
These ear cleaners are made using different mixtures—some harsher than others. This means before choosing one you must first determine what you want to use it for. If it’s to clean ears that aren’t irritated, opt for the gentle mixtures. A saline solution made of salt and water is best in this case as it won’t worsen the itching.
Home remedies
If you Google for home remedies you’re bound to find a couple online. Though a cheaper option they may not always be the best. Case in point: Some sites may recommend solutions that include vinegar. Vinegar—even diluted—will further irritate and inflame the skin inside your dog’s ears. Other products such as olive oil might not be as effective at preventing wax build up.
Is it vet approved?
It’s in you—and your dog’s—best interest to steer clear from products not approved by your vet. There are plenty of medicated ear cleaners available online; just make sure they’re checked first to avoid any damage to your dog’s ears.
Long- or short-term use?
Before buying a dog ear cleaner it’s important to distinguish whether the product is for short- or long-term usage. Some chemicals are only formulated to use for short periods. Prolonged usage will just cause more harm than good, as they could harm delicate skin cells.
Ingredients
It’s important to check the ingredients present in the ear cleaner before purchase so you know if they serve the correct purpose. The one which has more natural ingredients is usually ideal.
Aloe vera is one such organic ingredient which is well known for its soothing properties. Also, it’s ideal for long-term use without damaging your dog’s ear. Hazel is another ingredient necessary for treating inflamed parts.
You might also want to stay away from solutions which contain alcohol as it’s a known irritant with adverse effects.
Common dog ear problems
Still not convinced it’s necessary? We’ll quickly list a few common ear problems dogs might experience:
- Ear allergies caused by airborne allergens such as dust and pollen
- Bacterial infections are most likely to thrive in dog’s ears
- If your dog has floppy ears then it’s more likely to get a yeast infection
- The accumulation of dirt and debris may cause ear obstructions which may cause hearing problems
Best Dog Ear Cleaner Reviews
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
- Epi-Otic may be used for routine ear...
- A mild alcohol-free cleansing and drying...
- Epi-Otic has a low pH of 2.2 and...
- Packaging May Vary
Here we have a dog cleanser suitable for dogs of all ages and it’s ideal for routine ear cleaning. You can also use it prior to other ear preparations.
Because it’s a mild solution which is alcohol-free it’s less likely to harm or irritate your dog’s ear canal. As a result you may find it’s best suited for long term usage. Also, it has a low pH of 2.2 plus it doesn’t contain any chlorhexidine. Though an effective disinfectant, this chemical has serious side effects which might include swelling.
If your dog is anything like mine, it’ll try and shake this out as soon as it’s administered. To prevent this make sure you squirt it in as quickly as possible and gently massage the ears soon after.
However, if you’re looking for an odorless ear cleaner, this may not be for you as this has a slight smell—though not overpowering.
- Clear solution so no staining
- Helps prevent ear infections
- Self-drying solution
- Loosens any wax
- Unpleasant smell
- Not for treating infected ears
Oxyfresh Advanced Pet Ear Cleaner
- FINALLY, IMMEDIATE RELIEF – Itching,...
- ELIMINATES STINKY EARS – Our ear wash...
- POWERFUL EAR CLEANING FOR DOGS –...
- IT’S SAFE, NON-TOXIC & PET PARENT...
- IT WORKS – Trusted by pet parents,...
Keen on an ear cleaner that eliminates ear odors? You might want to consider this mixture formulated with fast-acting Oxygene which leaves your dog’s ears smelling fresh. This is attributed to the fact that it’s fragrance-free.
This solution is recommended by vets for routine ear cleaning and maintenance because it’s both safe and non-toxic.
You’ll appreciate that it works by preventing any wax buildup as well as dust and mites accumulation. Your dog will also like this solution as it won’t sting or burn the ear.
If your dog suffers from itchy ears, this might be for you as it’s formulated to relieve itchiness and discomfort—instantly. Also, you might find it useful if your dog has an ear infection because it helps reduce bacterial growth.
This solution has no harsh chemicals such as alcohol so it won’t dry your dog’s sensitive ear canals. Its huge drawing card is it’s non irritating therefore you can afford not to rinse it out. That means you have a longer-lasting remedy.
- Soothes ear infections
- Eliminates odors
- Removes wax build up
- Relieves itching
- Spurts out too quickly
- Only available in small sizes
Bodhi Dog All Natural Dog Cleaner
- Ease Itchy Ears: Our plant & botanical...
- Effective: Our natural pet ear cleaning...
- Winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards....
- Formulated For Dog Ears: Our therapeutic...
- Our Ethical Family Commitment: Proudly...
Do you prefer a more organic ear cleaner? You might want to try this ear cleaner made of plant based all-natural ingredients.
The main active ingredients in this ear cleaner are aloe vera and eucalyptus that provide instant soothing. So if your dog suffers from itchy and inflamed ears then this might be for you. Eucalyptus has microbial properties which are great for eliminating any unpleasant odors leaving ears with a fresh scent. However, unfortunately some people might find the smell slightly overpowering.
The same ingredients will also effectively treat ear mites and any yeast-related conditions. Because the mixture is gentle you can use it daily without causing any harm. Apart from removing odor, you’ll like that the ear cleaner is formulated to remove any wax build up thereby disinfecting and cleaning your dog’s ears.
- Instantly relieves itching
- Reduces inflammation
- Eliminates odors
- Made of natural ingredients
- Scent might be too strong
- Contains a bit of alcohol
No products found.
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Here we have a dog cleaner formulated for frequent use because of its pH-balanced properties. The solution contains 2% acetic acid which is well known for fighting bacteria and microbes. If your dog suffers from any kind of bacterial infection then this might be a good place to start.
However this product doesn’t contain any de-waxing properties. So if you’re looking for an ear cleaner to prevent wax buildup then this might not be for you. The mixture also has natural and hypoallergenic ingredients meaning it might be more suited for sensitive dogs.
Though it’s said to leave a pleasant apple scent you might find the scent too strong. What I like about this product is you don’t need to put much in for it to work. You can simply douse a cotton ball and squeeze the solution into the ears and it works just as well. However if your dog has a more serious infection then you may have to drip the solution directly into the ear.
Note: Be wary of the side effects as it might burn your dog’s ears, so keep a close eye out.
- Heals sores
- Ideal for dogs with floppy ears
- Treat ear infections
- Relieves itching
- Leaves sticky residue behind
- Might burn dig ears
VetWELL Dog Ear Cleaner
- Veterinarian Formulated to Gently Clean,...
- Safe And Gentle Ear Cleanser with Aloe...
- Eliminates Build Up of Wax, Fluid, Dirt...
- Helps Relieve Ear Infections Caused by...
- Made in the USA in Federally Regulated...
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive dog ear cleaner that works in different ways then this might be for you. Not only does it clean and deodorize your dog’s ears but it also acidifies and dries it. This is one of the few dog cleaners that actually leaves a really pleasant smell—reminiscent of shampoo.
This mixture contains aloe vera making it safe and gentle which makes it seem like an ideal option for daily use. Because of these non-harmful ingredients your dog is less likely to experience any unfortunate burning and stinging.
Another thing you might appreciate about this product is it’s also designed to prevent any wax buildup. It also eliminates the accumulation of fluid, dirt and debris, thereby stopping any scratching and irritation.
If your dog suffers from an ear infection then you might want to try this product which is formulated to relieve infections. Just note it doesn’t work on all dogs.
- Pleasant smell
- Easy to use
- Relieves itching
- No head shaking
- Not compatible with some breeds
- May worsen infection
Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Washer
- [100% GUARANTEED FAST RELIEF] - Stop...
- [SIX ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TEAM UP ON DOG...
- [ALL NATURAL] - CONTAINS 100% COLD...
- [CLEAN & HEALTHY EARS FOR LIFE] -...
- [FREE EBOOK & DONATION TO DOG RESCUE] -...
Looking for a long-term solution to your dog’s recurring ear infections? This might be the answer to your problem. You’ll like that this mixture contains five active ingredients all designed to soothe and combat ear infections. Unlike most ear cleaners which deal with the symptoms, this product works by treating the actual cause of the infection. As a result it’s less likely to recur.
The main ingredient in this dog ear cleaner is aloe which is effective at treating chronic itching and various ear problems. A bonus is it also eliminates the offensive odors associated with ear infections.
You’ll also like that this mixture is pretty easy to use and your dog will feel relief almost instantly. If you expect fast results you can use it daily for two weeks. Later on, reduce the usage to three times a week and then twice a month.
However we would strongly advise against using this product if your dog has open wounds or an advanced ear infection.
- Provides instant relief
- Heals quickly
- Relieves itching
- Eliminates odors effectively
- May cause discomfort
- Causes head shaking
Wrap Up
All six are worth considering but for me the VetWELL Dog Ear Cleaner takes the cup.
Not only does it contain natural ingredients but it also has five other ingredients which will keep ear infections at bay. This means it’s a longer-lasting solution compared to the other ear cleaners because it deals with the root cause.
Also, it’s one of the few dog ear cleaners that actually leaves a pleasant scent after cleaning. Because of the soothing ingredients irritations are less likely to occur—unless of course the product isn’t meant for your dog.
Help your best friend live an irritation free life—they deserve it.
featured image from http://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/veterinary-technology
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
