Cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis is an important part of helping them maintain a good hygiene regimen. Regular ear cleanings remove dirt and debris and can prevent infections. Many pet parents use an ear solution. Though effective, some pet parents have trouble getting the product in their dog’s ear, especially if their pet squirms. A veterinarian may recommend ear wipes.
There are many highly-touted products on the market, and it can be tough to figure out which one is the best choice for your pet. We tested these products against the following criteria: safe ingredients, when pet parents should use them, how well they clean, smell, and packaging.
Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | A product we don’t recommend | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions
We put our ears to the ground as we searched far and wide for the most popular ear wipes on the marketplace. We steered clear of ear wipes with questionable or potentially toxic ingredients. To be sure the products were safe, we had our veterinarian evaluate our choices. Then, she helped us narrow down our list before we ordered them and mailed them to our product reviewer. After a thorough evaluation, our expert chose a “top pick.” This selection is the product that ranked the highest in all of our criteria.
There are times when we review a product in person and decide we don’t want to recommend it to pet parents. This popular ear wipe didn’t make our list, and we think it’s important for pet parents to know why.
On paper, here’s a glance at how the ear wipes stack up against each other based on prices and quantity.
*Price on Amazon or Chewy at the time of our review
Dog owners are a conscious bunch. We wanted to be sure we were bringing you the safest and most effective wipes for your pet’s ears on the market. To accomplish this feat, we worked with our product expert and veterinarian to determine the top criteria to review these products against.
Reviewers rave about these popular ear wipes. After taking a closer look, we decided not to include this product on our list. Here’s why.
Every pup needs to have their ears cleaned. Regular cleanings prevent problems that affect the health of your dog, like ear infections and wax buildup. Ear wipes are a convenient way to get the job done.
Whether you choose to use a combination of ear wipes and liquid ear cleaners is up to you. Your dog’s veterinarian can recommend the best products for your dog’s ear type. Dog ear wipes are designed to clean the flap of a dog’s ear and not the inner ear. If your vet recommends cleaning your dog’s inner ear, you’ll also need a liquid cleaner.
If your dog hates having their ear cleaned, ear wipes can also help your best friend get used to the sensation.
Dogs with long, floppy ears, like cocker spaniels, may need their ears cleaned more often than dogs with tall ears that stand up. Breeds with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. You should clean your dog’s ears with a wipe:
👉 Routine ear cleanings can protect against bacterial infections, ear mites, and more.
It’s important not to stick wipes down in your dog’s ear and only to use it to clean the ear flap. Your dog may not love having their ears cleaned at first, but patience and persistence should help.
Get your dog to sit — Offer a treat to put them in a good mood. It will help them associate the ear cleaning with good things.
Gently lift up their ear flap — Your own touch should make this process a little easier for your pet — they love their humans.
Clean the ear — Use your hand to wipe the ear gently. Make sure to get the entire area that needs cleaning or treatment.
Reward their patience with a treat — A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.
👉 Be sure to keep wipes away from your dog’s eyes and out of reach of children.
Ear wipes don’t work for every family. If you’re looking for another effective way to clean your dog besides wipes, you can opt for a liquid ear cleaner instead. Like ear wipes, these solutions serve various purposes, depending on your pet’s needs. They can help prevent infections, nix dirt, and relieve allergy symptoms like inflammation. Since they’re not single use, they tend to be better for the environment.
You can use liquid ear cleaner with gauze or a cotton ball. Never use these cleaners with a Q-tip, which could harm your dog’s ear.
If your dog shows signs of an ear infection, you need to take them to a vet for examination. A veterinarian will diagnose your dog’s ear troubles and recommend treatment. It’s time to schedule an appointment if your dog shows these signs.
👉 See your veterinarian if you think your doggie has an ear infection. They can help you find the best treatment, including medication and cleaning.
Ear wipes are generally a good idea for dogs, as long as they’re made with safe ingredients. They’re a convenient way to get rid of dirt after a hike in the mud and while still on the go.
Some ear wipes are ideal for regular cleanings, while others are best used only in cases of infections. You’ll want to speak with your vet and read the instructions on the product label. Not all wipes can go inside a dog’s ear, and some can’t be used if a pet has a ruptured eardrum.
It depends on your pet’s issue. If it’s dirt, choose an ear wipe with natural and gentle ingredients like aloe and witch hazel. Dogs with infections will want medicated wipes. For example, ketoconazole is an antifungal ingredient that treats yeast infections, while chlorhexidine is antibacterial.
Leave human products to the humans and invest in wipes specifically made for dogs. Baby wipes can irritate your pet’s ears and be toxic if licked or ingested.
Witch hazel is a safe and natural ingredient that you can use on a dog’s ears. It serves as a cleanser and may help fight odors.
You can use some dog wipes on other pets, such as cats. It depends on the product. Pet parents should follow the instructions and warnings on the label. Your pet’s vet can also help you figure out the best products for each of your furry friends.
