Your dog’s ears are so powerful they can hear sounds humans can’t (Trusted Source) . But of course, nothing beats the sound your voice makes when you tell them how much you love them. So when it comes to keeping your furry friends happy and healthy, proper ear grooming is important. Dog ear cleaners help keep your pet’s hearing in tip-top shape by preventing ear wax build-up, itchy ears, and ear infections.
There are many ear-cleaning solutions available, but you want to find the best one for your pet. Our team assembled a comprehensive guide by reviewing popular pet ear cleaners on the market. We specifically focused on four criteria – safety, effectiveness, application, and quality.
Cost-effectiveness is important for many pet parents. After all, you want to leave some of their doggie allowance for toys and treats. Here’s a look at how these ear cleaners compare against one another when looking at the price per ounce.
*Price on Amazon or Chewy at the time of our review
Choosing the best ear-cleaning product for your dog isn’t an easy task. We’ve done some of the hard work for you by considering the quality, price, ingredients, and effectiveness of every product on our list.
Some ear cleaners are best for dogs with recurring ear infections or allergies, while others are great maintenance cleaners for all dogs. Follow your vet’s advice about how often your dog needs their ears cleaned and avoid home remedies as many of them can irritate or damage your dog’s ears. You’ll also need to consider whether a liquid cleaner or wipe is a better idea for your dog.
Liquid cleaning solutions are great for getting into the delicate nooks and crannies of your dog’s ears. They’re ideal for dogs with debris or ear wax build-up. They tend to be fairly easy to use but also messy. You may need other materials, such as cotton balls, to help apply liquid solutions.
Wipes are best for pet parents who don’t want the mess of a liquid ear cleaner or the fuss of using cotton balls. However, you can’t reach the ear canal and they’re not the most eco-friendly option either since each wipe is disposable.
Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your pup’s ears? Perhaps your dog seems to be scratching their ears more than usual. Both of these signs could mean that your dog needs their ears cleaned.
👉 Regular ear cleanings can help prevent ear infections. However, ear cleaners don’t usually treat active ear infections in dogs.
There are two main reasons why dogs might need their ears cleaned: to prevent possible bacterial infections and wax build-up or to treat ongoing issues, such as allergies. Your pup may need their ears cleaned because they’ve just been swimming or because their breed is more prone to auditory issues. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common reasons why dogs need their ears cleaned:
Cleaning your dog’s ears is easy to do at home, although it will take time and practice to get your pooch comfortable with the process. You might want to distract your dog with some peanut butter or other long-lasting tasty treat while you do the dirty work, especially if your pup tends to squirm. Here are a couple of other ways to help them become comfortable with the process:
👉If you suspect that your dog may have an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum, don’t try to clean your dog’s ears at home. You should take them to the vet immediately so that they can receive the medical care they need and reduce the risk of becoming deaf.
Incorporating ear cleanings as a part of your dog’s regular grooming routine can help prevent irritation and infections. However, you should always take your dog to the vet if they’re showing signs of an ear infection or ruptured eardrum. At-home cleaners can damage your dog’s ears if there are open sores or punctures, so they should only be used for preventative care or cases of mild irritation.
A liquid ear-cleaning solution or ear wipes that are specifically made for dogs are safe options for cleaning your pet’s ears. Your vet can let you know if a product is OK to use. Never use ear drops made for humans, since they can contain potentially harmful ingredients.
Our vets and experts tested Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner and found it to be the best overall choice for cleaning your dog’s ears because it’s effective, easy to apply, and made with safe ingredients.
Cotton balls, gauze, and a vet-approved cleaning solution are all good choices for cleaning your pup’s ears. Never use Q-tips, undiluted hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
It depends on your dog’s needs. Some pups prone to allergies or conditions like ear infections may need more regular ear cleanings, such as once per week. Every other week may work well for other pets. Always clean your dog’s ears after they’ve been in the water, including after baths. Check your pet’s ears regularly for signs of debris, discharge, and redness, and call the vet if you’re concerned.
