The Best Dog Ear Cleaners
Taking care of our dogs' hygiene can seem like a huge responsibility at times. For example, dogs often suffer from ear issues that can make them feel uncomfortable and even lethargic. But these minor issues, if not taken care of, can lead to more serious problems such as ear infections and even hearing loss. Understanding when and how to take care of your dog’s ears is an important part of pet ownership that will keep you and your dog happy.
What to Look For
To help you find the best dog ear cleaners available, we narrowed the most important elements down to these three things: ease of application, healing time, and natural ingredients. In terms of the first two items, Pet MD’s ear cleaning wipes are our top pick. The wipes make it easy to apply the product and the soothing formula allows ears to heal quickly. While this is a great option, it doesn’t have the most natural list of ingredients. So our runner-up is Mister Ben’s all-natural dog ear cleaner, which contains only natural ingredients and offers ear relief for dogs of all sizes. Keep reading to discover some more great products that you and your dog will love.
Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
Wax off
Wax and dirt buildup in your dog’s ear canals can cause itching, discomfort, and infections. With Pet MD’s dog ear cleaner wipes, you can wipe away your dog’s wax buildup before it turns into a larger problem. These 100% alcohol-free wipes deodorize, clean, and dry your dog’s ears to prevent future buildups from coming back with a vengeance. The wipes are easy on the skin and won’t irritate or redden your dog’s ear canals. The aloe vera/eucalyptus blend promotes quick healing and reduced inflammation, and it fights against bacterial and fungal ear infections.
Pros:
- The aloe vera and eucalyptus work together to clean, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections, including yeast infections, in dogs’ ears. The wipes have a fresh scent that makes them more appealing for both dogs and owners.
- Using these wipes regularly can reduce ear odor and soothe minor discomfort that dogs may experience.
Cons:
- The wipes are made of a thin material, which can make it difficult to separate them from each other.
VetWell EarWell Dog Ear Cleaner
I can hear clearly now
If you’re tired of watching your dog incessantly scratch their ears because of infections, VetWell’s dog ear cleaning solution might be just what the doctor ordered. VetWell’s EarWell cleaning solution contains a blend of soothing aloe vera mixed with deep cleaning active ingredients that will eliminate wax and dirt buildups. Ear infections and inflammation are all too common in dogs, but with this option, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and less on edge. Applying this ear cleaner is as simple as rubbing the solution around your dog’s ear canal and wiping away the dirt and wax with a paper towel.
Pros:
- The ear rinse comes in two fresh-smelling scents: cucumber melon and sweet pea vanilla. This makes the cleaning experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- This cleaner can be used to eliminate wax buildup and to prevent ear infections. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to infections, so this rinse can also be used after swimming to remove any remaining water.
Cons:
- This ear cleaner contains alcohol, which may irritate dogs with more sensitive skin.
Pro Pooch Dog Ear Cleaner
Here's to healthy hearing
As all dog owners know, a dog’s ear canal is a very sensitive spot. Pro Pooch has created an all-natural ear cleaner that you can feel comfortable using on your canine companion. Free of alcohol, parabens, and silicones, this ear cleaner is an excellent alternative to harsher chemical-based options. One of our favorite things about Pro Pooch is its ethical stance against animal testing: all of Pro Pooch’s products are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. Not to mention, part of Pro Pooch’s profits go toward a charity that helps rescue dogs at animal shelters.
Pros:
- This ear cleaner is made of 100% all-natural ingredients to gently remove build-up and clear up infections in your dog’s ears. The narrow tip makes it faster and easier to apply than other methods of cleaning.
- When added to your regular grooming routine, this cleaner’s fresh and fruity scent will be a bonus for both you and your dog.
Cons:
- Some dogs may develop minor allergic reactions to this ear cleaner.
Mister Ben’s All-Natural Dog Ear Cleaner
Clean canals
If you’re on the lookout for an all-natural dog ear cleaner that works just as well as chemical-based solutions, this cleaner from Mister Ben’s is the pick for you. It combines all-natural active ingredients such as aloe vera, ginkgo leaf, marshmallow root, and Oregon grape root to create a highly effective and soothing blend that will clean your dog’s ears and leave them smelling fresher than ever. If your dog is plagued by foul ear odor and itchy, inflamed ear canals, Mister Ben’s blend can provide some much-needed relief. What’s more, your purchase includes access to a free educational e-book about dog ear cleaning.
Pros:
- This ear rinse is formulated from all-natural, high-quality ingredients that are perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. Leaving alcohol out of the ingredients list means it won’t cause stinging or discomfort to dogs that are already suffering from ear issues.
- This product works quickly to provide relief from itchiness, irritation, and infection in dogs of all sizes. By removing the root cause, this cleaner also fights to eliminate ear odor and inflammation.
Cons:
- The slightly acidic scent of this natural product may be off-putting to some dogs and owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have an ear infection or ear mites?
Ear mites are fairly rare in dogs, especially when compared to the exponentially higher number of cases reported in cats. However, ear mites still affect dogs and can lead to hearing damage if the condition is not properly treated. The symptoms of ear mites and bacterial ear infections are similar, but there are some key differences. Ear mites are about as tiny as a pinpoint, but they’re still observable to the naked eye. If you see these small mites running around the inside of your dog’s ear canals, you should schedule an appointment with the vet immediately.
Can I use dog ear cleaners on cats?
Unless the product indicates otherwise, the vast majority of dog ear cleaners can be used on cat ears as well. These cleaning solutions help fight the same kinds of bacterial and fungal infections in dogs as they do in cats.
About the Author
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Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.