Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly may be beneficial for some dogs to help avoid ear infections. A good dog ear cleaning solution can help make that job easier for you to do.
Our Top Dog Ear Cleaning Solution Picks:
Related: Best Ear Cleaning Wipes For Dogs
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is A Dog Ear Cleaning Solution?
A dog ear cleaning solution is a specially formulated liquid that helps maintain the cleanliness of your dog’s ears.
Some also contain a drying agent that helps dry any moisture inside the ear that can contribute to an ear infection.
Why Do I Need A Dog Ear Cleaning Solution?
A dog ear cleaning solution can help you get rid of dirt and debris that may get into your dog’s ears, especially if they like to play outside.
It can also help to dislodge any excess wax build up that may occur.
If your dog likes to swim or tends to get their ears wet when you are bathing them, a dog ear cleaning solution can help to dry out the ears, decreasing the risk of your dog developing an infection.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has An Ear Infection?
If your dog starts showing signs of ear discomfort, be sure to bring them to your veterinarian to have them evaluated. Symptoms of an ear infection may include:
- Redness/Inflammation of the ear.
- Bad odor coming from the ear.
- Your dog may also shake their head a lot or scratch at their ears.
- They may have a head tilt or be unsteady when they walk.
- Excess wax may be present.
It is important to have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out an ear infection. Only medication can help if your dog has an infection.
If you decide to use a dog ear cleaning solution and your dog has an ear infection, it can make it worse. If your dog has damaged their eardrum due to the ear infection and you use a cleaning solution, this can lead to deafness.
Who Should Use A Dog Ear Cleaning Solution?
Every dog is different and while it is not recommended to clean your dog’s ears every day, there are some dogs who could benefit from having their ears cleaned on a weekly or monthly basis.
Talk with your veterinarian to determine what the best treatment is for your dog and how often you should clean your dog’s ears.
- Dogs prone to chronic ear infections.
- If your dog swims on a regular basis. Water in the ears creates a moist environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, leading to ear infections.
- Those that get their ears wet when they are bathed, due to the excessive moisture to the ears.
- Dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections.
- If your dog is prone to allergies, they can be at an increased risk for infection.
- Dogs with narrow ear canals, like a shar-pei, can get their ears clogged easily.
- Those with hairy ears can have ear issues as well, due to the hair preventing debris from exiting the ear.
*It is important to note that a dog ear cleaning solution will not get rid of your dog’s ear infection. Cleaning solutions are meant to clean your dog’s ears to help PREVENT them from occurring. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, see your veterinarian!*
How Are Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions Used?
As mentioned above, ear cleaning solutions can help rid the ear of dirt, debris, excess wax and moisture. To use a cleaning solution:
- Pour the cleaning solution into your dog’s ear according to the directions.
- Massage the base of the ear to help move the solution around.
- Your dog will probably shake their head. This is a good thing, as it will help to dislodge any debris or wax from the ear.
- Take a cotton ball or clean cloth and wipe away any debris or wax that has come out of the ear.
*Do not use a cotton swab to clean your dog’s ears. You will risk going too far and damaging your dog’s eardrum.*
The Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution
The following are some of the top rated ear cleaning solutions used. Information about each is per the manufacturer.
All of these ear cleaning solutions rated very highly for helping to clean dog’s ears of debris and wax.
As always, check with your veterinarian before using, to be sure it is right to use with your dog’s condition.
Vetnique Labs Oticbliss Advanced Cleaning & Drying Ear Flush
- Gently removes dirt and wax.
- Contains Chloroxylenol to control odor.
- Has Salicylic Acid for drying.
- Includes Docusate Sodium to soften ear wax.
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Vitamin E soothes and nourishes.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Petco, Walmart
Skout’s Honor Probiotic Ear Cleaner For Dogs
- Available in 2 sizes: 4 oz. and 128 oz.
- Gently cleans, soothes, and protects dirty, itchy and irritated ears.
- Stabilizes the ear’s natural microbiome.
- Probiotics fight bacteria for up to 2 weeks.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Non-Medicated.
- Alcohol free.
- Fragrance free.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Petco, Amazon, Chewy
Zymox Ear Solution With Hydrocortisone
- Fights against bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections.
- Antibiotic alternative.
- Contains enzymes that work together to create an anti microbial reaction.
- Helps reduce inflammation.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Petco, Amazon, Chewy, Petsmart, Walmart
Vetoquinol Ear Cleaning Solution For Dogs
- Available in 4 sizes.
- Contains Aloe Vera to soften skin.
- Aids in the prevention of external ear infections.
- Cleans, dries, acidifies, and deodorizes ears.
- Made in Canada.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner For Dogs
- Available in 2 sizes.
- Non-irritating.
- Removes debris and excessive wax.
- Dries the ear canal.
- Low pH.
- Eliminates ear canal odor.
- Contains Salicylic Acid.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Walmart
Vet’s Best Ear Relief Wash & Dry
- 2 step solution.
- Helps give odor, wax, and itching relief.
- Alcohol free.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Petco, Amazon, Chewy, Walmart
VetWell Ear Cleaner For Dogs
- Available in 2 scents: Cucumber Melon and Sweet Pea and Vanilla.
- Helps get rid of debris and wax build up.
- Stops itching and scratching.
- Cleans, dries, and deodorizes.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Made in the USA.
If your dog likes to swim or is prone to ear infections, whether from allergies, their play behavior, or genetics, a dog ear cleaning solution can help to gently clean, deodorize, and dry your dog’s ears.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.