As you may have already known, cleaning your furry friend’s ears is very important.
Keeping their ears clean can prevent unpleasant odor, wax buildup, as well as ear infections.
But with so many products that can remove debris from your dog’s auditory canal, it can be difficult to tell which one is effective.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below you will find the 10 top-rated dog ear cleaners we’ve reviewed in 2023.
Read More:
- Why Do You Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
- Common Dog Ear Problems
- Comparison Between Types of Dog Ear Cleaners: Liquid vs. Wipes
- Are Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions Better Than Ear Cleaner Wipes?
- Best Dog Ear Cleaners Buyers’ Guide
- How to Clean My Dog’s Ears to Keep them Healthy?
- How Frequent Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
| Best Dog Ear Care Product | Type | Capacity | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZYMOX Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone | Liquid |
1.25 oz 4 oz 8 oz |
Check Here |
| Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes | Liquid | 4 oz | Check Here |
| Vet Organics EcoEars Natural Dog Ear Cleaner | Liquid | 8 oz | Check Here |
| Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner | Liquid | 4 oz | Check Here |
| Bexley Labs Curaseb Dog Ear Infection Treatment | Liquid |
8 oz 12 oz |
Check Here |
| Vet's Best Dog Ear Relief Wash | Liquid | 4 oz | Check Here |
| Burt’s Bees Ear Cleaner with Peppermint | Liquid | 4 oz | Check Here |
| Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes | Wipes | 100 wipes | Check Here |
| PPP Pet Aroma Care 100 Count Ear Wipes | Wipes | 100 wipes | Check Here |
| Petpost Pet Ear Cleaner Wipes | Wipes | 100 wipes | Check Here |
** Top Dog Ear Cleaners Comparison
1. Our Top Pick - Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone
The pet care industry leader, Zymox, has been trading for more than 20 years. And their products are known to help pets relief from problematic ear, skin, and mouth conditions.
And if you didn’t already know, the Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone is the No.1 selling and effective solution that can quickly remove debris and buildup, as well as managing problematic ears.
It features a patented LP3 Enzyme System, designed to maximize the cleaning power and save you the hassle from pre-cleaning and application. Also, it contains 1.0% hydrocortisone to provide soothing relief from irritation and keep your dog’s ears free from bacteria and fungus.
This solution is manufactured in the US facility that practices Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and is cruelty-free. It is also easy to use. All you need to do is to fill up the ear canal, gently massage it, and your fido will finish the rest of the job.
Features:
- Safe and no-sting formula
- LP3 Enzyme System
- 1.0% hydrocortisone
- No pre-cleaning required
- Soothe irritation
PROS
- Great for treating external ear inflammation caused by bacteria and yeast infection
- Effective
- Easy to use
- Safe for dogs
- Recommended by veterinarians
CONS
- It’s relatively expensive
2. Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes
Another famous dog ear cleaner is the Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes.
The one that contains hydrocortisone is great for cleaning and treating existing ear inflammation, whereas this solution is more suitable for maintenance and prevention. It has no harsh chemicals to ensure it is safe to use and can effectively manage dogs’ dirty ears. Not to mention it will leave ears smelling fresh, making it one of the best on the market.
What’s more, you can use this product with the Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution as it will not interfere with the LP3 Enzyme System.
Features:
- Preventative cleaner
- A non-toxic way to clean dirty ears
- Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
- Leaves ears smelling fresh
PROS
- Great for cleaning and inhibiting bacterial growth
- Effective
- Easy to use
- Safe for dogs
CONS
- Not intended for treating ear infections
3. Vet Organics EcoEars Natural Dog Ear Cleaner
The South Florida based company, Vet Organics formulates remedies and supplements that are natural, safe, and highly effective for pets.
Did you see signs of dirt, itching, irritation, foul odors caused by infections, or discharge? If so, you would probably want to consider the Vet Organics EcoEars Natural Dog Ear Cleaner. It can clean and restore your dog’s ears to a healthy condition. It helps to eliminate the wax buildup and reduce inflammation and redness.
This high-quality cleanser is free of harsh chemicals, made with natural ingredients, and uses high-grade herbs and essential oils to make sure it is gentle on your dog’s ears.
Features:
- A multi-symptom ear cleaner solution
- All-natural ingredients
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Reduce inflammation and redness
PROS
- Suitable for treating multi-symptoms, such as itch, smell, and gunks
- Made with all-natural ingredients, so it’s safe for use on dogs
- Fast-acting and effective
CONS
- It contains alcohol
4. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
Virbac has more than 50 years of experience in the industry and is one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical groups. So you can rest assured of its quality.
The Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner is a well-tolerated and efficient ear cleaner that helps to remove debris and excessive wax, as well as drying of your dog’s ear canal. With the inclusion of monosaccharides to prevent microorganisms from binding to the skin. Plus, the patented anti-odor technology to deodorize smelly ears.
It can be used before the administration of other ear preparations and is suitable for routine ear cleaning. Additionally, it is alcohol-free and has a low pH of 2.2, which is great as it won’t irritate your dog’s ears.
Features:
- Keratolytic formula
- Non-irritating
- Contains 0.2% salicylic acid
- Low pH of 2.2
- Anti-adhesive properties to protect ears from fungi and bacteria
- Remove excess moisture
- Anti-odor technology
PROS
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for puppies and dogs that are prone to ear infections
- Effective in limiting the growth of microorganisms in dogs’ ear canal
- Won’t interfere with other ear treatments
CONS
- Not intended for treating ear infections
5. Bexley Labs Curaseb Dog Ear Infection Treatment
The Bexley Labs Curaseb Dog Ear Infection Treatment allows you to clean and get rid of the smelly and gunky ears while ensuring it is safe to use. With the inclusion of prescription-grade anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-bacterial ingredients to effectively deal and manage most ear infections.
This vet formulated ear flush is gentle on various skin issues such as rashes, patches, and acne. Not only that, but it is also infused with aloe vera to help soothe those problem areas. This ear cleaner has veterinary strength, and you can get it without a prescription, making this one of the best on the market.
Features:
- No-sting veterinary formula
- Prescription-grade anti-yeast, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
- 0.1% ketoconazole
- Infused with aloe vera
- Soothe irritation
PROS
- Great for treating mild ear infections
- Gentle, soothing, and sweet-smelling formula
- Fast and effective
CONS
- Not strong enough to remedy severe ear infections
6. Vet's Best Dog Ear Relief Wash
If you have never heard of Vet’s Best, they manufacture their products using plant-based ingredients. And with over 35 years of experience in the pet care industry, you can surely trust their ear cleaners.
The Vet’s Best Dog Ear Relief Wash has a soothing mix of natural ingredients, which includes hazel, chamomile, aloe vera, clove oil, and tea tree oil to clean and sanitize dirty and greasy dog ears, as well as to help control foul odor and itching. It can be used daily or as needed and is suitable for sensitive ears.
This ear relief wash is made in the US and contains no paraben, no added dyes, and no added fragrance. Also, it won’t interfere with the treatment of topical flea and tick control products.
Features:
- Vet formulated
- No-sting, alcohol-free formula
- Infused with botanical ingredients
- Control unpleasant odor and itching
PROS
- Suitable for all dogs
- Gentle on dogs’ ears
- Won’t interfere with topical flea and tick treatment
- Can be used daily
CONS
- Has a strong smell, which your dog may not like
- Not intended for treating ear infections
7. Burt’s Bees Ear Cleaner with Peppermint
Burt’s Bee is an American personal care products manufacturer incorporated in 1984. It also produces high-quality care products for pets, and each of them is crafted with natural ingredients and is cruelty-free.
The Burt’s Bees Ear Cleaner with Peppermint is a veterinarian recommended formula, made with the highest quality natural ingredients, including witch hazel and peppermint oil to help remove buildup and excess moisture, as well as to soothe irritated ears.
It is 100% safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals or irritants. Not only is it gentle, but also pH balanced. Meaning it is suitable for all dogs and puppies.
Features:
- Veterinarian recommended formula
- All-natural ingredients
- pH balanced
- No harsh chemicals or irritants
- Remove excess buildup and moisture
- Soothe irritated ears
PROS
- Suitable for all dogs and puppies
- Gentle and non-irritating cleanser
- Have a pleasant smell
CONS
- Not as effective when it comes to dealing with severe or chronic ear conditions
8. Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
Pet MD has been around since 2002 and produces affordable veterinarian-recommended products for pets.
Thanks to their advanced veterinary formula, the Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes can clean, deodorize, and dry your dog’s ears very effectively. Also, the wipes are infused with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil to relieve itching and irritation. Plus, it is safe to use regularly, allowing you to keep your dog’s ears clean at all times, ultimately preventing ear infections.
These handy and disposable ear wipes are suitable for 12 weeks or older dogs and are perfect for quick clean-ups.
Features:
- Advanced veterinary formula
- Infused with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil
- Alcohol-free
- Reduce itching and foul odor
- Inhibit yeast and mites
- Comes with 100 non-irritating and disposable soft wipes
PROS
- Suitable for dogs over 12 weeks old
- Very convenient
- Safe and effective
- Leaves ears smelling fresh
CONS
- Wipes tend to stick together
- Not intended for treating ear infections
9. PPP Pet Aroma Care 100 Count Ear Wipes
One of the most trusted brands, Professional Pet Products (PPP), was established in 1982, specializes in manufacturing grooming products for pets.
The PPP Pet Aroma Care is made in the US and contains 100 presoaked textured wipes formulated with aloe vera and eucalyptus to clean and deodorize your dog’s ears. It is perfect for daily use to keep your canine’s ears free from dirt, wax, and other debris, and prevent ear infections.
The wipes are disposable and safe for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old. It is also easy to use, which you only need to lift your dog’s ear and wipe the accessible areas.
Features:
- Preventative wipes
- Formulated with aloe vera and eucalyptus
- Contains 100 presoaked textured wipes
PROS
- Suitable for dogs over 12 weeks old
- Very convenient
- Wipes are durable
- Leaves ears smelling fresh
CONS
- Wipes are smaller than expected
- Not intended for treating ear infections
10. Petpost Pet Ear Cleaner Wipes
Petpost is an environmentally conscious company that commits to providing the highest quality natural pet care products.
The Petpost Pet Ear Cleaner Wipes can clean and remove the wax and debris very effectively without irritating the sensitive ears. Unlike the Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes and PPP Pet Aroma Care Ear Wipes, these pads are infused with high-quality coconut oil and aloe vera. That means it is more nourishing, and its antimicrobial properties can better protect your dog’s skin from harmful bacteria.
You can trust the quality of these convenient and luxuriously soft cotton wipes as they are made in the US. Not to mention it is safe for use on 8 weeks or older puppies, making this one of the best dog ear cleaner wipes.
Features:
- High-quality coconut oil and aloe vera formula
- Convenient nozzle
- Soothe sore and itching ears
- Contains 100 ultra-soft cotton wipes
PROS
- Can be used on dogs and puppies as young as 8 weeks of age
- Very convenient
- Wipes are very soft
- Has nourishing antimicrobial properties to protect and hydrate sensitive ear canal
- Removes nasty odor
CONS
- Wipes are quite small
- Not intended for treating ear infections
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears?
Most dog owners often overlook ear hygiene. Cleaning your dog’s ears doesn’t just remove dirt, wax buildup, and any other debris, but can also prevent ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast, and fungus.
Ear infections can cause significant discomforts, such as constant itching, irritation, ear inflammation, and discharge. Did you also know that it may pose some serious health risk if you leave the ear infections untreated? It can spread very quickly and may lead to permanent damage, such as hearing loss and facial nerve paralysis.
Common Dog Ear Problems
And here are some of the common types of ear problems in dogs that could happen if you didn’t clean your dog’s ears.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infection in dogs can develop for many reasons. But dogs with floppy ears and those who love to swim are especially prone to this type of infection as yeast tends to thrive in humid conditions.
So, it is crucial to dry their ears properly after a swim or bath, and cleaning their ears with otic solutions that contain antifungal properties will also help prevent yeast from growing.
Mite Infestations
Ear mites feed on wax and skin oils. It will produce an unusual dark, reddish-brown discharge that looks like coffee grounds, which can make it very uncomfortable for your canine and can drive them crazy. It can cause itchiness and irritation, and will potentially lead to infections and further complications.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the number of ear mites is by cleaning your dog’s ears!
Bacterial Infections
The most common bacterial infection in dogs’ ears is the staphylococcal infection. Some of the symptoms include itchy red ears, unusual discharge, and unpleasant odors.
But all this could’ve been easily prevented in the first place by keeping your dog’s ears dry and clean. And there are plenty of otic solutions that contain antibacterial properties on the market.
Airborne Allergies
Allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, and other inhalants can cause airborne allergies in dogs. While there are medications that can suppress the allergic reactions, the simplest thing you can do is bathe them and clean their ears regularly to get rid of the allergens.
Comparison Between Types of Dog Ear Cleaners: Liquid vs. Wipes
- Ear Cleaner Solution.
The solution type is perfect for a thorough cleaning as they can get deep into the ear canal. The best ear cleaner solution should contain ingredients that can relieve itching, irritations, and inflammations. It is also a better option than the wipes if your fido has any ear infection symptoms. However, using an ear cleaner solution can get a little bit messy when your pup starts shaking their head to get rid of the fluid. - Ear Cleaner Wipes.
The wipes are typically made of soft cotton to keep them from scratching and damaging your dog’s inner ear wall. They are very convenient and great for quick clean-ups. The flip side is that you can’t reach the deeper part of the ear canal to loosen up the debris.
Are Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions Better Than Ear Cleaner Wipes?
No, not necessarily. Both types of ear cleaners have their pros and cons. If you are looking to deep clean your dog’s ears and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, then go for the ear cleaner solution. But if you only need a simple clean, the wipes will suffice.
Best Dog Ear Cleaners Buyers’ Guide : Important Features to Consider
There are a few things you need to consider when buying a dog ear cleaner for your fido. Below are some of them.
1. Active Ingredients
Before you buy the dog ear cleaner, make sure to check what it contains. Remember, it has to be gentle so that it won’t cause irritation, and obviously, you would want to avoid those containing harsh chemicals.
2. Formula
There are many dog ear cleaners made for different purposes. Some are designed to clean, dry, and deodorize the ears only, while some are for discouraging bacterial and fungal growth. So, ensure to select the one that is suitable for your furkid.
3. Liquid vs. Wipes
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of dog ear cleaners, liquid, and wipes. If you want a more convenient way to clean your dog’s ears, go for the wipes. But to reach the deeper part of the ear canal, you will have to use the liquid cleanser.
How to Clean My Dog’s Ears to Keep them Healthy ?
Cleaning your dog’s ears is pretty easy, and here is how you can do it:
- Calm your furry friend before you start doing anything.
- Hold the ear up vertically to straighten the ear canal.
- Pour the solution straight into the ear.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to loosen up the debris.
- Allow your pup to shake their head to bring the fluid and debris out of the ear canal.
- Use clean gauze to remove the debris and cleaning solution from the outer area.
- Praise your dog and give them a treat.
- Repeat the same process with the other ear.
Please keep in mind that you should never insert any object too far into your dog’s ears to remove wax and other debris to avoid damaging the ear canal. And using a Q-tip to clean can only be done in a veterinary office.
How Frequent Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
As a good rule of thumb, you should be checking and cleaning your dog’s ears weekly. In fact, you should clean more frequently if your dog is prone to ear infections.
It may also be a good idea to use the ear cleaner solution daily if you start seeing signs of ear infections such as excessive dark ear wax, ear discharge, and unusual odors. If the symptoms persist, you should visit the veterinarian as soon as possible.
