The 6 Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions of 2023

Best Overall

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats

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Our pick for the best dog ear cleanser is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser, which provides fast-acting and powerful protection against infection while also serving as an effective day-to-day cleaner. It is frequently recommended by veterinarians and works with most breeds of pups. Designed with a keratolytic formula, the liquid solution works wonders to remove proprietary wax and debris, preventing buildup that can lead to discomfort or infection. It 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. It has a pleasing fragrance, however, some may find it too strong, so keep this in mind if you or your dog is sensitive to smells.

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. Even better, compared to other vet-cosigned, high-quality ear cleaners on the market, the Epi-Otic cleanser boasts a reasonable price tag of just under $20 for an 8-ounce bottle. (Other extra-strength alternatives will run slightly to significantly higher, whereas milder, more proprietary products drop below $15.) Make sure to store the bottle upright and twist the cap tight to prevent the bottle from leaking.

_{Key Ingredients: Water, ethoxydiglycol, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium EDTA, docusate sodium, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, chloreoxylenol, salicylic acid, fragrance, D-galactose, D-mannose, L-rhamnose, and FD&C Blue #1. | Volume: 8 ounces}

Best for Infections

ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution With 1% Hydrocortisone

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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 completely manufactured in the U.S. 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.

_{Key Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, dextrose, glucose oxidase, glycerin, hydrocortisone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, potassium iodide, propylene glycol, purified water. | Volume: 1.25 or 4 ounces}

Best Wipes

Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes

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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 to 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.

_{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, Red 33, Blue 1. | Volume: 100 wipes}

Best Eco-Friendly

Vet Organics EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner

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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.

_{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, and Fingerroot Extract. | Volume: 8 ounces}

Best Odor-Reducing

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash

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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 easy and without adverse side effects.

It’s available in two sizes (4 or 16 ounces) and is manufactured in the U.S. 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.

_{Key Ingredients: Yucca, aloe vera, chamomile, teatree oil, clove oil and echinacea | Volume: 4 or 16 ounces}