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(Last Updated On: )Cleaning out your dog’s ears regularly helps keep them healthy so they can hear better, just like human ears. A good dog ear cleaner will remove any dirt or buildup in your dog’s ear, which reduces your dog’s chance of experiencing ear problems.
The best dog ear cleaner is the ZYMOX Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear, which contains hydrocortisone and other ingredients that kill bacterial and fungal infections without antibiotics.
Top-rated cleaners contain several different active ingredients, which not only clean out your dog’s ears but prevent buildup and infections from happening in the future.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Ear Cleaners
| Dog Ear Cleaner | Type | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Zymox | Liquid | Hydrocortisone |
| Mister Ben's Treatment | Liquid | Aloe |
| VetWELL EarWELL | Wipes | Aloe & Eucalyptus |
| PPP Pet Aroma Care | Wipes | Aloe & Eucalyptus |
| Project Paws | Wipes | Aloe & Eucalyptus |
There are many different ear cleaners to choose from, but having some form of cleaner in your dog’s care kit is a must-have. Maintaining good ear health is something we don’t often think about for our dogs, but ear cleaning is relatively easy to do and helps your pup stay comfortable and healthy.
There is a vast amount of products on the market that can help fight dog ear infections and other issues. However, finding one that is safe and effective can be difficult and if in doubt, we recommend that you ask your veterinarian.
Reducing the risk of irritation or infection requires regular cleaning of your dog’s ears with natural wipes or liquids. Below is a list of the best dog ear cleaners that promote a healthy and clean ear and do not use any harsh ingredients.
Zymox Otic Dog Ear Treatment With Hydrocortisone
The Zymox Otic Dog Ear Treatment’s strong formula is very effective for reducing and preventing infections in your dog’s ears. It contains hydrocortisone and other ingredients that kill bacterial and fungal infections without antibiotics. The hydrocortisone specifically gets rid of any redness or irritation that your dog may be experiencing. This ear treatment naturally destroys these harmful organisms to keep your dog’s ears clean.
It uses an enzyme system that is very different from others, so if you struggle to find something that works, this ear cleaning treatment for dogs is worth trying.
This bottle is easy to use and contains 1.25 ounces for several convenient ear cleanings. To use, you just apply the formula to your dog’s ears and then gently massage it in. Once the treatment has been worked into the ears, wipe away the excess formula, and then rinse the ear. Zymox Otic is a strong formula that’s effective against pesky ear infections that just won’t go away.
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Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Treatment Ear Kit
If your dog struggles with ear infections or irritation in addition to needing regular cleanings, this is the perfect dog ear cleaner for you. Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Treatment is the best dog ear cleaner and provides the best results for a happy dog.
This kit comes with the Ear Wash and Ear Tonic, which work together to keep the ears clean. The Ear Wash cleanses, removing existing dirt, bacteria, and fungi, while the Ear Tonic soothes, heals damage, and prevents further infection.
The Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Treatment Kit uses six active ingredients for ear-related health and these include:
- Cold compressed natural aloe vera
- Vinegar
- Povidone-iodine
- Boric acid
- Witch hazel
- Isopropyl alcohol
The natural aloe vera compound combined with the strong cleaning properties of the other ingredients is what makes Mister Ben’s formula stand out from the others. The aloe soothes inflammation and is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
The rest of the ingredients clean the ears thoroughly to remove the dirt, bacteria, fungi, and yeast that may be causing an infection. The cleaner and tonic are both simple to use and provide quick relief for your dog. Overall, Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Treatment Ear Kit is the best buy for soothing your dog’s ear infections quickly.
VetWELL Dog Ear Wipes
For fussy dogs that need an ear cleaner that’s easy to apply, the VetWELL Dog Ear Wipes are a perfect choice. They come in a pack of 100 and are one of the quickest ways to clean your dog’s ears. All you have to do is wipe down their ears thoroughly but gently with the wipes to see results.
This makes for less squirming and no messy liquid everywhere, which is convenient for the discerning dog owner. The VetWELL Dog Ear Wipes also do not contain any alcohol, which makes them a good choice for dogs who have sensitive skin.
While alcohol is a strong cleaner, it can be very irritating for dogs, so if you know they will react negatively to it, these ear wipes are a product you can trust. They also contain aloe and eucalyptus, which have very soothing properties to calm your dog’s ears and naturally remove the odor that comes with irritated and infected ears.
PPP Dog Aroma Care Ear Wipes
PPP dog Aroma Care is another brand of ear wipes that works well for cleaning your dog’s ears. Like the VetWELL product, they provide all the convenience of a wipe over a liquid and come in a 100 count pack. You don’t have to struggle with a messy liquid that can cause spills for you and discomfort for your dog – instead, just gently massage the inside of the ears to remove the dirt and grime.
PPP dog Aroma Care Wipes also use aloe vera and eucalyptus to soothe the ears, and they have a very gentle formula and smell. These wipes are specifically meant to remove odor from the ears, so if your dog struggles with stinky ears due to infection or buildup, these wipes will solve that problem quickly.
These wipes are gentle enough to use on puppies, and the soothing formula feels great for your pooch. The convenience of the PPP Dog Aroma Wipes makes them great for regular preventative cleaning as well as treating irritation.
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Project Paws Dog Ear Wipes
The Project Paws Dog Ear Wipes are not only soothing and cleansing for your dog’s ears, but they also support a great cause. For every purchase, the Project Paws brand provides seven meals to shelter dogs. They are also made in the United States in a safe and ethical production facility.
The Project Paws wipes use a formula developed by veterinarians that contains aloe and eucalyptus to soother and cleanse your dog’s ears. The formula doesn’t contain any alcohol, which can be irritating for some dogs. It naturally removes any wax and dirt that has built up while also preventing ear infections and irritation.
Since they are wipes, they do not create any mess and they aren’t annoying or irritating for your dog. The Project Paws wipes also have a light, pleasant scent that naturally deodorizes. They are perfect for use after spending time outdoors, or as a preventative treatment if your dog frequently gets ear infections.
Dog Ear Cleaner Buying Guide
Many people don’t realize how important it is to keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy. Dogs are prone to bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections in their ears, and these can be painful for your dog – and smelly for you. Active ear cleaning is important for preventing these infections and removing any dirt and grime that may build up in your dog’s ears.
Many people go to the vet when their dog’s ears are dirty or infected, but this can be very expensive, particularly if your dog gets ear infections repeatedly. Having a good ear cleaner on hand at home to use if you notice irritation or if your dog has been playing outside can save you the vet bills and the stress of paying for a professional cleaning.
There are several different dog ear cleaners on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the best one for your beloved pooch. Here’s what you should look for when shopping for an ear cleaner for your dog.
Active Ingredients
The first thing to look at when shopping for an ear cleaner for your dog is the active ingredients in the cleaner’s formula. The active ingredients are what works to kill the infection and clean your dog’s ear. Many brands use aloe and eucalyptus to clean the ears, which are natural antibacterials and antifungals that are very soothing.
The biggest decision you’ll need to make is whether or not you want a formula with alcohol in it. For many dogs, alcohol can be too harsh for their sensitive ears. However, alcohol is also a very effective cleaning and disinfecting agent. You will have to decide for yourself whether or not you want to use alcohol-based on the severity of your dog’s infection and the sensitivity of their skin.
Ease of Use
Another important factor to consider is how easy the ear cleaner is to use. Many dogs don’t like having their ears cleaned and will fuss or squirm during the process, so it’s very beneficial to find an ear cleaner that’s quick and simple to use.
Many ear cleaners now come in a wipe form, which is very helpful if your dog is fussy. With wipes, there’s no risk of a mess, and the sensation is more comfortable for your dog as well. However, some of the strongest formulas come in a liquid form, so for bad infections, you may need to use a liquid.
Size
The size of the ear cleaning product is an important consideration because it shows how much bang for your buck you will be getting. If you’re planning on using the bottle for multiple ear cleanings and preventative treatment, buying a larger bottle is best.
This way, you’ll get several ear cleanings out of one purchase. Since dogs’ ears only need preventative cleanings every few weeks, a bottle could last you for months if you buy an appropriate size.
Smell
Many dog owners notice an unpleasant smell when their dog has an ear infection. A good ear cleaner should neutralize that smell in addition to cleaning the dog’s ears. Many ear cleaners also have a mild smell added to the formula. If you or your dog are sensitive to certain scents, be sure to check the cleaner before purchasing to make sure you like the smell.
Treatment Length
Most ear cleaners for dogs list a prescribed treatment length for reducing infection, as well as information about using the product for preventative care. You may be looking for something you can add to your regular care routine, or you may be looking for something that acts quickly.
Check the treatment length and compare different options to determine what would work best in your dog’s care routine. Many people prefer a treatment they only have to use once a day or every few days to get rid of an infection, as opposed to a treatment they have to keep using frequently.
Efficacy
Of course, one of the most important things to consider is how well the ear cleaner actually works. This is something that’s difficult to know without testing it out on your dog, but there are a few things you can look for in the marketing that will clue you in.
The first is how long it claims to take to remove the infection. Cleaners that remove infection very quickly are typically very effective but can be too harsh for some dogs. The second thing to look at is what the cleaner claims to remove and prevent. Ideally, your dog’s ear cleaner should be able to remove bacteria, fungi, and yeast that could cause infection, in addition to the typical dirt and grime.
Conclusion
Ear cleaners are a very important part of your dog’s healthcare routine, and you should always be sure to have one on hand in case your dog experiences irritation or infection. Ideally, you should clean your dog’s ears a few times per month to reduce the chances of infection and other ear problems.
A good ear cleaner can save you a trip to the vet, which can be very costly and time-consuming. However, if you are unsure of what cleaner to use, or if your pooch is particularly sensitive to certain ingredients, don’t be afraid to ask your vet for recommendations. They may even be able to point you towards the brands they use in the office.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)
