Top 7 Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution Recommended by Vets

Did you know that about 20% of dogs develop ear infections? Sadly, most owners ignore this issue in hopes that it will heal independently.

However, the longer you turn a blind eye, the more you're putting your dog at risk of becoming deaf, and the more he will suffer.

And that's where dog ear cleaners can help. By keeping his ears clean with the best dog ear cleaning solution, you'll be able to keep him in top shape.

So, in this article, we curated a list of the best ear cleaner for dogs for fur parents like you and discussed:

• the pros and cons of each ear solution for dogs
• the things to look for in a safe dog ear cleaner
• and tips on how to use these products

May this you find the top formulas that suit your dog's needs. So, what are you waiting for?

Let's jump right into it.

Dog Ear Cleaning Solution Reviewed In This Guide

Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution List

Most dog ear cleaners are designed to treat a range of skin issues, but due to different formulations, their efficiency may vary. Some solutions may work best for a specific problem.

So, we categorized each of them according to their best uses to help you find the best deals out of your budget. Our top pick as the best over-the-counter dog ear cleaner is the EcoEars cleaner.

1. Best Overall Dog Ear Cleaning Solution: EcoEars

If your dog's ears have a foul odor, discharge, or dirt buildup, this best-rated dog ear cleaner may be the one you've been looking for. 

Many owners have observed dramatic results just after two days of using it. Do you wonder how your dog can find relief from this ear cleaning solution? 

Benefits:

Contains lots of essential oils

Your dog will enjoy a burst of soothing treats from nature from EcoEars ear cleaner because it contains mullein herb, fingerroot extract, and witch hazel extract that will help reduce pain and inflammation in their ears.

Provides antibacterial and antifungal properties

Tea tree oil is antibacterial and antifungal, so aside from cleaning up your dog's ears, it can also kill bacteria and get rid of fungi lurking on your lovely dog's ears. 

Removes dirt and stinky smell

Dirt and smelly discharge can get in the way when you're trying to cuddle with your fur baby, so if you want to get rid of the foul smell, you may badly need the help of EcoEars cleaner.

Protects dog from fleas

On top of that, your dog will be protected from fleas, thanks to EcoEars' rosemary extract. 

Moneyback guarantee

You can also avail of the money-back guarantee for one year from the date of purchase. 

Disadvantages:

Boric acid and alcohol content

One of the downsides of this product is its boric and alcohol content which may irritate the infected, inflamed or irritated area. So we recommend coating their ears with Vaseline first to prevent scratching the open wounds. 

Strong smell 

Another heads up, this dog ear cleaner has a strong smell, so it's not suitable for dog owners with sensitive nostrils. If you're one of them, an odorless solution may be the better choice for you. 

PROS: Reduces pain and inflammation Fights bacteria and fungi Protects dogs from fleas 100% Moneyback guarantee Removes dirt and stinky smell Fast results

CONS: Boric acid and alcohol content Strong fragrance More expensive than the option below

Most helpful comment about this top dog ear cleaner: I have had perfect results with this product. This really cleans the gunk out of the ears like NOTHING I have ever used!. That is the first step to getting rid of a chronic, long-standing ear infection. Whatever you use is not going to cure the infection until the gunk and residue is out of the ear.

Verdict: 

If prescription medicines and ear drops failed miserably on your dog and you want a product that thoroughly washes the crud and grime away and stops the infection, this is one of the best options. This multipurpose dog ear cleaning solution also fights against bacteria and fungi that may cause infection, giving your dog better hearing and quality of life.

It's worth noting that this ear cleaning solution is not suitable for puppies, though, because they're more sensitive than adults.

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2. Best Value Dog Ear Cleaning Solution: NutriVet

This product is one of our top picks for the top-rated dog ear cleaning solution since it effectively removes earwax buildup.

Here's what this dog ear cleaner can offer for your beloved four-legged companion. 

Benefits:

Removes earwax effectively

This ingredient is a weak antifungal agent, but it moisturizes and can help remove your dog's earwax. 

Contains Sodium Benzoate and Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a drying agent, and when combined with sodium benzoate that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, it can provide relief from discomfort caused by infection. 

Moisturizes and soothes skin

Your dog may suffer from excruciating pain due to an ear infection, and this is where aloe vera can help. It's a holy grail for healing because it reduces inflammation without harming or irritating your dog's ears.

Excellent Treatment for Other Skin Issues

If your dog can't stop itching due to eczema, insect bites, fungal infection, fleas, and dermatitis, this can also be the remedy you've been looking for. 

Formulated by vets

You can rest assured that this dog ear cleaner will work on your pet since experts formulated it.

Downsides: 

Alcohol content

Although alcohol plays a vital role in fighting against bacteria, this content can dry out your dog's skin, so you have to be cautious when using this dog ear cleaner. 

Spray bottle design

Since it comes in a spray bottle design, you may have difficulty spraying it into your dog's ears because it might startle them.

PROS: Treats various skin issues Removes earwax effectively Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria Formulated and approved by vets Offers the best value at its price

CONS: Alcohol content Spray bottle design

Most helpful review about this dog cleaning solution for ears: I love love love this ear cleaner! It smells lovely, does a great job at breaking up bad wax, and is gentle enough for puppies. It's the only brand I will ever use again.

Final Verdict:

This product is one of the best-in-class, and you may not find any other product that offers this much value and premium quality at a budget-friendly price. You can also use it for cats and puppies, making it an excellent option.  

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3. Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution for Allergies: Zymox Otic 

If your dog is suffering from acute and chronic otitis-caused bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections, this popular ear cleaner is a must-have in your dog's medical kit! 

Your dog may find relief from this ear cleanser, too, if they're suffering from skin issues caused by the following bacteria:

• Pseudomonas
• Escherichia coli
• Candida albicans
• Proteus mirabilis
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus intermedius
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Malassezia pachydermatitis
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Here are other benefits this ear cleaning solution offers for your dogs.

Benefits:

Provides relief to inflammation

It contains hydrocortisone that provides instant relief to agitation and inflammation brought about by some allergies.

Promotes Healthy Ears

This dog ear cleaning solution's patented LP3 Enzyme System clears ear secretions and disinfects while killing even the resistant microbes. 

Disadvantages:

Hydrocortisone can come off too strong and possibly irritating, specifically for senior and sensitive dogs.

PROS: Suitable as a regular cleanser Blend of enzymes Reduces inflammation Contains Hydrocortisone Treats Pseudomonas and other diseases

CONS: Hydrocortisone can be too strong Not ideal for older and sensitive dogs

Most helpful comment about this dog ear wax cleaner: “I was hoping this eat drop was everything everyone said it was. Thankfully this drop has been life changing for us. My 1 yr old has had ear infection after ear infection for at least 7 months. Just like everyone else multiple different treatments, doctors visits, etc. and no relief.”

Verdict

Zymox is popular among veterinarians. In fact, according to Dr. Jamie Richardson, “it's a great over-the-counter option for dogs with healthy ears.” However, take precautions when using this and avoid giving this to older, sensitive dogs. 

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4. Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast Infection: VetWell (EarWell Tris Flush)

Yeast infection is quite common among dogs due to their ear shape, and if your pup has fallen victim to this disease, you'll need a cleaning solution specifically formulated to cure it.

If your dog is battling a yeast infection, he must be dealing with pain, itching, and discomfort simultaneously. And here's how EarWell Cleaner can help your dog. 

Benefits:

Removes buildup while treating the infection

This powerful solution contains Ketoconazole and Tris to help relieve your dog from itching and remove the buildup caused by the yeast infection. 

Gentle formulation

As a fur parent, you surely don't want to add more pain to your buddy if he's already suffering. Good thing this dog's ear cleaning solution is gentle to their ears. 

Downsides:

Strong fragrance

If you have a sensitive sense of smell, you may find this unpleasant, and if you did, this can be barely tolerable for your dog. 

May cause allergic reaction

Dogs with sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction. So, it's best to use it with caution and at the vet's discretion. 

PROS: Suitable for dogs, cats, and horses Gentle formulation Proven effective for yeast infection Relieves pain and itching

CONS: Strange smell May cause an allergic reaction in sensitive dogs

Most helpful comment about this veterinarian recommended dog ear cleaning solution: “I'm fostering a service dog that came to me with an yeast ear infection. I was unable to resolve the infection so the vet needed to clean his ears deeply and recommended this cleaner along with some initial medicated ear drops. I maintain cleaning his early every few days with this product and the ears are staying pretty clean and the infection has not returned.”

Verdict:

Yeast infection can make your dog suffer from itching and pain, so this vet-formulated formula is definitely a must-have if your dog is diagnosed with it.

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5. Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution for Swimmers: Vet's Best

If your dog loves to bathe and splash himself or swim, this product is the best dog ear cleaning solution option for him. 

It is one of, if not the best, dog ear cleaners with drying agent that effectively cleans and dries your dog's ears after swimming and helps prevent infection on this sensitive part of his body. 

Advantages:

Gentle formula

Since it contains chamomile, clove oil, and aloe vera, your dog will get treated with its moisturizing effect and no-alcohol formulation. 

Non-alcohol formulation

Odor, itching, and discomfort will be at bay with this non-stinging, alcohol-free and safe dog ear cleaning solution. 

Disadvantages:

May cause irritation

Your dog may not find tea tree oil irritating, so take precautions when using this product and look out for any reactions. 

Not suitable for cats

Cats are allergic to tea tree oil, so we suggest not using this product to clean their ears. 

PROS: Gentle formulation Eradicates odor, and itching Removes debris and wax buildup Non-alcohol dog ear cleaner

CONS: May cause irritation Unideal for cats

Most helpful comment about this dog ear solution: “This is the thing that was a game changer. The powder is what keeps the moisture out of the ear canal! We have been using this for 1 week, and his ears are completely clean.”

Conclusion:

This is one of the best dog ear drying solutions for your dog if he's often exposed to bacteria when swimming, as it keeps the moisture out. After the bath, you may also use this to clean your dog's ears and remove earwax buildup. 

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6. Best Smelling Dog Ear Cleaning Solution: VetWell Dog Ear Cleaner

The cucumber melon/ sweet vanilla scent is the main flex of this dog ear cleaning solution, but it's more than just a pleasant scent. 

It can also keep your dog's ears in good shape while keeping them fresh-smelling and free from bacteria. 

Benefits:

Moisturizes dog's ears

Like other products on this list, it contains aloe vera, which provides a moisturizing and soothing effect on dog ears. 

Removes wax buildup

This product eliminates earwax buildup, fluid, and dirt to prevent scratching and irritation. 

Treats ear infections

It won't disappoint dogs with ear infections since it's formulated to reduce Otitis externa and other diseases caused by harmful bacteria and yeast.

Disadvantages:

Alcohol content

It may not be suitable for dogs who already have sore ears as it can be irritating for them and may inflame their ears.

Strong fragrance

Dogs and fur parents with an extra sensitive sense of smell may find the fragrance of this dog ear cleaning solution overwhelming. 

PROS: Contains Aloe Vera Removes dirt and waxy buildup Keeps ears free from yeast and bacteria Makes your dog odor-free

CONS: Contains alcohol Strong fragrance

Most helpful comment about this best-smelling vet-recommended dog ear cleaner: “I’ve been using this twice a day for the last four days and have seen an IMMENSE improvement. Grandpas ears smell a lot better/clean even and there’s no more build up and intense black ear wax at all. Highly recommend!”

Conclusion: 

This solution will work as a general cleaner for your dog's ears and delivers good results, and its fragrant smell is the chef's kiss. 

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7. Best Organic Dog Ear Cleaning Solution: Ear Nectar

This ear solution for dogs is 100% natural and is ideal for cleaning the outer part of your dog's ears.

It's arguably one of the best natural dog ear cleaner options that are non-invasive to your dog's skin. 

Yes, you heard it right! You can use it to eliminate particles and debris that cause itching, but it's only for their external ear parts. 

You should not pour it into your dog's ear like other cleaning solutions on this list. 

Here's how your dog may benefit from this dog ear cleaning solution. 

Benefits:

Contains Vitamin E and Aloe

These ingredients make it a good dog ear cleaner as it helps to moisturize your dog's dry ears. Just a few drops are enough to calm the inflamed tissues in the ears and ease the pain that your dog feels. 

Disadvantages:

Not The Best Ear Wash for Dogs

If your dog is dealing with yeast or bacterial infection, you need to treat it with other ear cleaning solutions designed for the inner ears. 

PROS: Moisturizes dog skin Removes dirt Affordable price

CONS: Not designed for inner ears Not suitable for treating infection

Most helpful comment about this ear solution for dogs: “Loved this product as it doesn't have the same lasting bad smell most other cleaners typically do.I used it as soon as I noticed my dog scratching his ear and it cleared up the redness in about a day.”

Verdict:

If you're looking for an organic, non-GMO ear cleaner for cats and dogs' external parts of their ears, this is the right ear cleaning solution for you. But if your dog's ears are filled with earwax or infection, EcoEars, NutriVet, and Zymox Otic can deliver better results for your pup. 

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Dog Ear Cleaner Buying Guide

To help you find the right medicated ear cleaner for dogs, here are some things you need to know about ear cleaning solutions. 

What Is a Dog Ear Cleaning Solution?

• A dog ear cleaning solution is a fluid specifically formulated to clean your pet's ears and remove dirt, debris, and earwax buildup. 

How to Choose the Right Dog Ear Cleaner

There are two types of dog ear cleaner you can choose from — liquids and wipes. Both have pros and cons, so to help you pick the right ear cleaner for your dogs, here's a quick overview of the two.

Liquid ear cleaning solution

This ear cleaner handy because it enables you to clean the delicate nooks and cranes of your dog's ears.

It's best for dogs with lots of debris and earwax buildup, but it's pretty messy and requires cotton balls for application.

Wipes

This is a less messy option since you don't have to use cotton balls or liquid ear cleaner when you have wipes.

However, you can't clean the ear canal with wipes, and it's disposable. 

So, it's not an eco-friendly option.

 

What to Look for in a Dog Ear Cleaner

Here are the things you need to consider before purchasing an ear solution for dogs.

Targeted needs

The first thing you have to consider is your dog's needs. If your pet is a swimmer, he may need a drying formula, but if he has stinky ears, he may need an antibacterial solution like the EcoEars ear cleaner. Getting this right will save you a couple of bucks. 

Vet recommended

The next thing you need to ensure is that the product is vet-approved and recommended. That way, you'll be at ease that the product you're putting onto your dog's ear is safe and trusted by experts.

Non-irritating ingredients

Don't be deceived by the soothing scent and additional additives in the dog ear cleaning solution because some can irritate them.

The non-irritating ingredients you need to look for are salicylic acid and lactic acid, which fight against bacteria and yeast. 

It'd be better if the dog ear cleaner also has aloe vera or hydrocortisone to soothe the irritated skin and ketoconazole to fight against fungal infection.

Why Your Dog's Ears Need Cleaning

We all know that dirt, earwax, and bacteria can build up on our pup's ears over time, affecting their hearing and several auditory issues. But here are other reasons why you need to upkeep their ears.

Allergies

Did you know that pollen and dust are airborne allergens that can cause debris buildup and irritation in your dog's ears? If your dog is exposed to these allergens, you may need to remove the debris buildup and soothe it with ear cleaners. 

Additionally, allergies can trigger yeast infections, so it's also one of the primary reasons you need to look after your pup's ears.

Infections

Dog ear cleaning solutions can't treat existing infections, but oral antibiotics and ointments do. But antibacterial and antifungal ear cleaners can also prevent infections from recurring. 

Here are some tell-tale signs of infections you need to be aware of:

• Itchiness
• Stinky odor
• Excessive earwax
• Head tilting
• Redness of hair loss inside the ears

Ear mites

Ear mites can cause itchiness, dark discharge, and a stinky smell on your doggo's ears. If your dog lives with cats, they're more prone to these parasites. 

And to make it worse, these parasites make your dog susceptible to developing yeast and bacterial infections. 

The good news is you can find ear cleaners with antiparasitic properties today that can get rid of the mites. But in case regular cleanings aren't enough, a mite-killing medication from your vet may be necessary. 

Dogs That Are More Likely To Get Ear Infection

Some pups are more at risk of developing ear infections so if your dog belongs to the following breeds, make sure always to clean their ears.

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Pit Bulls
• Poodles
• Cocker Spaniels

But what makes them more susceptible to ear infections?

1. Ear Type

As you probably noticed, the breeds in the list above have floppy ears, making them more prone to ear infections than those with erect or semi-erect ears. 

2. Skin folds

Breeds with more skin fold like Shar-pei, Pugs, and Neapolitan Mastiff are often more at risk of infection because earwax, dirt, and bacteria may nestle on the folds.

3. Fur in the ears

Hair also traps dirt and bacteria inside the ear canal, so if plenty of it grows inside your doggo's ears, you need to have a more thorough grooming routine. 

 

Tips on How to Stop Dogs from Panicking When Cleaning Their Ears

It's not surprising if your dog hesitates to get their ears cleaned because it takes time to build trust, especially when it comes to their sensitive ears. Here are some tips you can take before the cleaning process to stop your pet from panicking. 

Touch their ears more often

Dogs have sensitive ears, so they don't like it when somebody touches this part of their body. 

But if you'll touch their ears often and reward them if they behave when you do it, they'll soon get used to it, and cleaning it wouldn't be terrifying for them in the future.

Use a saturated cotton pad.

Pouring some dog ear cleaning solution onto your dog's ear canal can shock them and make them feel uncomfortable. 

So, the trick is to use a cotton pad saturated with the dog ear cleaner solution and let it sit at their ear-opening as you massage the area. It will help the liquid drip down into the ear canal.

It's easy to do, and you'll then have to remove the cotton pad and gently wipe the debris and gunk away. 

Trick them with tasty treats

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from panicking is distraction and bribe. Treats like peanut butter or cookies are ideal for this trick. 

For example, you can put a spoonful of peanut butter in their feeder to make them stay in one place and distract them while you clean their ears.

How to Clean a Dog's Ear

Before starting the cleaning process, we suggest getting all the materials ready, including the dog ear cleaner, towel, cotton pads, and clean cloths.

You'll need to tilt your dog's head when cleaning, so you want to make sure he's comfortable, so we recommend kneeling beside him. 

To prevent the solution and debris from getting into the couch or chair, it's best to do it away from your favorite furniture. 

1. Tilt your dog's head and lift its ear flap to ensure the ear cleaning solution won't drip out. This can be pretty tricky since your dog may resist.
2. Apply the dog ear cleaning solution according to the instruction on the bottle. 
3. Massage their ear opening's base as you let the solution sit for around 20 seconds and do its job. Keep your pup calm and still by distracting it with a treat. 
4. Then, gently wipe the visible debris away with a cotton pad or clean cloth but don't go down to the ear canal. You can also use a towel if there is still debris present.
5. After successfully cleaning your dog's ears, reward your dog with its favorite treat, then repeat it on the other side. 

Common Questions About Dog Ear Cleaner

What is the best thing to use to clean a dog's ears?

You can use a cotton ball or cotton pad and wrap it around your finger to wipe to get rid of dirt on the visible part of your dog's ear canal or outer ear. 

It'd be even better if you had a dog ear cleaner on hand to help remove all debris and ear wax. 

What can I use to clean my dog's ears at home?

You can use apple cider vinegar as a dog ear cleaner at home. But it'd be best to have a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution that's gentle to your dog's sensitive ear skin and carefully formulated for this crucial part of their body. 

What do groomers use to clean dogs' ears?

Groomers usually start the ear cleaning process using medicated ear powder to dry out the wax.

They'll then use a hemostat or tweezer-like device to remove the debris and gently swab the ear canal with the best dog ear cleaner. 

What is the brown stuff in my dog's ears?

If your dog's ear discharge is waxy, reddish or dark brown, or black, accompanied by odor and inflammation, that could be a sign of ear infection. 

It can be due to allergies, mites, polyps(tissue that seems like flat bumps or tiny mushroom-like stalks), too much bathing or swimming, or overproduction of earwax.

Is apple cider vinegar good for cleaning dog ears?

An apple cider vinegar is an excellent dog cleaning option since it helps to rebalance the skin pH and dries out the ears to fight against yeast and bacterial infections. It can also help reduce the itch and discomfort.

However, you need to avoid using it on raw or open sores because it's an acid and can cause irritation. 

Can you put hydrogen peroxide in a dog's ears?

The AKC or American Kennel Club does not recommend using hydrogen peroxide on your dog's ears because it can irritate the healthy skin cells. 

Ears contain incredibly delicate tissue, and prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide may result in ear damage.

Can you put olive oil in a dog's ear?

Yes. Olive oil works as a cleaner for dogs' ears as it helps reduce swelling and fight bacteria. 

However, don't use it too excessively. A few drops in the ear will do the job; massage it, and remove the debris with a cotton ball. 

Why do groomers put the powder in dogs' ears?

Groomers use ear powder to make the excess hair easier to grip as they pluck it with forceps or tweezers. 

However, there are risks associated with it so if you're using ear powder, make sure it won't get into their eyes. 

How do I clean my dog's stinky ears?

The fastest way to clean your dog's ear is to squeeze a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution into it and massage the base of the ear gently for 30 seconds. 

The ear cleaning solution works and dislodges the debris and wax buildup if you hear a squishing sound. 

How much does it cost to have a dog's ears cleaned?

The price varies depending on your dog's case, but the cost of treatment for a dog's infection can be anywhere between $50 to $300. 

Enjoy Your New Dog Ear Cleaning Solution 

So that wraps our list of the best dog cleaning solution for ears.

Our top pick is the NutriVet dog ear cleaner due to its wide range of uses. It effectively treats insect bites, fungal infections, and eczema and keeps your pup's ears clean and wax-free.

Another top-rated dog ear cleaner is the EcoEars which can deliver dramatic results in just a matter of days.

Most of the top-rated dog ear cleaning solution contains alcohol, so if your dog is sensitive and elderly, non-alcohol dog ear cleaner like Vet's Best may be the better choice.

Have you ever tried using one of the ear cleaning solutions above? If you did, what was your experience? Share it with us in the comment section below.

READ NEXT: DIY Dog Ear Cleaning: How To Do It

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