Top 10 Best Dog Ear Cleaners | Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution

Dogs have deep ear canals with many nooks and crannies that offer a perfect environment for fungi, yeast and bacteria. For this reason, it is important to clean up your dog’s ears. This serves as an effective way to reduce the chances of developing ear infections and wax/debris buildup, which can result to the ears being very itchy and uncomfortable.

Just like in human beings, keeping your pooch’s ears clean is also an important and contributing aspect of their comfort and well-being.

Signs of Dog Ear Infections

• Redness of the interior of the ear
• Ear discharge
• Unusual ear odors
• Excessive ear wax discharge
• Falling off of the hairs inside your dog’s ears
• Unusual swelling and/bumps are seen on the ears
• Ear wax gets darker in color, similar to coffee grounds

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to soreness which result to much more serious issues including deafness. Ear hygiene such as cleaning can also save you a lot of resources and money which would later be used on veterinary bills and or antibiotics.

Out of the many functions of ear cleaners, it is important to know exactly why you need ear cleaners for your dog. There is a wide variety of products in the market that can help you clean your dog’s ears.

However, choosing a product suitable for your purpose, and which is effective and yet mild enough so as not to harm your pooch can be challenging

The featured below are ten of the best ear cleaning solutions available in the market today. We have researched them well to ensure they are effective in protecting your dog’s ears from dirt and external infections.

10 Best Dog Ear Cleaners

The herein mentioned dog ear cleaners are especially made with ingredients such as aloe, peppermint and glycerin among others, which act together to clean, acidify and protect your pup’s ears from developing yeast, fungal or bacterial infections.

Some like the Vet organics dog cleaner are made of all natural ingredients which reduce odors from your dog’s ears.

Vet Organics Dog Ear Cleaner. Natural Multi-Symptom Formula

EcoEars dog ear cleaner by Vet Organics is an all natural dog ear cleaner with reduces chances of painful, itchy or smelly ear infections.

This ear solution offers a fast, safe and effective relief from both chronic and one-time ear infections. It is made with simple, natural ingredients that help with true healing, other than just symptom relief.

Contrary to prescription dog ear infection medicine, EcoEars clears the ear problems quickly leaving the ears fresh and clean.

Other than dirt, EcoEars clears pathogens, grime and any other common invaders in your pup’s ears. It also helps to prevent wax buildup, inflammation and redness in the ears.

Features

• Natural Botanicals; produced with pure, high-grade herbs and essential oils
• Includes no pharmaceuticals, synthetic chemicals, hydrocortisone (steroids), solvents or antibiotics
• No harsh chemicals and additives are used
• Restores healthy ear condition in 7-10 days
• Great for sensitive ears
• Made in the USA.
• 1 year money back guarantee

Bottom line– with natural ingredients such as fingerroot, tea tree oil and rosemary extracts, this Vet Organics product helps with breakdown of wax, dirt, crust and biofilms as well as parasites leaving your dog’s ears clean, healthy and comfortable.

ZYMOX Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone

ZYMOX Ear Solution with hydrocortisone helps in maintaining healthy ears by soothing ear infections, redness and inflammation for pets of all ages, including dogs and cats. It helps ease painful ear infections caused by bacteria, fungi and yeast. This ear treatment provides maximum effectiveness without traumatic pre-cleaning and application.

ZYMOX ear solution features patented antimicrobial LP3 Enzyme System that helps clear ear secretions hence promoting healthy ears. Additionally, this pet formula is effective in management of acute and chronic otitis caused by bacterial, yeast or fungal infections.

Features

• Made in the USA
• Animal Cruelty-Free and is never tested on animals
• Item dimensions; 1.88″L x 1.13″W x 3.88″H, 1.25 Fluid Ounces
• 1% Hydrocortisone is added to the product for comfort.
• Safe for use on any age of pet
• Broad spectrum; tested and proven to work against Pseudomonas, Malassezia pachydermatitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Proteus mirabilis, Eschericha coli among others.

Bottom line– if you want a natural alternative for antibiotics, ZYMOX pet ear treatment contains ingredients that are proven and tested for itch relief among other ear problems.

 

VetWELL Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner – Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Yeast

VetWELL Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner is a gentle ear cleaning product that can be used for daily use without causing negative effects on your dog.

It is great for use to clean, deodorize, acidify and dry ears and relieving infections from yeast to mites. The product rinses out build-up in your pet’s ear canal, including wax, fluid, dirt, and debris.

Features

• Contains Aloe Vera which helps in miniaturization
• Cleans ears and prevents fungal, bacterial and yeast infections
• Gentle non-stinging formula made with aloe
• Works for both cats and dogs
• Prevents buildup of wax, fluid, dirt and debris that cause itching, head shaking and irritation
• Made in the USA

Bottom line– VetWELL Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner provides all round hygiene for your pets preventing all manner of infections. It does not sting, burn or aggravate the ear canal.

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, 8 oz

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner can be used for routine ear cleansing in a healthy ear canal or prior to administration of other ear preparations. This Virbac product is an alcohol-free cleansing and drying solution used for routine maintenance of otitis externa.

The well-tolerated, efficient ear cleanser also facilitates the removal of cellular debris and excessive wax, as well as drying of the ear canal.

The cleaner features monosaccharides that have a soothing effect and limit the bonding of microorganisms on the skin surface. This ear cleaner has a neutral pH which prevents it from interfering with other operations.

Features

• It reduces the ability of microorganisms to bind to the skin
• Prevents bad odor from dog’s ears
• Reduces the release of inflammatory mediators
• Neutral pH makes it gentle enough for frequent use
• Non-sensitive hence suitable for sensitive skin
• Cleansing action helps emulsify and remove wax
• Keratolytic formula helps remove dead cells and debris

Bottom line– the Virbac Epi-Otic contains no chlorhexidine or alcohol. It discourages a moist environment that would encourage any type of infections.

Zymox Ear Cleanser with Bio-Active Enzymes, 4 oz

Zymox ear cleanser is best used on a weekly basis as a preventative measure against wax build up and infections. It provides an effective way to manage your furry friend’s dirty ears without exposing them to strong chemicals or skin irritation as in some other cleaners.

The dog ear cleaning product can either be rubbed onto your dog’s ears with cotton pads or dripped into the ear canal and massaged in by hand.

Features

• No harsh chemicals or cleaners used
• Effective at dislodging ear build up
• Easy to use
• Leaves ears smelling fresh
• Non-toxic and effective

Bottom line– This ear cleaning product works best as a preventative measure and may be unable to treat an already developed ear infection. It is recommended for use with Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution because it will not interfere with the activity of the Zymox Three Point Enzyme System.

Burt’s Bees Ear Cleaner with Peppermint & Witch Hazel

Burt’s Bees Ear Cleaner is made with all natural ingredients for protecting the health of your dog’s ears.

It provides a safe way to clean your dog’s sensitive ears without any harmful chemicals or irritants. Burt’s bees helps remove excess moisture, prevent build up and soothe the affected areas.

The 99.9% natural formula is made with the highest quality ingredients with a well-balanced pH especially for your dog ear cleaner. It cleans, soothes, and removes excess moisture from your dog or puppy’s ears preventing ear infections.

Features

• Made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients
• Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
• Prevents bacterial, fungal or yeast infections
• Witch hazel removes excess buildup while peppermint oil soothes irritation.
• It is 100% safe and easy to use
• Suitable for all dogs and puppies
• Ingredients: Water, SDA 40 Alcohol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Peppermint Oil, Witch Hazel, Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil.

Bottom line– you are required to place the dog ear cleaner bottle at the entry of the ear canal of your pup and squeeze 2-4 drops inside. Then massage the ear gently and repeat twice weekly as needed for effective results.

Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse for Dogs | Cleans and Removes Wax from Ears

Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse for Dogs is a formula that cleans, removes wax and deodorizes dog’s ears. It is made with a gentle formula that is suitable even for sensitive dogs.

The formula helps stop itching from eczema, fungal infections, insect bites, fleas and contact dermatitis.

Features

• Gentle formula
• Cleans & deodorizes ears
• Removes wax, dirt and other matter
• Good for all size dogs
• Veterinary formulated

Bottom line– this ear Cleanse is a combination of gentle yet effective ingredients that help with the removal of wax, dirt and other material, cleans and deodorizes.

Vet’s Best Dog Ear Cleaner Kit | Multi-Symptom Ear Relief

Vet’s Best Dog Ear Cleaner Kit provides a coordinated treatment that cleans and soothes raw, itchy and smelly dog ears.

It also keeps dog’s ears fresh and dry between baths. This ear cleaner is fast and effective from red, itchy and irritated ears. It has lasting results thus extends the time between air cleanings.

Vet’s best is a two-step set made with  unique, carefully formulated blend of natural ingredients including aloe vera, Echinacea, chamomile, tea tree oil, calendula, and clove oil to control odor, itching, and discomfort.

Features

• Fast and effective
• Long lasting results
• Alcohol-free and non-stinging
• Contains natural ingredients in a soothing combination
• Made in the USA

Bottom line– if you are looking for something nothing short of natural yet effective, this Vet’s best dog ear cleaner could work for you. It is fast, effective, and non-stinging hence suitable for all dogs including sensitive ones.

Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution for Dogs and Cats

Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution is a cat and dog ear cleaner solution specially formulated to deodorize and clean the external ear canal of a dog or cat.

The ear cleansing solution gently but thoroughly cleanses dries, acidifies and deodorizes the ear leaving behind no foreign material. It contains alcohol and lactic acid that help dry and acidify the external ear canal and aloe which softens the skin.

Routine use of Vetoquinol promotes clean, healthy ears reducing the occurrences of external ear infections.

Features

• Gentle enough for everyday use
• It cleanses, deodorizes, dries and acidifies the ear canal
• Alcohol dries out the skin of the outer ear that often become greasy and uncomfortable
• Lactic acid acidifies the skin, making it inhabitable for bacteria and other bugs
• Suitable for use on dogs and cats of all ages.
• Contains the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal.

Bottom line– creating a non-conducive environment for the development of bacteria and fungi which may cause external ear infections is basically what this ear solution does. It can ideally be used after swimming to remove dirt and grime accumulated in water.

Vet Solutions Ear Cleansing Solution (16 oz.)

This ear cleaning formula from Vet solutions makes it easier for you to manage your pet’s ears. Vet solutions Ear Cleansing Solution is affordable, effective and gentle enough to use daily.

It is effective in removing ear wax and maintaining the health of your pet’s ears. Vet solutions Ear Cleansing Solution uses a variety of ingredients to clean, dry, acidify and deodorize your pet’s ears.

Features

• Pleasantly Scented
• Affordable and easy to use
• Gentle enough for daily use
• Specially formulated to clean, dry, acidify and deodorize the ear canal
• Prevents microbial growth
• Ideal for both dogs and cats

Bottom line– this ear cleansing solution from Vet solutions is safe for regular cleanings which ensure that the ear does not form a conducive environment for microbial growth.  This reduces the chances for external ear infections.

Importance of cleaning dog ears

Prevention of hearing impairment

This can be caused by untreated ear infections. An inflammation can start in the outer ear of your dog and progress towards the middle and consequently the internal ear where the acoustic apparatus is located.

If these structures are infected, they lose the ability to convert sound waves into vibrations and later electric signals which are sent to the brain.

It can also be caused by impact caused on the hearing canal by cerumen and other form of waxy debris. Cerumen is secreted by the ear cells to aid in trapping debris and other large particles from reaching the inside of the ear.

If left to accumulate for long, this can harden thus blocking the entrance of the eardrum leading to hearing impairment.

Cleaning your dog’s ears can help in both situations mentioned above to clear the way for sound waves transmissions.

Preventing infections

Dogs with large droopy ears tend to have their ear canals enclosed by the ears. This traps heat leading to condensation. High humidity inside the ear canals create a conducive environment for development of fungi, yeast and bacteria. Cleaning your dog’s ears removes these microorganisms that cause infections and also allow outer air into the ear.

Dogs with short ears are not out of the loop either. Their ears are open to the external which allows entry of foreign materials such as dirt and microorganisms.

Cleaning of their ears prevent development of infectious microorganisms and help disinfect any broken skin or wounds around the ear.

Conclusion

Some pets may need ear cleaning maybe once or twice a week while others may need a longer timing between cleaning. If you live in a warmer and more humid environment, the chances are that your dog’s ears will need regular cleaning. Dogs with long or floppy ears may need frequent cleaning as well.

Using good quality ear cleansers is important as it prevents external ear infections while at the same time improving your pup’s comfort and hygiene.

If you are a new pet owner and not sure what ear solution is best for your dog, feel free to try out any of our top ten choices. They are made especially for cleaning, drying and acidifying your pup’s ears among other benefits.