Does your dog scratch at their ears? Do they shake their head often? Have you noticed a foul smell coming from their ears? After speaking to your veterinarian and having an infection ruled out or treated, you may want to consider cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis to avoid infections in the future. Ear cleaning wipes provide a way to perform maintenance cleaning of your dog’s ears.
***Before using any product in your dog’s ears, check with your veterinarian to be sure it is the right product to use for your dog’s ears and any conditions they may have.***
What Are Ear Cleaning Wipes?
Ear cleaning wipes are cotton pads or cloths pre-moistened with ear cleaning solution. These offer an alternative to using liquid ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to clean your dog’s ears.
Ear cleaning wipes provide a quick and easy way to clean your dog’s ears without having to pour liquid into them. It is especially good if they need cleaning on a regular basis.
Why Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
There are a number of reasons why you may want to clean your dog’s ears. Some reasons include:
- Your dog’s ears may be prone to large amounts of wax.
- Long eared dogs and those with floppy ears are prone to infections. This is due to debris getting caught in their ears because of their shape.
- Swimmers. Dogs that swim a lot create a moist environment in their ears that causes them to be more susceptible to bacteria growth and infection.
- Mites in the ears.
- Yeast infection.
- Fungal infection.
Is It Safe To Clean My Dog’s Ears?
Yes. It is safe to clean your dog’s ears if done properly. Don’t overdo it by cleaning too often, as this may cause dryness and irritation to your dog’s ears. Speak with your veterinarian to determine a proper regimen for your dog’s ear cleaning based on your dog’s needs.
How Do You Clean A Dog’s Ears With Wipes?
This method uses ear cleaning wipes that are pre-soaked with ear cleaning solution. These are available as either a pad or wipe.
If using a pad, follow these steps:
- Hold onto your dog’s ear and pull gently but firmly in an upwards manner. This opens up the ear canal.
- Put the pre-soaked pad into the ear (not too far down).
- Massage the ear. You may hear a sloshing sound. This will loosen up debris in your dog’s ear.
- Clean out your dog’s ear with as many extra pads or cotton balls as you need.
Should you use a wipe, you can dedicate a portion of the wipe to try to dislodge debris, or use the wipe to clean any areas of visible wax or debris in the ear.
If you are using the wipes for maintenance cleaning of your dog’s ears, only clean areas of wax and debris that are visible.
What Should I Look For When Choosing Ear Cleaning Wipes?
When choosing ear cleaning wipes, it is best to first determine the needs of your dog.
Some wipes may be more drying than others and some may contain ingredients that your dog may be allergic to or may exacerbate their condition.
Check with your veterinarian before deciding on which wipes to get.
Things to consider:
- Pad or wipe? Depends on the size of your dog’s ears. Larger ears may be easier to clean with a wipe, as pads tend to be very small and you may need to use a lot of them to get the job done.
- Scent. Do you or your dog have allergies to any scents? Some ear cleaning wipes have stronger scents than others.
- Your dog’s condition.
- Ear infection?
- Mites?
- Swimmer’s ear?
- Prone to bacterial infections?
- Fungal infection prone?
- Excess wax?
- Ingredients can help you figure out the right ear cleaning wipe for your dog based on their needs. Common ingredients include:
- Aloe Vera is used in many ear wipes to help soothe irritation.
- Witch Hazel will dry out the skin. This may be needed if your dog frequently swims.
- Alcohol and Salicylic Acid are also drying ingredients.
- Eucalyptus is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. It may also be used to get rid of odor.
- Lavender is an anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
***Essential oils diluted and in small quantities are generally safe for your dog. Check with your veterinarian if you are unsure about whether an ingredient is safe for your dog.***
The Best Ear Cleaning Wipes For Dogs
As mentioned above, ear cleaning wipes come in a round pad or a square cloth. There are pros and cons to each type.
Round Pad
Pros include being easy to use and soaked with plenty of solution to clean your dog’s ears.
Cons include the fact that they are very thin, so it may be hard to grab just one when your are using them. Round pad are small. A lot of them is needed if you have a dog with large ears or a lot of wax and debris that needs to come out.
Square Cloth
Pros are that they are easy to use and are great for dogs with large ears. Cloths are larger in size to pads, so you are able to clean more with just one wipe.
Cons of the cloth are that they may not be as saturated with ear cleaning solution as the pads and they may be difficult to get out the their packaging.
Best Ear Cleaning Wipes: Round Pads
Barkos Pet Supplies Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
- For use on dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Wipes are 100% cotton.
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Free of chemicals and pesticides.
Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
- For dogs over 12 weeks of age.
- Can be used daily.
- Controls and inhibits mites and yeast.
- Contains Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus.
- Alcohol free.
- Cleans and deodorizes.
- Made in the USA.
VetWELL Dog Ear Wipes
- Gently cleans and deodorizes.
- Contains Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus.
- Alcohol free.
- Made in the USA.
Ventique Oticbliss Ear Wipes
- Can be used on dogs of any age.
- Cleansing and drying.
- Deodorizes.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Has salicylic acid.
- Made in the USA.
Best Ear Cleaning Wipes: Cloth
Petkin Jumbo Pet Ear Wipes
- Available in 2 sizes: 80 ct. (1 pack) and 160 ct.(2 pack).
- Good for Large Breed Dogs.
- Cruelty free.
- Size of the cloth is 7” x 5”.
- Includes Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel.
- Lightly scented.
VET-VIRTUE Fragrance Free Ear Wipes For Dogs
- Available in a single or double pack.
- Good for Large Breed Dogs.
- Softens ear wax, debris, and discharge.
- No added fragrance.
- Includes Lavender oil.
- Contains salicylic acid.
- pH balanced.
- Wipe is 6” x 5”.
- Made in the USA.
Earthbath Ear Wipes
- For dogs over 6 weeks old.
- Cleans and deodorizes.
- Contains Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera.
- Cruelty free.
- No alcohol.
- pH balanced.
- No parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or phthalates.
- Made in the USA with domestic and imported ingredients.
If your dog requires maintenance ear cleaning due to frequent ear infections or wax build up, ear cleaning wipes are a quick and easy way to get the job done.
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.