Goodbye to Yeasty Ears: The Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast Infections

What are Dog Ear Cleaners Used for?

Dog ears are sensitive organs that you need to always take care of. Directly applying the best dog ear cleaner for yeast to the dog’s ear canal is important. It helps break up any extra wax or debris, which you remove with a soft material like gauze. If the dog is reluctant to have its ears cleaned, massaging the area frequently will make it more relaxed.

Cleaning ear dog

Our Top Pet Ear Cleaning Tips

Here are some ideas for gaining your dog’s trust and making them comfortable while using an ear-cleaning solution for dogs while at home:

  • Touch their ears more. Your dog may dislike ear cleanings if they have sensitive ears. Hence, before you attempt to clean their ears at home, begin by stroking and rewarding them. That way, they won’t resist when it comes time to clean.
  • Use a soaked cotton pad. During the cleaning, the ear flush for dogs may terrify them while it flows down the ear canal. One approach to deal with this is to saturate a cotton pad with the liquid solution and place it lightly over their ear canal. Please do not force it in; instead, massage the area so the liquid drip into the ear canal. Finally, remove the cotton pad and carefully remove any visible grime.
  • Use healthy dog treats as a last resort to distract your dog while you clean its ears. Having a family member or close friend distract it while you clean could be helpful.

Why Trust Our Reviews

Our objective is to provide accurate and trustworthy information to assist you in taking the best care of your pets. We cover various topics, including home grooming tips, product recommendations, and professional grooming topics, so you can find everything you need in a single location.

We aim to assist pet owners and professional groomers in providing their animals with the highest standard of care.

Our Review Process

It was crucial to create standards because so many options appear to be excellent. To choose the highest standards in evaluating these products, we consider the following:

  • Ingredients. 
  • Effectiveness. 
  • Application. 
  • Quantity. 

Our Top Dog Yeast Cleaner

Our best ear wash for dogs is Virbac Epi-Optic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats. It is effective for dogs suffering from allergies, sensitive ears, or chronic ear infections and easily removes waxy debris.

What to Look for in Dog Yeast Infection Cleaner

Application

Consider your dog’s preferences and behavioral traits before choosing the type of dog ear cleaner you buy. Check to see if your dog reacts poorly to having liquid in their ears. Maybe, wipe, or powder solutions could help you and your dog’s normal ear-cleaning process go smoother. 

Even so, you should use a cleanser that works well and avoid compromising your dog’s ear health for convenience.

Because dog ear-cleaning wipes do not completely cover the ear canal, some veterinarians advise against using them instead of liquid cleansers. Even though wipes can’t reach the deep recesses and awkward angles of your dog’s inner ear, they can be an excellent solution for dogs with trouble thoroughly flushing the ear to maintain consistent ear health. 

Combined with other powerful cleaning agents, some of which might not be necessary unless an emergency arises, it is unquestionably a useful addition.

Vet Guidance

Many of the products on the market are either endorsed vet-approved ear cleaners for dogs or specially created by them. This typically denotes the completion of clinical trials and the absence of potentially harmful product ingredients. 

Nevertheless, you must do your homework on any solution you purchase. In the best-case scenario, you should also review your decision with your veterinarian after examining your dog’s ears. They can then be certain that you are making a purchase appropriate for your dog’s unique needs.

Ingredients

While cleaning your dog’s ears of debris and freshening them up, spending money on ear-cleaning products that contain antibacterial or antifungal ingredients is essential. 

Purely hygienic products can be extremely effective, but they do very little to treat serious ear health issues. Therefore, be sure you are fully aware of the purpose of the ear-cleansing accessory you chose.

Item Form

Liquid ear cleaning solution is generally much more effective than wipes because dogs’ ear canals are long and narrow and have a right-angled shape. Therefore, wipes are unable to clean the canal from the bottom up. Liquid cleaners are also better at removing waxy gunk.

You can use the force of that shake to get out all that debris by squirting it into the canal, massaging the base of the ear, and then letting your dog shake it out. Ear wipes for dogs can be a temporary solution to help clear out some of the debris if your dog is apprehensive about ear cleaning or is unfamiliar with it.

K9’s Unique Needs

To clean your dog’s ears, remember that some cleaners are better at removing wax than others. Some pets receive medication to stop the development of yeast, bacteria, or fungi in the ear. If you’re unsure what to buy, your veterinarian can explain the conditions your dog is most vulnerable to and point you in the right direction.

Clean dog ears

At a Glance: The Best Dog Ear Cleaners for Yeasty Ears

  1. Virbac Epi-Optic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats: Best overall
  2. Zymox Otic Ear Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone: Best for infections
  3. Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes: Best wipes
  4. EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner. Natural Multi-Action Formula: Best herbal and botanical dog ear cleaner
  5. Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash Cleaner for Dogs: Best odor-reducing canine ear cleaner
  6. Miracle Care Ear Powder Step 1: Best powdered dog ear cleaner
  7. Great Pets Dog Ear Cleaner - Advanced Ear Cleaning Solution for Dogs: Best dog ear cleaner for multiple symptoms
  8. Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats: Best for drying and general-purpose cleaning
  9. Dechra MalAcetic Otic Apple Scented Ear/Skin Cleanser: Best dog ear cleanser
  10. No products found.: Best for fungal infections
  11. Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution: Best for waxy ears
  12. Pet MD Veterinary Tris Flush Cat & Dog Ear Cleaner: Best value 
  13. VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats: Best soothing dog ear cleaner
Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes - Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus - 100 Count
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats (All Sizes)
Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats (32oz) - Cleansing, Drying & General Purpose
Product name
Pet MD – Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes – Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus – 100 Count
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats (All Sizes)
Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats (32oz) – Cleansing, Drying & General Purpose
Price
$14.99
$12.77
$41.99
Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes - Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus - 100 Count
Product name
Pet MD – Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes – Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with Aloe and Eucalyptus – 100 Count
Price
$14.99
Buy Now
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats (All Sizes)
Product name
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats (All Sizes)
Price
$12.77
Buy Now
Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats (32oz) - Cleansing, Drying & General Purpose
Product name
Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats (32oz) – Cleansing, Drying & General Purpose
Price
$41.99
Buy Now

Reviewing the Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast Infections

Virbac Epi-Optic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats: Best Overall

Brand: Virbac

Key ingredients: Water, ethoxydiglycol, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, docusate sodium, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, disodium EDTA, chloroxylenol, salicylic acid, fragrance, D-galactose, L-rhamnose

Volume: 8 ounces (226.7 grams), 4 ounces (113.3 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: It removes debris and excessive wax and dries the ear canal

Application: Apply with a cotton ball

Scent: Citrus

About This Item

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser is an effective frequent cleanser that provides fast-acting and potent protection against infection. It is effective for the majority of dog breeds. Designed with a keratolytic formula, the liquid solution works wonders to remove wax and debris, preventing buildup that can lead to discomfort and infection. 

It is ideal for dogs who love swimming because it can dry the wet ear canal. In addition, the cleanser has a neutral pH. It helps eliminate unpleasant odors without interfering with other cleaning treatments you may need to apply if your dog has a severe infection. It has a pleasant scent, but some may find it overpowering, so keep this in mind if you or your dog are sensitive to odors.

This cleanser contains monosaccharides that can soothe a dog’s skin and ear canal during the cleansing process, whereas even some popular products risk irritating the dog’s skin and ear canal. 

Additionally, the formula prevents unwanted material from hardening and adhering to the ear canal, which can lead to pain and infection. Even better, compared to other vet-approved, high-quality ear cleaners, the Epi-Otic cleanser’s price is affordable.

What We Liked

  • Has a pleasant citrus smell.
  • There are two available bottle sizes.
  • Effective for dogs suffering from allergies, sensitive ears, or chronic ear infections.
  • Removes waxy debris with ease.
  • It contains a drying agent (salicylic acid) to eliminate moisture from the ear canal.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It may not be effective for extremely waxy ears.

Zymox Otic Ear Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone: Best for Infections

Amazon’s Choice for “Dog Ear Infection Treatment”

Brand: Zymox

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, dextrose, glucose oxidase, glycerin, hydrocortisone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, potassium iodide, propylene glycol, purified water

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Highly effective in managing acute and chronic otitis from bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections. It works without antibiotics.

Application: Apply with an applicator cap included in the package.

Volume: 1.6 ounces (453.5 grams), 4 ounces (113.3 grams)

About This Item

This bioactive ear cleaner is one of the most effective, extra-strength ear-cleaning solutions for your dog. ZYMOX Otic Enzyme Treatment Hydrocortisone 1% tops the list of products veterinarians recommend for dog ear health due to its precise targeting of harmful bacteria and its superior relief of painful ear conditions. 

The liquid formulation also contains hydrocortisone, a crucial agent for combating ear inflammation, allergic reactions, itchiness, and pain. 

The formula features a bottle with an applicator cap for straightforward application. It is readily available at local pet stores and online retailers. But it is the ideal product among the numerous alternatives on the market for dogs with allergies or other chronic conditions and those prone to ear irritation or buildup.

What We Liked

  • Precision focuses on eliminating bacteria.
  • Made in America

What We Didn’t Like

  • Stronger than necessary for some dogs
  • It is expensive

Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes: Best Wipes

Brand: Pet MD

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients:  Purified Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance

Volume: 100 wipes

Item form: Soft cloth

Effectiveness: Preventative measure against infection and buildup of debris

Application: Wipe the affected area gently

Scent: Cucumber-melon

About This Item

The Pet MD wipes serve as a welcome balm for your dog’s ears and a full preventative measure against infection and debris buildup. They are excellent for use with dogs whose ears frequently get dirty. Even though your dog’s ears may be pretty small and thin, you might need to use more than one to complete the task.

However, they come in 100-packs, making them durable and reasonably priced. Each wipe helps to calm your dog’s skin and reduce irritation because it consists of eucalyptus and aloe vera. They also mask unpleasant odors with a light cucumber-lemon fragrance. The fragrance may be strong if you have a sensitive nose.

What We Liked

  • It fights odor
  • It is affordable

What We Didn’t Like

  • The wipes are small in size.
  • They have a strong scent.

EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner. Natural Multi-Action Formula: Best Herbal and Botanical Dog Ear Cleaner

Brand: Vet Organics

Vet recommended: No

Key ingredients: Deionized Water, Witch Hazel Extract, Denatured Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Polysorbate 20 (food grade), Boric Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Ionic Silver Solution, Organic Mullein Leaf Extract, Rosemary Extract, Fingerroot

Volume: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Removes dirt, wax, and debris and lessens the risk of infection

Application: Extend the cap and pour the solution into their ear canal

About This Item

If you’re a pet owner worried about remaining debris or exposing your dog to potential irritants, this ear cleanser is for you. The treatment, which consists of herbs and botanicals, promises to remove dirt, wax, and debris and lessen the risk of infection. Moreover, it eases and relieves discomfort in general, as well as itchiness and ear discharge. 

However, remember that this may not be ideal if your dog already has a severe ear infection because the formula is delicate. Apply it after any aquatic activities and throughout your weekly grooming routine.

It comes packaged in a container with an applicator cap, just like the other liquid choices on our list. Be careful with the lid design since you can easily pour excess solution. 

The manufacturer advises applying the solution as a wipe on a cotton ball if your dog moves about a lot. Moreover, remember that this product is not vet-approved; therefore, it may be prudent to consult your doctor before buying.

What We Liked

  • It is soothing
  • You can use it weekly.

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not efficient for treating severe infections.

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash Cleaner for Dogs: Best Odor-Reducing Dog Ear Cleaner

Amazon’s Choice For “Vet’s Best Ear Wash”

Brand: Vet’s Best

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Yucca, aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, clove oil, and echinacea

Volume: 4 ounces (113.3 grams) 16 ounces (453.9 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Cleans and soothes raw, itchy, smelly, or greasy dog ears. 

Application: Apply to ear canal openings and gently massage the base of the ears to help the solutions reach the ear canals

About This Item

This alcohol-free remedy is a fantastic cleaner that employs natural chemicals to clean your dog’s ears. It guarantees to lessen itchiness and irritation while reducing odors that might frequently arise during infections. Its mild recipe makes it ideal for routine cleanings after swimming, bathing, playing, etc. 

But remember that it might not be potent enough to treat an aggressive ear infection. But when it comes to a cleanser free of unfavorable side effects, it is a favorite among most dog types and sizes.

Although the container has a convenient applicator tip that makes it simple to apply, tighten it up as much as you can when storing it because it does tend to leak. Overall, this is a straightforward and cost-effective product you can trust to maintain the best possible health for your dog’s ears.

What We Liked

  • Daily usage is possible.
  • Soothing
  • Alcohol-free

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not ideal for treating severe illnesses
  • The bottle tends to leak

Miracle Care Ear Powder Step 1: Best Powder-Based Dog Ear Cleanser

Amazon’s Choice for “Dog Ear Powder for Hair Removal”

Brand: Miracle Care

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, methyl salicylate, rosin, bentonite

Volume: 0.4 ounces (12 grams)

Item form: Powder

Effectiveness: Removes excess hair blocking the ear

Application: Apply directly into the ear canal. Use tweezers or fingers to pull excess hair blocking the ear canal. 

About This Item

While not a perfect substitute for liquid remedies, powder formulations from Miracle Care is a fantastic way to resolve problems before they arise. To assist in stopping infections from developing, this specific mixture keeps the ear canal free of hair, and with that, there is less chance for wax and debris to clog the canal. 

It is a fantastic mild solution because it lacks harsh components. The powder is a dependable choice for frequent ear hair cleanings, but if your dog is experiencing severe pain from germs or fungus, look for another solution.

Using just a little powder goes a long way. You can use a more indirect method by distributing the powder on your fingers and then puffing it into your dog’s ear. After that, remove any extra hair using your fingers, tweezers, or forceps. 

Remember that it’s a two-part method, so you may boost its efficacy by using the company’s Step 2 Ear Cleaner, a liquid formulation that helps flush your dog’s ear.

What We Liked

  • Effectively removes earwax
  • Using a little powder is often enough to achieve the desired results
  • It is affordable

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not recommended for treating severe illnesses

Great Pets Dog Ear Cleaner - Advanced Ear Cleaning Solution for Dogs: Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Multiple Symptoms

Brand: Great Pets

Key ingredients: Water, plant-based surfactants derived from coconut and palm, fragrance, preservatives

Volume: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Cleans your dog’s ears and acidify to loosen dirt particles

Application: To remove dirt from your dog’s ears, apply the solution to a cotton ball or piece of cloth and wipe the area

About This Item

This product is the ultimate dog ear cleaner. It’s perfect for cleaning, drying, acidifying, and deodorizing the ear canal. It gets rid of dirt, earwax, and other junk. Moreover, it relieves mild skin irritants.

This product is safe for old or young dogs and large or tiny dogs because it contains a natural and secure list of ingredients, such as water, palm, and plant-based surfactants. 

The natural ingredients in this pet ear cleanser help condition and moisturize without eroding the skin’s protective lipid layer. It is one of the best preventive ear cleaners currently available. This sophisticated blend contains components that are 99% natural.

Generously saturate a cotton swab with the dog ear cleaning solution before gently wiping the inside of the ear flap. A second treatment could be necessary to remove an excessive buildup. Continue daily until the wax buildup and smells reduce, then apply once or twice weekly as maintenance.

What We Liked

  • There are no phosphates, parabens, sulfates, or alcohol in this dog ear cleaner solution. You can relax knowing you have the greatest components for your dog ears.

What We Didn’t Like

  • A second treatment may be necessary if there is a lot of earwax buildup.

Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats: Best for Drying and General Purpose

Amazon’s Choice for “Dechra Epiklean Ear Cleanser”

Brand: Dechra

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, silicon dioxide, methyl salicylate, rosin

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: It cleanses and drys the ears. For non-infected ears.

Application: Apply with a cotton ball

Volume: 32 ounces (907.1 grams), 8 ounces (226.7 grams)

About This Item

EpiKlean Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats is a general-purpose ear cleanser for ears without infections. It is excellent for use in grooming and aids in ear drying.

What We Liked

  • Works to dry and clean the ears.
  • Suitable for dog ears that are free of infections but need frequent drying, cleansing, and debris removal.
  • You can use it regularly to clean your dog’s ears before applying ear infection treatments.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It is expensive.

Dechra MalAcetic Otic Apple Scented Ear/Skin Cleanser: Best Dog Ear Cleanser

Brand: Dechra

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Natural ingredients with 2% acetic and 2% boric acid

Volume: 4 ounces (113.3 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Efficient against yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms

Application: Apply to a cotton ball and wipe the area

Scent: Apple

About This Item

Dechra MalAcetic Otic Apple Scented Ear/Skin Cleanser is efficient against yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Also, it is effective against pseudomonas staph and malassezia.

What We Liked

  • Easy to use
  • Works on mild to moderate infections

What We Didn’t Like

  • It might not work on all ear-related conditions.

No products found.: Best for Fungal Infections

No products found.

Brand: Dechra

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Ketoconazole

Volume: 4 ounces (113.3 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Pre-treatment flush for topical, antifungal, and antibacterial use

Application: Apply drops down the canal

About This Item

TrizULTRA + Keto Flush cleaner is ideal for fungal infections because it is mild and has antifungal chemicals. It can also work as a pre-treatment when taken 15 to 30 minutes before a topical antibiotic in cases of more severe ear infections. Before using it to treat a severe ear infection in your dog, see your veterinarian.

What We Liked

  • It’s a fantastic option for dogs with sensitive noses.
  • Its formulation is non-stinging, and it contains the antifungal ketoconazole.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It is expensive

Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution: Best for Waxy Ears

Brand: Vetoquinol

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Alcohol, lactic acid

Volume: 8 ounces (226.7 grams), 4 ounces (113.3 grams), 16 ounces (453.9 grams), 1 gallon (3.78 liters)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: Cleansing, drying, acidifying, and deodorizing formula

Application: Apply with a cotton ball

Scent: Aloe vera

About This Item

Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution is highly recommendable, especially if your dog has excessive waxy ears. If your dog’s ears get particularly unclean, you can use it safely up to twice daily (though ideally, if you establish a regular cleaning schedule, that shouldn’t happen often).

What We Liked

  • Has a mild formulation.
  • It’s a wonderful option for families with several pets because it’s suitable for cats and dogs.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It has a powerful scent that persists long after cleaning your dog’s ears.

Pet MD Veterinary Tris Flush Cat & Dog Ear Cleaner: Best Value 

Amazon’s Choice for “Ear Flush for Dog”

Brand: Pet MD

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Ketoconazole, Benzyl alcohol, Disodium

Volume: 12 ounces (340.1 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: It can treat any minor infection

Application: Apply by dropping the solution in the ear canal

About This Item

Pet MD Veterinary Tris Flush Cat & Dog Ear Cleaner is an affordable, simple-to-use over-the-counter option. It also has an antifungal and an antibiotic that will aid in healing any minor infections your dog may be suffering from.

What We Liked

  • It is a non-stinging composition that is mild.
  • It helps to get rid of odors.
  • Easy-to-use bottle
  • It is an excellent option for multi-pet households because it works for cats and dogs.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It has a strong scent.

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats: Best Soothing Dog Ear Cleaner

Brand: VetWELL

Vet recommended: Yes

Key ingredients: Deionized water, propylene glycol, aloe vera gel, alcohol, lactic acid,

Volume: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)

Item form: Liquid

Effectiveness: It helps lessen the risk of infection and stops uncomfortable itching and scratching

Application: Apply down the canal and massage

Scent: Cucumber melon

About This Item

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats is a pleasant-smelling ear-cleaning solution for dogs and cats. It helps lessen the risk of infection and stops uncomfortable itching and scratching. 

This ear cleanser is effective at removing waxy buildup from the ear canals and drying them out to lower the chance of ear infections. This liquid cleaner also contains calming aloe vera to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation that may come with ear infections in pets.

What We Liked

  • Ideal for dogs and cats
  • It consists of calming aloe vera gel

What We Didn’t Like

  • It’s for topical use only. You cannot use it if there’s a suspected injury in the ear drum.

Some Reader Questions Answered

Is There a Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner for Yeast Infections?

You can clean your dog’s ears with cotton balls, gauze, and a solution approved by your veterinarian. Never use hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or Q-tips.

What Can I Use for My Dog’s Ear Yeast Infection?

You can safely clean your pet’s ears with wipes or a liquid ear-cleaning solution. You can ask your veterinarian whether a product is safe for your pet.

How Do I Use a Dog Ear Cleaning Solution?

Sit your dog between your legs, hold its ear up, angle it vertically, and then fill the ear canal with cleansing liquid. Use a product like gauze or wipes to remove debris after massaging the base of the ear. 

You can remove more wax or debris from your dog’s outer ear by letting it shake its head to remove any extra fluid from the ear canal. Although wiping products can save a step, the ear may not be clean.

Does Dog Ear Cleaning Solution Expire?

It does, usually a year after the date of manufacture. Ear wash for dogs past their expiration date won’t work either. In fact, it could result in a vet visit by causing severe ear infections.

Can I Use Human Ear Cleaning Products on My Dog?

Most vets strongly advise against dog owners using their ear care products on their pets. Many human cleaners contain hydrogen peroxide, which can prevent water from flushing out of the ear canal and causing it to accumulate. Ultimately, this might result in more discomfort and aggravate ear infections.

Does Dog Ear Cleaner Prevent Infections?

Using a vet-recommended dog ear cleaner at home regularly can help ward off infections.

Ear mites and water trapped in the ear from swimming can also irritate the ear, resulting in an infection, yeast, wax, and fungal buildup. Pets with allergies may also experience ear skin irritation, increasing their infection susceptibility.

But if you regularly clean your dog’s ears, including after they swim, you can help remove some of the waxy buildup, dirt, and moisture that make this the perfect place for an infection to stay.

Why Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly keeps them healthy and helps prevent wax buildup and debris accumulation, which can result in an infection. 

What are the Signs of Canine Ear Infections?

Your dog may experience severe pain or discomfort from ear infections. Contact your vet immediately to schedule an appointment for your dog if any of the following symptoms of an ear infection are present. 

Early ear infection treatment can lessen the likelihood of complications and help to prevent the emergence of more severe symptoms. Common symptoms of canine ear infections include:

  • Bloody, brown, or yellow discharge
  • Foul odors emitting from the ear
  • Red interior

How Do I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

You should take the following actions as you clean their ears:

  • Try to calm your dog before you begin. You might want to give them some healthy treats if they like food. A chew toy with peanut butter on it can be a great distraction.
  • Gently pull their ear back so you can see inside the ear canal. Pour enough solution into the canal to cause a small amount of pooling.
  • To remove wax and debris, gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You’ll hear a slight squishing sound when you’re doing it correctly. 
  • Release your grip so your dog can shake their head. Because the fluid tickles their ear, they will naturally do this, aiding in the cleaning process by flinging the cleaning liquid (and the waxy grime it dislodged) out of the ear.
  • After they stop shaking, gently wipe and dry their ear canal with a cotton ball or gauze. Take care not to go too far into their ear to hurt them, and never use a Q-tip or anything else with a pointed end.
  • If your dog snaps at you while you’re cleaning its ears, take a break while cleaning between each ear. Petting your dog’s ears will help desensitize them to your touch before you clean them as a different method of familiarizing your dog with the procedure.
  • Stop the cleaning immediately and call your vet if your dog is in pain. If the cleaning hurts your dog, it’s possible that they already have an infection that needs medical attention. Cleaning shouldn’t hurt your dog. In scarce circumstances, your dog may react adversely to one of the active components in the pet ear cleaning solution.
Veterinarian cleaning dog ears

How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

Consider your dog’s needs to determine how often you should clean them. Some dogs may require more frequent ear cleanings, perhaps once weekly, if they are more susceptible to allergies or ailments like ear infections. 

Always clean your pet’s ears after being in the water, including during baths. Regularly check your pet’s ears for debris, discharge, and redness. If you notice anything, call your veterinarian.

The Bottom Line

Your veterinarian will take the time to clean your dog’s ears with a medicated cleanser and prescribe any antibiotics, anti-fungal, or anti-inflammatory drugs necessary to treat your pet’s ear infection if there is one. Your vet may also prescribe a topical medication and provide instructions on how and when to administer it to your dog at home.

Check out our top pick, Virbac Epi-Optic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats, while cleaning your dog’s ears. 

In conclusion, this dog ear cleaner effectively maintains your furry friend’s ear health and prevents potential ear infections. By following the instructions provided with the product and being gentle during the cleaning process, you can help keep your dog’s ears clean and free of wax and debris. Always monitor your dog’s ear health and contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of discomfort or infection. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure your dog’s ears remain healthy and comfortable for years to come.

An uncomplicated ear infection typically disappears with early treatment within a week or two. Treatment may be more difficult and take several months if your dog’s ear infection is more severe. More serious cases frequently lead to recurrent ear infections in dogs throughout the pet’s lifetime.

Carefully adhere to your veterinarian’s recommendations to help your dog’s ear infection heal quickly. A recurring infection that gets harder to treat can result from not finishing prescriptions or stopping treatment before the infection has fully resolved.

Groomers' Land