Best Dog Ear Cleaner

The Importance of Regular Ear Cleaning For Your Dog

Regular ear cleanings are a necessary part of puppy and adult dog care as this will help to reduce ear infections. A dog’s ear has three major parts which are good to know:

  • the outer ear, which consists of the ear flap
  • the middle ear, which is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum
  • the inner ear, which connects to the brain and contains nerves for balance and hearing
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Your dog ears are important as they can provide hearing to about four times the distance of the average human. The type of ear your dog has also made a difference.

For example, dogs with pricked up, open ears are more reactive to sounds than dogs with floppy, closed ears. In addition, dogs will try to locate the sound or and strange noise by doing the cocked head position with moving ears. 

With their ears playing an important function, it is important to look after your dog ears.

Dog Ear Problems

Dogs do commonly suffer from ear problems and issues such as ear odour, ear mites, fungi, bacteria, and yeast related conditions. An ear infection is common and can be seen by the redness on the skin either inside or outside the dog’s ear.

A dog with mites is very unhappy and uncomfortable. With mites, you will see a brown, greasy, or waxy substance inside the dog’s ears and could come with a musty smell. These mites burrow into the top layers of the skin, where even a few of them can stimulate a very strong itch response.

Common types of mites found in dogs are sarcastic mange, demoted and cheyletiella. Dogs with sarcoptic mange can cause them to barely walk, as they keep stopping to scratch. Demodex is a tiny mite that can be found in dogs and Cheyletielle is a short-lived mite most often seen on puppies.

Fungus in the dog’s ear is most probably due to a fungal problem caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candidiasis. When Candidiasis proliferates in the gut, this will lead to an overgrowth that turns up in the ears. If you notice the above signs or symptoms, do seek treatment immediately as ear conditions can be very painful and can cause long-term problems.

Dogs that swim often may have water left in their ears, which is another potential source of ear problems. Dogs with allergies can also have recurrent ear infections. Parasites, tutors of the ear canal, trauma, ruptured eardrums, and certain skin disorders, such as seborrhoea, all can contribute to ear problems as well.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

The suggestion is not to place or force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal, as there is the risk of rupturing the dog’s eardrum.

Instead, gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the ear wash, then wipe the inside of your dog’s ear flap using a cotton ball.

As such, only clean the ear flap that you can see. Do not stick pointed objects or cotton swabs into the ear canal as this could risk injuring your dog’s eardrum.

An effective and gentle dog ear cleaner can help to remove the odor, dirt, excessive wax, bacteria, and pathogens that in your dog’s ear.

It is recommended to use it for routine ear cleanings so as to maintain and keep your dog’s ears clean and your dog happy.

Alpha Paw Antibacterial Antifungal Ear Cleaner
Alpha Paw's Antibacterial & Antifungal Medicated Ear Flush
Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse
No Antibiotics or Steroids

Checking for Healthy Ears

At least once a week, check the inside of your dog’s ears. Your dog should exhibit no discomfort when you touch its ears. Ensure that there is no swelling of the ear flaps and you should see a clean visible ear canal. It should have a clean, healthy doggy smell and free of bad odours.   Honey-colored wax in the ear is normal, but a dark crusty substance might indicate problems, such as ear mites. Other signs that indicate that your dog has an ear problem include:

  • Ear scratching more than normal
  • Head shaking
  • Rubbing ears along the walls or floors
  • Tilting the head to one side
  • Discharge
Ear Cleaner For Dog
Image showing cleaning dog's ear

Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution

Ways To Prevent An Ear Infection

  • Check your dog’s ears for smells, mites, ear infections or wax build-up regularly.
  • Clean the ears if dirty.
  • Clip and remove excess ear hair either yourself if able, or ask your groomer; as the dog’s ear hair can prevent proper aeration of the ear canal and this contributes to ear infections.
  • Dry the ears thoroughly after your dog’s bath or swim.
PUROTIC EXTRA STRENGTH DOG EAR CLEANER
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15 Best Ear Cleaner For Dogs

We have evaluated dozens of dog ear cleaner in the market to bring you the best ones. If you want good recommendation on the best dog ear cleaning solution do check out the following:

Highlights:
  • Formulated to break down debris and waxy buildups, take down bacteria and prevent fungal growth and infections
  • The addition of a unique blend of essential oils allows for a deeper cleaning & the removal of tough odor while leaving a fresh and clean fragrance
  • Comes with a patented soft, flexible silicone tip to reach deep into the dog’s inner ear canal for thorough cleaning resulting in great results and comfort for your pup.

Highlights:

  • An efficient dog ear cleanser that removes dead cells, debris, excessive wax, and helps keep micro-organisms from bonding to the skin surface.
  • A powerful yet gentle ear cleanser that does not sting and is safe for puppies to keep their ears clean, healthy and smelling fresh
  • Veterinarian-recommended non-irritating formula ear cleanser
  • Can also be used before applying ear treatment products
  • Specifically designed for routine cleansing of the dog’s ears

Highlights:

  • Made with Salicylic Acid and Benzoic Acid, this gentle yet powerful ear cleaner will effectively clear up your dog’s ear infections, treat itchiness & inflammation, eliminate odor, and remove wax buildup and debris
  • Also contains Aloe Vera to help soothe and moisturize the ears and fight bacteria and microbes.
  • Contains the right pH balance, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive skin as it will not irritate ears on regular use
  • Ideal for regular use to keep your dog’s ears dry and clean after grooming and water activities 
  • Made in the USA

Highlights:

  • This is a gentle and effective ear cleaner for routine cleaning of your dog’s ears.
  • Natural herbal formula to safely remove debris and dislodge any excess earwax.
  • Helps to prevent swimmer’s ear from bathing or swimming.
  • Formulated using Aloe Vera, Lavender, Boric Acid, distilled water and distilled witch hazel.
  • To be used for dog’s routine ear cleansing and after swimming
Highlights:
  • Made using plant based blend of natural ingredients, this gentle ear cleanser is suited for dogs of all ages including puppy and is safe to be used daily to help prevent and treat ear itchiness
  • It provides instant soothing relief to dogs suffering from ear issues like ear mites, ear odor and inflammation
  • Effectively removes ear wax buildup & dirt, and deodorises the dog’s ears
  • Contains Aloe Vera and eucalyptus extract for soothing and moisturizing your dog’s ears, making this an excellent ear wash for dogs with allergies and sensitive ears
  • Made in USA

Highlights:

  • Liquid Health Pets K9 Ear Solutions Ear Cleaner is  formulated to take care of your pup’s ear hygiene and eliminate stinky ears from the inside out
  • This liquid solution effectively removes dirt, debris and earwax buildup, remove odor while leaving your pooch with fresh-smelling clean ears
  • Help to dry the ear canal when applied after bathing or swimming

Highlights:

  • Veterinarian formulated to clean, deodorize, dry and acidify the dog’s ear canal
  • Gentle cleanser with Aloe Vera for daily use, even for puppies 
  • Eliminates earwax buildup, dirt, and debris 
  • Won’t burn, sting, or aggravate – safe for puppies
  • Pleasant fresh cucumber melon scent to eliminate ear odor
  • An effective ear rinse for dogs to safely clean your pup’s ears and avoid potential problems before they start. 
  • Made in the USA

Highlights:

  • This is a gentle and effective ear cleaner for routine cleaning of your dog’s ears.
  • Natural herbal formula to safely remove debris and dislodge any excess earwax.
  • Helps to prevent swimmer’s ear from bathing or swimming.
  • Formulated using Aloe Vera, Lavender, Boric Acid, distilled water and distilled witch hazel.
  • To be used for dog’s routine ear cleansing and after swimming

Highlights:

  • Burt’s Bees Care Plus+ Relieving Dog Ear Rinse harnesses the naturally nourishing power of rosemary and chamomile to soothe and cleanse itchy, irritated ears
  • Easy-to-apply formula that goes straight into your dog’s ear canal to provide lasting relief
  • This gentle ear rinse is pH balanced and is free from sulfates, colorants and added fragrances
  • Safe for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older
  • Made in the USA
Highlights:
  • Veterinarian formulated dog’s ear cleaner & odor reducer that is gentle, safe and effective for daily use.
  • Recommended to use this liquid dog ear wash after swimming or bathing to maintain optimal health for your dog’s ears.
  • Contains Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil to help dissolve earwax buildup, remove debris & dirt, while leaving a fresh and clean baby powder scent.
  • Comes with 100% money back guarantee
  • Made in the USA

Highlights:

  • Non-toxic and non-irritating dog ear cleaner solution that is free from harsh detergents
  • Gently and effectively cleanse and soothe dirty ears
  • Patented LP3 Enzyme system helps to control microbial growth within the ears 
  • It helps to gently maintain fresh-smelling ears
  • Safe for flushing the dog ears after an infection
  • Effective on bacteria, fungi and yeasts
  • Made in the USA

Highlights:

  • Vet Organics EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner is a natural alternative to prescription medicine
  • It aids in the treatment of acute and chronic itching, dirty ear discharge, and bad ear smell caused by fungal, mites, parasites, bacteria, and yeast ear infections
  • Provides fast-acting relief in 24 hours to 48 hours with a 93.7% success rate
  • All-natural ingredients without any harsh chemicals, steroids, antibiotics, or enzymes
  • Made in the USA at an FDA-registered facility

Highlights:

  • Alpha Paw Antibacterial & Antifungal Medicated Ear Flush works as a fragrance-free antiseptic solution for gentle cleansing and flushing of your dog’s ears
  • Cleanse, deodorize, and eliminate the root cause of ear infections
  • It is a gentle and non-stinging formula to heal and treat inflammation and infections caused by bacteria, fungus, yeast, wax, mites, and gooey build-ups.
  • Provide rapid relief for infected, inflamed, or swollen ears and heal common symptoms like itching, ear drainage, and unpleasant odors.
  • Contains active ingredient Ketoconazole to combat fungus, yeast, and bacteria
  • Veterinarian Recommended
  • Made in the USA

Highlights:

  • This liquid solution acts as both a dog ear cleaner and a treatment in just one application to promote ear health
  • Contains 3 active enzymes for antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral
  • It soothes ear infections, redness, and inflammations
  • Treats acute and chronic otitis externa caused by fungal, bacterial, viral, and yeast infections
  • The addition of 1% Hydrocortisone helps to soothes ear infections and provide relief from redness, inflammation, and itching 
  • Made in the USA

VetWELL Dog Ear Wash

VetWell dog ear cleaner

Highlights:

  • Veterinarian formulated for the optimum care and cleaning of canine ears
  • A gentle ear cleansing solution with Aloe Vera to help keep your dog’s ears free from painful infections
  • Helps rid ears of fluid discharge, waxy build-up, dirt, and debris without stinging or burning the ear canal
  • Stop painful itching and scratching, and help to reduce the likelihood of Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear)
  • Clean, dry, acidify, and deodorize the ear canal and control ear infections and ear odor
  • Cucumber-Melon scent for fresh smelling ears
  • Made in the USA

Burt's Bees Ear Cleaner for Dogs

Burt's Bees dog ear cleaner

Highlights:

  • All natural ingredients with Witch Hazel to cleanse the ears, remove excess buildup and peppermint oil to soothe the dog’s ear irritation
  • Gentle pH balanced ear cleaner suitable for all dogs and puppies
  • Made in USA

Ear Wash for Dogs FAQs

Ear cleaning for your dog is recommended as this will prevent dirt build up which can lead to ear infections. To clean your dog ears, squeeze the ear-cleaning solution into your dog’s ear canal and massage gently the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. After awhile, your dog will shake his head after which you can wipe the dislodged debris from the ear canal opening using a cotton ball or gauze.

As ears have very sensitive tissue, it is good to use a natural  ear cleaner that is safe and gentle for your dog’s ear. This means that the ear cleaner should not sting, burn or aggravate the ear canal.  Please note Hydrogen Peroxide should not be use as it could damage the ear.

Your dog healthy earwax should have a pale, yellowish colour.   If there is brown stuff or earwax it is abnormal and could be a sign of an ear infection.  Some dogs are more prone to infection as a result of excessive swimming while some are prone due to the shape of their ears and hair growth in ear canals.

The black stuff or dark, red brown crusts from the dog ear is typically composed of dried blood.  This is a symptom of the presence of dog ear mites.  As ear mites are highly contagious, dog could get them by spending time in close physical contact with other animals who have ear mites. Deep cleaning of the dog’s ear to flush out the mites is the first step in treating this condition.

Some dogs secrete more earwax and sebum than others. Other could have more hair inside the ears. Typically, you can clean your dog’s ear at least once a month for most dog’s with normal ears. If your dog swim a lot, then more frequent cleaning is recommended.

Ear Cleaning for Dogs Conclusion

Keep your dog’s ear in good condition will result in a healthier dog. The ear cleaners we recommended above are high-quality dog ear cleaners that are ‘Made in the USA’. Maintaining your dog’s ear health will ultimately contribute to improving your furry friend’s quality of life and the quality of time you spend with them!

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