Our Favorite Dog Ear Cleanser, No Cotton Swabs Required (2024)

Our Top Picks

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser provides fast-acting and powerful protection against infection while also serving as an effective day-to-day cleaner. It is frequently recommended by veterinarians. Designed with a keratolytic formula, the liquid solution removes proprietary wax and debris, preventing buildup that can lead to discomfort or infection.

Virbac is also recommended for use with dogs who swim or are exposed to water because of its ear-canal-drying abilities. Additionally, the Virbac cleanser has neutral pH and helps with combating bad odors without interfering with other additional cleaning treatments you might want to apply if your dog is really struggling with an infection.

Perhaps most importantly, Virbac has an excellent track record when it comes to soothing dogs’ skin. While even some popular products risk irritating dogs’ ears and skin in the cleansing process, this cleanser has monosaccharides and can soothe the dogs’ skin and ear canal. The formula also works to prevent unwanted material from hardening and attaching to the ear canal, which can be a direct road to pain and infection.

Make sure to store the bottle upright and twist the cap tight to prevent the bottle from leaking. Also, while the smell of Virbac Epi-Otic ear cleanser isn't unpleasant, it is a little strong.

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One of the most effective, extra-strength ear-cleaning solutions for your pup is this bio-active ear cleaner. ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution With 1% Hydrocortisone tops lists of vet-recommended products for dog ear health due to its precision targeting of nefarious bacteria and the superior relief it provides from painful ear conditions. The liquid formula also includes a dose of hydrocortisone, which is a crucial agent for cracking down on general ear inflammation, as well as allergic reactions, itching, and discomfort.

The formula is housed in a 1.25-ounce or 4-ounce bottle that has an applicator top for easy application. It’s manufactured in the United States and can easily be found in local pet stores and online retailers.

If there’s any downside to the product, it is that it may be a stronger solution than some dog owners need for everyday use. But for dogs with allergies or other chronic conditions or who are prone to irritation or unwanted buildup in the ears, it’s the ideal product among the widely available options on the market.

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Pet MD’s wipes function as a welcome balm for your pup’s ears and a deceptively tough agent against infection and debris buildup. These are great for use with dogs who regularly get dirty ears. Depending on how large your dog’s ears are, you may need to use more than one to get the job done since they are quite small and thin in size.

However, they come in packs of 100, making them long-lasting and cost-effective. Each wipe is infused with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil and helps to soothe your dog’s skin and minimize irritation.

They also reduce unwanted odors by replacing them with a breezy cucumber-lemon scent. We’re not pretending your dog’s ears will smell like a flower patch, but they will smell better without relying on potentially hazardous ingredients (just note that the fragrance can be overpowering if you’re sensitive to smells).

The wipes also match up with other products on the market for keeping the ear canal dry and free from infection. Formulated and approved by vets, Pet MD’s domestically made products are designed to produce real and tangible results when it comes to your pet’s long-term health, so don’t fear that these gentle wipes are less potent than other comparable ear solutions for dogs.

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Probiotics use live microorganism cultures to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Most often used to treat digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics may also have therapeutic benefits when applied directly to the skin. While the evidence is so far limited, some studies have found that topical probiotics can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea in humans.

Skout's Honor Probiotic Ear Cleaner combines a wide range of potentially beneficial microorganisms, including hansenula and kloeckera (fungal yeasts); lactobacillus, lactococcus, leuconostoc, and pediococcus bacterias. Many of these are the same bacteria cultured in fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt. In combination, these bacteria may relieve inflammation, reduce bad smells, and protect your dog's ears from infection.

However, because research into therapeutic probiotics is still ongoing, Skout's Honor Probiotic Ear Cleaner shouldn't be used on infections or open wounds—stick to proven treatments recommended by a veterinarian instead. The Skout's Honor cleanser is better thought of as a preventative cleanser, which is likely to have some small benefits for your dog's ear hygiene.

Skout's Honor Probiotic Ear Cleanser is unscented, alcohol-free, and includes aloe vera.

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If you’re a pet owner concerned about staying organic or exposing your dog to potential irritants, this ear cleaner is for you. Crafted with herbs and botanicals, the solution promises to clean out dirt, wax, and debris and reduce the likelihood of infection.

It also helps to reduce and soothe itching, ear discharge, and overall discomfort. Just note that since the formula is so gentle, this may not be the best solution if your dog is already experiencing an intense ear infection. Use it in your weekly grooming routine and after any water activities.

Like other liquid options on this list, it comes housed in a bottle with an applicator top. However, the top isn’t as precise as other designs, so it’s easy to over-pour the solution if you aren’t careful. If your dog moves around a lot, the brand recommends pouring it onto a cotton ball and using the solution as you would a wipe.

Also, keep in mind that this product is not advertised as vet-recommended, so it may be best to check with your veterinarian before purchasing.

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Formulated by veterinarians, this alcohol-free solution is another great cleanser that uses organic ingredients to cleanse your dog’s ears. It promises to reduce itching and irritation while also absorbing odors that can often appear during infections.

Since it has such a gentle formula, it’s great for day-to-day cleanings after swimming, bathing, playtime, etc., but note that it may not be strong enough for an aggressive ear infection. However, it’s been proven to be a favorite among most breeds and sizes of dogs when it comes to a cleanser that goes down easily and without adverse side effects.

It’s available in two sizes (4 or 16 ounces) and is manufactured in the US. While the bottle has a handy applicator tip that makes it easy to apply, make sure to tighten it as best you can when storing it since it does tend to leak. Overall, this is a simple and affordable product that you can rely on to keep your dog’s ears in tip-top health.

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While they’re not an equal alternative to liquid solutions, powder formulas, like this one from Miracle Care, are a great option for preventing issues before they happen. This particular formula keeps the ear canal clear of wax and debris, namely hair, to help prevent infections from forming.

It is formulated without harsh ingredients, so it’s a great gentle option. For general ear health day-to-day, the powder is a reliable go-to, but if your pup is suffering from some serious discomfort due to bacteria and fungus, reach for a stronger and more heavily medicated product.

Available in a 12-gram bottle, a little bit of this powder goes a long way. To apply it, puff the powder in your dog’s ear or take a less direct approach by putting it onto your fingers and then spreading it on your dog’s ear. Then use tweezers, forceps, or your fingers to pull out the excess hair.

Keep in mind that it is part of a two-part system, so to up its effectiveness you can follow it with the brand’s Step 2 Ear Cleaner, a liquid formula that helps to flush your dog’s ear.

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Final Verdict

After extensive research, we decided on the Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser as the best choice for a default cleanser. Its formula keeps ears clean, assuages irritation, and both suppresses and battles infection. For dogs with chronic issues or dealing with a serious ailment, however, ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone may be an even better choice because it includes extra potent ingredients like hydrocortisone and a patented enzyme formula.

FAQ

• How do I use ear cleaning solution for dogs?

  The recommended way to apply cleansing solution or wipes is to sit your dog between your legs, hold their ear up and angle it vertically, and fill the ear canal with the cleansing product. After massaging the base of the ear, you can clear away debris using a product like gauze or a wipe. Your dog can shake his head to push any excess liquid out of the ear canal, allowing you to free more wax or debris from their outer ear. Using wipe cleansing products can save a step, but may not clean the ear as deeply.

• Does dog ear cleaning solution expire?

  It does—usually after about a year from the manufacturing date. There are rarely serious side effects to using dog ear cleansers that are past their expiration date; they will just be less effective, potentially leading to your pup getting to the vet later than they need to when dealing with a significant infection.

• Can dogs use human ear cleaning products?

  No, most veterinarians highly discourage pet owners from using their own ear health products on their dogs. Many cleaners designed for humans contain hydrogen peroxide, which can cause water to build up in the ear canal rather than be flushed out. Ultimately, this has the potential to cause additional pain and make ear infections worse.

• Should dog ears get cleaned after swimming?

  "Yes, it's a good idea to clean your dog's ears after swimming to remove any water or debris that could lead to irritation or infection," Dr. Savageau told The Spruce Pets.

• When should you consult a vet about a dog's ear cleaning?

  If you see symptoms such as "intense itching, pain, swelling, foul odor, or discharge" in your dog, they could be signs of "an underlying infection or other serious issues," according to Dr. Savageau, in which case you should immediately consult with your vet.
  

• Do all dogs need to have their ears cleaned?

  Not necessarily. While some dogs require regular ear cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt and wax, other dogs naturally have healthy, clean ears and may very rarely need to have their ears cleaned. Overcleaning can actually lead to irritation and infection. Certain breeds, such as dogs with long ears like basset hounds and cocker spaniels, are more predisposed to ear infections and require frequent cleanings.
  

• How do I know if my dog could benefit from having their ears cleaned?

  If you notice your dog scratching their ears and shaking their head more than usual or notice a mild odor, it's probably time to clean their ears.

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