6 Best Dog Ear Cleaners – My Dogs’ Ears STINK!

This is our review of the best dog ear cleaners.

Dog ear odor is a big problem for dog owners. It can be embarrassing! The solution is to clean your dog’s ears regularly. By keeping the inside of their ears clean and healthy, you’ll avoid the bad smell that comes from dirt and bacteria buildup.

Plus, regular cleaning will help prevent infection in their ears, leading to more severe health problems down the line. We’ve done all of the research for you to find exactly which products are best at solving this issue without breaking the bank or having to do much work yourself.

These six top-rated dog ear cleaners are great options for removing debris from dogs’ ears as well as reducing unpleasant odors caused by yeast infections and allergies.

Check out our list below if you want to keep your pup smelling fresh!

Cool Tip: The Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser is our top pick for dog ear cleaners. This affordable product does the job and keeps your pup’s ears odorless, clean, and healthy! It acts as a preventive measure against ear infections in dogs—which can be pretty painful to experience on both ends of things when they happen—this cleanser will do wonders for your furry friend as it clears out all that crud from their tiny eardrums.

Why You Should Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Cleaning dogs’ ears is an excellent way to bond with them, but most pet owners don’t do it. Most people think that cleaning their dogs’ ears is gross, and they can get infections if they clean them too much.

People also assume that their veterinarian will take care of this task for them. However, veterinarians only see pets once every six months for an annual checkup, which means that your dog’s ears won’t be cleaned unless you bring him in for an appointment.

And even then, many vets skip ear cleaning during these visits because they have other more important tasks to accomplish during those appointments (vaccinations, vaccines boosters, deworming medications, etc.).

We all know that dogs can get ear infections, but we don’t think about it.

The problem is that when a dog gets an ear infection, they are painful and expensive to treat. Ear infections in dogs cost Americans $1 billion per year in veterinary bills alone. Treating your dog’s ears isn’t just good for them; you’ll also save yourself some money.

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly will help prevent these problems. It only takes 5 minutes every few weeks to keep their ears clean and healthy!

A Step-by-Step Guide on Using a Liquid Dog Ear Cleaner

If your dog has been scratching its ears or shaking its head, it may have an ear infection. This is when the inside of the ear becomes inflamed and filled with dirt, wax, and bacteria. It’s essential to keep your pet’s ears clean so that they don’t get sick!

Follow these steps using liquid dog ear cleaner to avoid any problems in the future!

  1. Fill up a bowl with warm water and add one teaspoon of your liquid dog ear cleaner.
  1. Gently hold your pup’s head back by their chin while tilting it upwards towards you.
  1. Pour some of the solution into each of your pup’s ears from behind their outermost part (the flap). Be sure not to pour too much as this can cause pain for them!
  1. Let go of their head and let them shake out all excess solution from both sides before repeating on the other side if necessary.

After doing this once per week for two weeks straight, you should notice less scratching or shaking from them, which means they’re feeling better!

Liquid Ear Cleaners vs. Ear Wipes – Which is Best?

It can be challenging to know which product to use on your pet’s ears, especially if they have a lot of hair or are prone to ear infections. Liquid cleaners and wipes both have their pros and cons, but it depends on what you need them for.

Here are the basics of each type so you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for your pup!

Liquid Ear Cleaners

These consist of a bottle with a dropper attached to the top that dispenses drops into each ear canal. This method works well because it provides coverage deep inside the canal, where debris may accumulate over time and cause irritation and inflammation.

ProsCons
They are more effective, so they remove dirt and wax from deep inside the canal with ease. They come in different formulas that target specific issues like dryness, itchiness, odor, or pain relief. Easy application.Quick-drying.No mess.May require cotton swabs for deep cleaning.Not as convenient for travel.Messy when used on furniture or bedding.More expensive than wipes.

Ear Wipes

These come in pre-moistened packets containing cleansing solutions designed specifically for pets’ sensitive skin (such as ours).

Simply open up the packet, wipe down the outer surface of each earflap then use a cotton ball to clean out any excess dirt from inside the canal before drying off with a paper towel or cloth.

ProsCons
Convenient for travel.Easy application.InexpensiveIt can dry out skin if left on too long, and you may need cotton swabs for deep cleaning. More challenging to apply solution inside the ear canal without spilling onto furniture or bedding.

A Short Overview of The Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions

  1. Best Overall: Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser, Vet-Recommended For Dogs and Cats, For Ear Cleaning and Grooming, Powerful Rinse With No Sting, Safely Removes Debris and Wax
  2. Best Runner-Up: Pet MD – Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes – Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus
  3. Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast: Top Performance ProEar Professional Medicated Ear Cleaners
  4. Best for Dogs With Waxy Ears: VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats – Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Ear Infections and Ear Odor in Pets
  5. Best Treatment for Ear Mites: Lively Pets Advanced Plus Ear Cleaner Wipes for Dogs and Cats
  6. Best Natural Dog Ear Cleaner: VetPro Complete Dog Ear Cleaner and Ear Infection Treatment

Groomers Land’s Top Picks for Dog Ear Cleaners

Our Overall Best Dog Ear Cleaner: Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser, Vet-Recommended For Dogs and Cats,

List of Features

  • Volume: Available in two sizes, 4 Fl Oz and 8 Fl Oz
  • Amazon’s Choice: “For ear cleaner dog”
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Alcohol-free
  • Is the product certified? Yes
  • Where is the product made? USA

Does your pet have a smelly, itchy ear? Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser is the best dog ear cleaning solution you need. It’s gentle enough to use on cats and dogs of all ages but tough enough to remove wax buildup and other debris that can cause an infection.

The formula includes soothing ingredients like monosaccharides for relief from inflammation or irritation. And because it has a neutral pH, this cleanser won’t irritate your pet’s skin or interfere with topical medications they may be taking.

Cleaning dogs’ ears with Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser will make them feel better, look healthier, and smell fresher. In addition, it’s easy to use at home with just one hand, so you don’t have to worry about getting messy while trying to clean the ears.

And because this product is made by veterinarians who know what they’re doing, you can trust that it will work every time without fail.

What we LikedWhat we Dislike
It has a drying agent (salicylic acid) that helps in drying out the ear. Non-irritating and easy to use. It contains soothing ingredients for relief from inflammation.Strong scent (like medicine).

Best Runner-Up Dog Ear Cleaner: Pet MD – Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes – Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus

List of Features

  • Volume the product comes in: 100 disposable wipes
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Alcohol-free
  • Is the product certified? Yes
  • Where is the product made? USA

Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes are a convenient and gentle way for pet parents to clean their dogs’ ears without the use of alcohol.

These wipes are formulated with natural ingredients to gently clean and deodorize dirty dog ears without irritating them. They also help reduce ear infections and remove debris in and around the ear canal.

With 100 convenient disposable wipes in each pack, there’s no need to worry about running out of this product any time soon. And because it is alcohol-free and gentle on the skin, it can be used as often as needed without causing any harm or irritation to your pet’s ears. 

These wipes clean the ears without medication, so you can avoid giving your pet any unnecessary drugs. The wipes also reduce foul ear odor and prevent infection from keeping your pup feeling good all day long. Use them regularly as part of a routine cleaning process for dogs over 12 weeks old. 

What we LikedWhat we Dislike
Straightforward to use.Non-irritating.Light, pleasing scent. Wipes come pre-soaked.Thin, small wipes.

Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast: Top Performance ProEar Professional Medicated Ear Cleaners

List of Features

  • Volume the product comes in: 4 oz., 16 oz., Gallon, or 2½ gallon sizes
  • Amazon choice award: “Pro ear dog ear cleaner”
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Not
  • Is the product certified? Yes
  • Where is the product made? USA

ProEar is a medicated ear cleaner for pets that cleans and treats the inside of your pet’s ear canal to remove wax, dirt, debris, and bacteria.

This is an excellent dog ear cleaning solution for anyone who has pets that suffer from chronic ear infections or just regular dirt buildup in their ears.

The formula contains salicylic acid, which helps break down the waxy build-up that causes odor problems and soothing inflammation and itching in the ear canal.

ProEar is an effective solution for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It’s available in 4 oz., 16 oz., Gallon, or 2½ gallon size options, so there’s sure to be something that fits your forever friend perfectly—no matter what their age may be.

What we LikedWhat we Dislike
Easy to use.Available in different sizes. Reasonably priced.Strong scent.

Best for Dogs with Waxy Ears: VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats – Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Ear Infections and Ear Odor in Pets

List of Features

  • Volume the product comes in: 8 oz.
  • Amazon choice for? “Dog ear cleaner solution”
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Not
  • Is the product certified? Yes
  • Where is the product made? USA

VetWELL Ear Cleaner is an easy-to-use daily cleanser that will help keep your pets’ ears healthy and happy.

This gentle dog ear cleaner will help remove wax buildup, dirt, and debris. In addition, it’s safe for daily use, so you can feel confident about keeping your pets healthy!

You don’t have to worry about stinging or burning when using this product because it’s formulated especially for dogs and cats. The aloe vera in this formula helps keep skin moisturized which is vital if your pet suffers from allergies or dry skin.

The best part is that VetWELL Ear Cleaner comes in an 8 oz bottle, so there’s enough solution to last several months!

What we LikedWhat we Dislike
Easy application.Pleasant scent. It keeps the skin moisturized. Loosens the wax quickly.Contains alcohol.

Best Treatment for Ear Mites: Lively Pets Advanced Plus Ear Cleaner Wipes for Dogs and Cats

List of Features

  • Volume the product comes in: 100 wipes
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Alcohol-free
  • Is the product certified? Yes
  • Where is the product made? USA

This gentle ear cleaner is made with natural ingredients that won’t sting or burn your pets when used as directed. Regular cleaning will remove gunk and build-up wax, odors, bacteria, mites, and fungus from the inside of your pet’s ear canal, so they feel better fast!

You can use these wipes to clean out dirt and debris in between baths for dogs who love to play outside in the mud all day long.

For cats who spend most of their days indoors but still need some TLC on occasion—these wipes are perfect for quick touch-ups after being around other animals at the vet office or groomer’s shop.

Lively Ultra-Otic Advanced Plus Ear Cleaner Wipes are so easy to use! Just apply the wipe around the outside of your dog’s ear, then gently rub in circular motions until clean.

What we LikedWhat we Dislike
The antiseptic and antifungal formulation is best for fighting a wide variety of infections. Non-sting and won’t burn. Easy to use.Soothing aloe.Wipes tend to stick together.

Best Natural Dog Ear Cleaner: VetPro Complete Dog Ear Cleaner and Ear Infection Treatment

List of Features

  • Volume the product comes in: 8 oz
  • Is the product vet formulated: Yes
  • Is the product vet-approved: Yes
  • Alcohol-free or not: Alcohol-free
  • Money-back guarantee: 100%
  • Is the product certified? Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified
  • Where is the product made? USA

With the added Vitamin E and Aloe, VetPro Complete Dog Cleaner soothes your pet’s sensitive ears while eliminating odors. It is safe to use on all size dogs and cats due to its gentle formula that does not burn or sting.

This veterinarian-designed dog ear cleanser is formulated to prevent and treat the most common types of canine ear infections. It relieves pain, soothes infected skin tissue, dries out excess moisture,  acidifies your pet’s canals for profound cleaning effects while also deodorizing them!

The VetPro Complete Ear Cleaner is going to make your life as a pet owner easier because it has an easy-to-use applicator that will help you clean your dog’s ears in no time. In addition, it smells pleasant and won’t overwhelm the sensitive noses dogs have.

What we Liked
No sting.Easy application.Animal cruelty-free.Nontoxic.Fresh, clean smell.

Considerations to Take Before Investing in a Dog Ear Cleaner

Vet-Approved Solutions

There are many recipes for homemade ear cleaners for dogs, but the safest option is to purchase a product from a store because it will be tested and clearly label ingredients. Some of these homemade solutions can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin in their ears.

Sticking With Liquid Ear Cleaners

The liquid cleaners for pets are an excellent choice, as they can reach deep into the ear canal to kill any microorganisms that may be lurking there.

Additionally, if your pet is predisposed towards yeast overgrowth or other disorders of the ears, such as inflammation, you should consider these solutions, which will make it easier on them and get rid of pesky fungi in no time!

For best results long-term, however, choose the best dog ear cleaning solution with moisturizing properties so not only is all dirt removed but also dry skin and scaliness.

Ingredients

All-natural Ingredients: Most dog cleansers advertise their products all-natural.Though these cleaners are gentle and excellent for routine cleaning and removing pesky allergens from your dog’s ears, they lack the antifungal or antimicrobial ingredients that would alleviate fungal or bacterial infections.

Soothing Ingredients: Dogs with sore ears are often in pain and can’t hear properly. Consider picking up a gentle dog ear cleaning solution containing soothing ingredients like green tea or turmeric to help soothe inflammation and decrease pain while restoring health.

Alcohol-free: Dogs with sore ears need to be treated gently. Avoid alcohol-based products, which can hurt your dog’s sensitive skin and dry out the tender tissue that will already have been damaged by scratching it uncontrollably. Instead, a gentle cleanser without any irritants is best for cleaning their inflamed ear canal.

The Needs of Your Dog

The needs of your dog will ultimately affect the type of ear cleaner you should purchase.

For example, if your pet has sensitive ears or is prone to ear infections, you may want to invest in an antimicrobial cleaning solution. If not, it’s safe to say that multipurpose cleaners are usually best suited for a dog owner.

However, even if your dog does have sensitive ears or is prone to ear infections like yeast infections, make sure that whatever product you buy states on its label that it can be used on pets. This is crucial because many general disinfectants do not specifically list “fungal” and “virulent organisms” as targets.

Type of Cleanser

There are two types of dog ear cleaners—wipes and drops.

Wipes are convenient as they don’t require any water or special equipment to use them. They’re also easy to store in your car, purse, or backpack if you’re on the go with your pup. On the downside, wipes may not clean deep enough into your dog’s ear canal, which could lead to infection from bacteria buildup.

Drops are more effective at getting down into the canal but can be messy and complicated for some people to administer correctly without making a mess.

The upside is that drops tend to last longer than wipes since they contain an antibiotic solution that can kill germs before they cause an infection. On the other hand, Wipes won’t do without being soaked in alcohol first, which would dry out their skin too much over time.

Drops are perfect for those who want more control over how much product is applied. They also work well on sensitive skin and fur that may not tolerate being wetted by water or other liquids. However, for those who want an easy-to-use solution, wipes might be best suited for them.

Scent of Cleanser

It’s essential to consider the scent of the cleanser you plan on using.

For instance, many people find a hospital-grade or antibiotic-free dog ear cleaner (or baby bum wipes) effective for treating their pet’s dirty ears. Some purchasers might even like the smell or believe it is more natural and safe for their pets.

However, other people may want something with a pleasant scent to avoid being surrounded by any odor while trying hard to keep our pets healthy with cleaning products.

That being said, several factors affect an individual dog’s reaction to a specific chemical, including health status, age, etcetera. Thus some dogs may feel better after using another type of protector, yet others might react.

Price

The cleaner you choose should be determined by the level of quality that is acceptable to your budget and needs.

For those on a tight budget, mid-priced dog ear cleaners can help provide relief from an infection or ailment without breaking the bank.

High-quality cleaners may be more expensive, but they will also last longer with good results and less need for replacement to maintain cleanliness.

FAQ’s on Dog Ear Cleaners

Does Cleaning Dog Ears Prevent Infection?

Yes.

It’s natural for dogs to have buildup in their ears from sweat and dirt, so cleaning them is an essential part of dog grooming. Dirty, accumulated ear wax helps lead to a bacterial infection which can become quite bothersome in the dog as they lick and scratch at their ears.

Puppies who chew on things can inadvertently ingest the build-up, essentially eating what would be floating inside their ears – that is just nasty!

A vigorous cleaning will stimulate the production of oil in the ear canal, which will keep these tiny hair-like structures covering your pup’s eardrum moist and healthy.

Clearing out any contaminant particles means that your pet won’t be stuck with dirty paws or fill material going into its belly either.

How Often Should I Clean My Pupper’s Ears?

It can be a pain to remember to clean your dog’s ears, but it’s something you will both thank yourselves for in the end. The frequency of cleaning should depend on the time elapsed since the last cleanup, with weekly and monthly cleanings being standard.

Choose whichever feels most comfortable. Once or twice a day is preferred because they get dirty very quickly, and we want them to smell fresh and dry up before giving bacteria a chance to grow. 

Your DIY Dog Ear Cleaning Recipe From Groomers Land

Making your ear cleaning solution is easy and inexpensive. You can use ingredients that are already in your kitchen or bathroom to clean dog ears at home. We’ll show you how to clean a dog’s ears with just three simple methods:

IngredientsPreparation
VinegarAlcoholBoric acidTake two ounces of vinegar and mix with half a spoonful of boric acid. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Apply the mixture to a cotton ball or cloth. Gently wipe inside the ear canal from the base towards the tip (avoid contact with the eye)Repeat as needed until no more dirt or wax is visible on the cotton swab
N/B: Do not use if irritation occurs or persists for more than 24 hours after application
VinegarWaterMix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water in a spray bottleShake well before using and spray into each ear canal twice daily until symptoms subside (usually within 3-5 days)
You can use this recipe as a natural alternative to commercial cleaners, which are often harsh on sensitive skin.
The vinegar helps kill off any harmful bacteria in the ear while the water flushes out dirt and debris. 
Almond oil, Olive, or Mineral OilAdd a few drops of almond, olive, or mineral oil around the exposed skin of the dogs’ ear canal. Let the dog move around spreading the oil before cleaning with a cotton ball

Our Final Thoughts

There are many dog ear care products on the market, but we believe these six dog ear cleaners represent some of the best choices available.

Whether you’re looking for an all-natural option or one made with chemical ingredients, there’s something here for everyone.

We hope this list has offered some assistance in selecting which product is right for your pup and has given you more information about how to keep their ears clean and healthy!

Don’t forget to check our best pick, the Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser

Groomers' Land