Keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy is an important aspect of caring for your dog, but it can easily be something that’s overlooked by many pet owners who otherwise maintain a good, regular grooming schedule.
Of course, most people realize that it’s not a good idea to put any kind of object into their dog’s ear, but it can be wise to use a suitable ear cleaning product to keep your dog’s ears clean and free from infection.
It’s important to understand that a dog’s ears have very deep canals that aren’t always easy to clean, and all of the nooks and crannies can be ripe for bacteria growth and waxy build up over time.
Ear Infection Risks
In some cases, unclean ears can lead to ear infections that will require veterinary attention. Some of the common symptoms of ear infections include unpleasant ear odors, discharge coming from the ear, swelling, and redness. You may also notice that your dog is scratching at their ears frequently, as well as shaking their head.
Additionally, it’s also important to note that certain breeds can be particularly prone to ear infections, especially dogs that have long, floppy ears.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, then it’s smart to consult a professional vet rather than treating the issue by yourself. Ear infections will usually need prescription medication to cure, so you shouldn’t treat a full-blown ear infection with ear cleaning products alone.
The Best Dog Ear Cleaning Products
There are a few different options available when you’re choosing dog ear cleaners, and they each have their own pros and cons.
Liquid solutions are always a popular choice, and they are generally safe and convenient to use as well. These products will loosen up any wax in the ear, and your dog will naturally shake their head afterward which helps to free the wax that’s been softened up.
Another useful option is to use dog ear wipes, which are a great way to clean the outer areas of your dog’s ears without risking any harm to them. These wipes can be useful for mopping up after you’ve used a liquid solution, too.
Ultimately, this basic grooming task can ease irritation and reduce the chances of debris finding its way into your dog’s ears. Of course, it’s important to never put any object directly into your dog’s ear, so things like cotton buds aren’t appropriate.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best dog ear cleaning formulas on the market.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a popular and very well-reviewed ear cleaning product called EcoEars, which is made by Vet Organics.
A key feature of this product is the all-natural formulation, which makes it ideal for sensitive ears. Ultimately, this means you won’t find any steroids, solvents, or synthetic chemicals in this mixture, which may do more harm than good, particularly for a sensitive dog with sore ears.
Instead, the product relies on deionized water, witch hazel extract, boric acid, and tea tree oil, along with several other ingredients which can be found on the full ingredient label.
Many buyers have been impressed by the effectiveness of this formula, as well as how easy it is to use, so it’s a solid option that rarely disappoints when you’re caring for your dog’s ears.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another incredibly popular ear treatment from Zymox, and the treatment is focused on easing any inflammation of the external ear that’s been caused by an infection.
Of course, it’s still important to consult with a vet if you suspect your dog has an ear infection, as this product isn’t always a suitable replacement for prescription drugs that your dog may require.
Several buyers note the benefits that the product has provided for their dog, and it certainly helps to give your dog some relief from itchiness and irritation they may be feeling. Again, it’s worth looking at some of the reviews to learn more about the positive first-hand experiences that dog owners have had with the product.
Here’s an interesting dog ear tonic that’s designed to reduce itching and discomfort in your dog’s ears, so you should notice far less scratching and head shaking after using the formula on your dog’s ears.
Importantly, it uses an all-natural formulation that’s made from 100% cold-pressed organic aloe, so you can rest assured that it will be safe for your dog and unlikely to cause any harm.
However, this doesn’t mean the formula won’t be effective, as many buyers find it to be an effective way to soothe any agitation that their dog’s ears have been experiencing, making it a great solution for keeping your dog’s ears cleaned safely. The use of pure aloe vera means it will be ideal for soothing irritation and itchiness, and it’s gentle enough to not make the problem worse in any way.
This ear cleaner from Zymox uses bio-active enzymes to clean a dog’s ears without needing any harsh chemicals or ingredients that are likely to upset sensitive ears.
Furthermore, it promises to leave your dog’s ears smelling clean and fresh while cleansing them in a gentle way that should help to reduce the build-up of any wax or debris that’s occurred over time or during an ear infection.
It’s available in a variety of package sizes, although a standard bottle will contain 4 oz of the product. The bottle also has a simple dispenser top that makes it relatively straightforward to apply the liquid as the directions instruct.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This ear cleaning formula from Bodhi Dog uses a blend of aloe vera and eucalyptus to provide you with a natural, plant-based ear cleaning solution that should deliver great results for sore, itchy ears.
The formula has a light scent due to the use of eucalyptus, but it’s subtle and gentle enough not to cause any irritation issue, while the aloe vera is excellent for providing a soothing sensation that should give your dog some extra comfort if their ears have been inflamed recently.
Furthermore, you can expect the solution to gently loosen and ease up any stuck ear wax, which can help to keep the ears cleaner and ultimately reduce any dirt or odor that’s built up over time. Of course, the eucalyptus extract has a natural anti-microbial property which allows it to clean up the ear without needing harsh ingredients to get the job done successfully.
Here’s an advanced ear cleaner from Virbac which comes in two different sizes, either 4 oz or 8 oz, with the larger version giving you better value for money overall.
The product is designed to be used as part of a general ear cleaning routine, so you won’t find any harsh ingredients like alcohol or chlorhexidine, so it’s generally a mild formula that’s useful for cleaning the outer ear.
Importantly, the formula comes with a low pH value of 2.2 which further ensures that it stays gentle and non-irritating to your dog’s ears. Many people have found the treatment to be effective for their dog’s ears, but it’s important to make sure you’re applying it correctly in order to achieve the best results.
Here’s a simple and effective formula that’s fully non-toxic, making it a reasonable choice for anyone who needs an ear cleaner to help them groom their dog. The gentle formulation means it won’t burn, sting, or irritate your dog’s ears at all, but it will still work to remove any build-up of wax.
It uses their own proprietary ingredient which they call Oxygene which works to clean your dog’s ears safely and effectively. Most buyers have been pleased with the overall effectiveness of the formula, and it can be a good preventative measure for stopping ear infections before they occur.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an interesting ear cleaner that forms a foam to really flush out the ears and give you quick results without too much struggle or effort. Of course, the foaming nature of the product makes it very effective for clearing any loose wax or debris that’s stuck in your dog’s ears, and it also ensures a thorough cleaning, too.
The gentle formula means that it’s suitable for the long-term management of dogs who are usually prone to ear infections, as it’ll help to keep the ear much cleaner than you otherwise could through basic grooming.
Several buyers comment on the amount of wax, dirt, and debris that this foaming product manages to remove, although you’ll need to have the drying lotion on hand to complete the 2-step process properly.
Here’s another ear solution from Zymox that’s designed to be a non-invasive solution for easing the irritation of infected ears, and it’ll also help to clear pus and debris of an infected ear as well. It’s important to note that this formula uses a 0.5% hydrocortisone to give its results, so it is more of a treatment-oriented solution rather than a basic ear wash.
Several reviewers note the considerable success they’ve had with this product, and it’s certainly more powerful than an all-natural ear cleaning formula. But if it’s suitable for your dog’s ear condition, then this can be a useful product to try because it’ll generally deliver quick results.
This ear cleaner is suitable for both dogs or cats and it’s available in two different variations, either cucumber melon or sweet pea vanilla. The formulation is safe and gentle to use thanks to the simple formula of aloe vera which also makes it suitable for more frequent use if needed.
Of course, regular use will help to keep the build-up of wax at bay, ensuring that any irritation doesn’t develop, and this can be useful for dogs with long, floppy ears who are more likely to experience ear infections. Ultimately, the formula should give your dog some relief from itching and discomfort, as well as scratching and shaking their head.
This ear relief wash from Vet’s Best comes in a 4 oz bottle or a 16-refill option, and it also promises to deliver immediate relief from any itchiness that your dog may be feeling in their ears.
It uses a range of natural ingredients which consist of aloe vera, witch hazel, clove oil, tea tree oil, and chamomile. Overall, this blend ensures there’s plenty of useful ingredients to soothe itching and discomfort, while also keeping the wax build-up to a minimum. Importantly, there’s no alcohol in the product, so it won’t cause any stinging for your dog when it’s used.
Here’s another ear treatment that’s suitable for either cats or dogs. The formula is based around the soothing properties of aloe vera, and it’s also a water-based formula, so it’s gentle enough to be used on most dogs without too much trouble.
Furthermore, it comes with a subtle cucumber melon scent that’ll help to deodorize your dog’s ears, and the formula will flush away any debris or wax to further keep your dog’s ears smelling clean and fresh.
This ear cleaner from Pet MD comes with a pleasing sweet pea scent that will make your dog’s ears smell much nicer than usual, while the cleansing aloe vera will help to flush out any debris and wax without any hassle.
Of course, the gentle aloe vera formulation means it’s a safe option for regular use, and it should work well to ease any irritation your dog is feeling, which will also help to reduce the scratching and head shaking behavior associated with ear discomfort.
In particular, it receives praise for its general affordability combined with the effectiveness it can offer you, while also scoring positive comments regarding the unique sweet pea scent that certainly gives a vastly improved ear odor.
Here’s an interesting ear cleaning formula from Petpost, and it comes with an aloe and coconut formulation that’s gentle enough for regular use, with the addition of coconut oil helping to keep your dog’s ears clean, irritation-free, and greatly soothed.
The product comes with a simple yet effective application nozzle which makes your life easy when you’re applying the product, so there’s no careful measuring required to do the job properly.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This ear cleaning and soothing product from Rubold is a formulation that focuses on safe, natural ingredients – so you won’t see any alcohol or harsh chemicals that might upset ear irritation even further. In fact, the formula is so mild that they claim it’s safe for use on puppies as well, and this is certainly good news if you’re looking for a product to help with a younger dog.
The product comes with a simple coconut and palm oil formula, along with a fresh citrus scent that freshens up your dog’s ears in no time at all, and it should do a good job of shifting any waxy build-up also.
The Best Dog Ear Wipes
Another way to keep your dog’s ears clean is to use special wipes that are fantastic for gently and safely cleaning the outer parts of the ear, and these can be used whenever you groom your dog in order to keep their ears nice and clean.
In many cases, regularly wiping and cleaning of your dog’s outer ears will go a long way toward preventing dirt and debris from making their way inside, and the wipes can also be useful for cleaning up after you’ve used a liquid solution, too.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best dog ear wipes on the market right now.
These ear cleaning wipes come with a blend of aloe vera and eucalyptus, which means they’re effective for cleaning away any debris on the outer ear without causing any discomfort for your dog, and these ingredients also deliver a nice, soothing effect for your dog, too.
Of course, the combination of aloe vera and eucalyptus also give the wipes a pleasant scent that helps to freshen up your dog’s ears as well. Furthermore, the wipes don’t contain any alcohol or harsh ingredients that are likely to cause any pain, so they can be used on most dogs just as long as they’re over 12 weeks old. The wipes are made in the USA to ensure quality control throughout the process.
Here’s another option for dog ear wipes that use a gentle, soothing coconut oil solution that works nicely for cleaning your dog’s ears. Additionally, the wipes come with aloe vera, which is always a good ingredient for dog ear cleaning products and is commonly found in many of the products listed here.
The cotton texture of the wipes is gentle and soft for your dog to experience, so even if their ears are a little sore the wipes shouldn’t be too uncomfortable if you’re careful with them.
Here’s an ear wipe product that uses a range of ingredients including chamomile, aloe vera, licorice, burdock, and a range of vitamins like D, E, and B5, along with dead sea minerals for added nourishment.
These ingredients go a long way towards making the wipes very soothing for your pet’s ears, and they’re gentle enough to not agitate any irritation they may experience. They’re also safe to use on any breed of dog or cat without worry. In fact, the formulation should be perfectly suitable for sensitive ears.
The Earthbath company make a range of popular dog grooming products, and these all-natural wipes are a reliable choice if you’re looking for soothing, gentle ear wipes. They come in either packs of 1, 2, or 6, with each pack giving you 25 wipes. Furthermore, the wipes are pH-balanced and gentle enough to not cause any discomfort for your dog, and they should help to ease any irritation or soreness in most cases.
In terms of ingredients, these wipes use a witch hazel formulation along with a selection of plant extracts that are known for their deodorizing and soothing effects. Specifically, they use cucumber extract, Chamomilla Recutita, Althaea officinalis, and purified water.
Here are some great value ear wipes that give you 100 per pack for a reasonable price, and the use of aloe vera, coconut oil, and chamomile go a long way towards keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy without too much trouble.
The ingredients are gentle enough to avoid agitating sore ears, but they are still powerful enough to clean up any dirt, debris, or discharge that’s coming out of your dog’s ears during an ear infection.
Of course, the lavender scenting makes your dog’s ears smell much nicer and fresher, and the use of oatmeal keeps the wipes useful for easing any irritation and itchiness.
