Buying guide for best dog ear cleansers
Some dogs won't ever experience ear issues, whereas others are prone to sore, stinky, or infected ears. Use of a dog ear cleanser can help get rid of current ear ailments or prevent future problems in dogs that are prone to ear infections.
It's important to consider whether you want a liquid ear cleanser or ear cleansing wipes, plus which, if any, active ingredients will be beneficial to your dog. Other factors to consider include whether the cleanser uses natural or soothing ingredients, whether it's alcohol-free, and what kind of scent it has. You'll want to be informed about common ear problems because the ear cleanser your dog needs will depend on its specific ear issue.
Key considerations
Common ear problems in dogs
Below are some of the common ear problems that can make a dog’s ears itchy, sore, or inflamed. Some of these can be remedied with an ear cleanser. If you haven't already had your dog's ear problem diagnosed by a vet, that should be your first port of call.
Bacterial infection: These infections are common in dogs, especially breeds with long, floppy ears, since the warm, wet environment inside the ears makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily, you can get an antibiotic ear cleanser to help get rid of a bacterial infection.
Yeast infection: These ear infections are caused by certain fungal strains and can be trickier to tackle than bacterial infections, requiring a longer course of treatment. Dog ear cleaners that contain antifungal ingredients will help.
Otitis externa: Better known as swimmer's ear, otitis externa is a painful inflammation of the ear canal that can have a range of causes. Dog ear cleansers containing steroids can help, but the other ingredients should be gentle so they don't further irritate the ear.
Ear mites: These arachnids (Otodectes cynotis) cause intense itching. They're common in cats and highly contagious, and this means that a dog that lives in the same house is susceptible to getting them. Certain liquid ear cleansers reduce the number of mites in the ears, but flea and tick treatments are more effective at killing them off.
Allergens: Airborne allergens like dust and pollen can get inside your dog’s ears and cause an allergic reaction with itching and soreness. Regular cleaning with a non-medicated liquid ear cleanser or ear cleansing wipes physically removes the allergens and reduces the problem, but severely affected dogs may need anti-allergy medication, too.
Obstructions: It's very common for dogs to get grass seeds and other plant debris in the ears while out on walks or playing in the yard. Cleaning your dog's ears can remove these foreign bodies and solve the problem, especially if you act quickly before the debris makes its way deeper into the ear canal.
Active ingredients
Some dog ear cleansers are simply for general ear cleaning, while others contain active antibacterial or antifungal ingredients to help resolve ear infections.
Steroids, such as hydrocortisone, generally reduce itchiness and can help dogs with otitis externa.
Salicylic acid and lactic acid have antimicrobial properties that can help with both bacterial and yeast infections of the ear.
Antifungal ingredients, such as ketoconazole, are found in certain ear cleansers and, with regular use, will clear up a yeast infection.Antibiotic ear cleansers are suited to dogs with severe bacterial infections, but these are generally prescribed by a veterinarian rather than bought over the counter.
Not only do dog ear cleansers remove dirt and debris from the ears, some varieties may ease the symptoms of different types of ear problems. However, we advise our readers to seek veterinary advice to rule out health issues prior to using a cleanser to treat ear issues.
We think about the different types of ear problems that are common in dogs when searching for the best dog ear cleansers.
There are two types of dog ear cleansers: liquid and wipes. While liquids are more comprehensive at addressing different ear issues, wipes stand out for being easy and convenient to use. We look at both types in our research.
When we consider a cleanser, we want to know if it contains alcohol. Alcohol can sting and isn’t generally recommended for dogs with irritated or sensitive ears.
The main job of some dog ear cleansers is to simply clean the ears, not treat problems. We keep this in mind when choosing the top dog ear cleansers for our shortlist.
We take note of the active ingredients found in various dog ear cleansers. Key active ingredients found in many cleansers include antifungals, steroids, antibiotics, and lactic and salicylic acids.
We find out whether various dog ear cleansers contain a scent. If scented, we research the nature of the scent so our readers can make an informed purchase.
Some dog ear cleansers are made of natural ingredients. We consider this type of cleanser in our evaluations.
Some cleansers for dog ears contain soothing ingredients. When we examine a cleanser, we look for ingredients like turmeric and green tea, which may reduce inflammation and calm irritation.
We find out whether various dog ear cleansers have been tested on animals, as this is an important consideration for many pet owners.
Features
Liquid vs. wipes
Dog ear cleansers come either in the form of a liquid or a cleansing wipe.
Liquid dog ear cleansers are best for serious ear problems because they can work their way deep into parts of the ear canal that you can’t reach with a wipe. You'll generally find a wider range of active ingredients in liquid cleaning solutions to tackle all kinds of ear ailments, but these products are messier to use, and dogs are more apt to dislike the cleaning process.
Wipes are simple to use and extremely convenient. They're great for cleaning the ears of dogs that don’t have any serious ear complaints, but they won't cut it if your dog has painfully inflamed ears or an ear infection.
Scent
Although the scent of dog ear cleansers isn't hugely important, and it doesn’t affect its efficacy, a product with an overpowering scent might deter some dogs, making it difficult for you to administer the solution and putting them off having their ears cleaned at all.
Caution
Never use a cotton swab to clean your dog's ears because there's a serious risk of pushing the tip in too far and damaging the inner ear.
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Ingredients
All-natural: Some dog ear cleansers advertise all-natural ingredients. These cleansers tend to be gentle and great for routine cleaning or the removal of airborne allergens from your dog's ears, but they don't contain any serious antimicrobial or antifungal ingredients that are needed to alleviate the symptoms of bacterial or fungal infections.
Soothing: As already mentioned, some canine ear problems can cause the ears to become quite sore and inflamed. In this case, a dog ear cleanser that contains soothing ingredients is a great option. You might choose a product that contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as green tea or turmeric.
Alcohol: If your dog's ears are inflamed and sore, an ear cleanser that contains alcohol is likely to sting. Look for an alcohol-free cleansing product to avoid this problem and keep your dog comfortable.
Dog ear cleanser prices
Inexpensive: These dog ear cleansers start at around $3 to $8. They are generally non-medicated options for general cleaning of the ears.
Mid-range: These dog ear cleansers cost from $8 to $15 and include some medicated options and ear cleansing wipes in addition to liquids.
Expensive: High-end dog ear cleansers are priced between $15 and $25. These are either large bottles or high-strength veterinary-grade cleansers for tackling ear infections and other serious ear ailments.
Tips
- Know why you're cleaning your dog's ears. Do you just want to keep on top of your dog's ear health with occasional cleaning or does it have a particular ear problem? This will determine which ear cleanser you choose.
- Take chronic ear complaints seriously. If your dog has persistently itchy or very smelly ears (a light, yeasty odor is normal) or a crusty discharge and you haven't consulted a vet, be sure to do so right away. Your pet may need medication, not just an ear cleanser.
- Choose a formula that hasn't been tested on animals. As a dog owner, you probably love animals and would prefer to get a product that hasn't been tested on animals in labs.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean my dog's ears?
A. The exact method for cleaning your dog's ears depends on the product you choose, so always check the instructions carefully before proceeding. However, the most common method for liquid ear cleansers is to squirt a few drops of the solution into your dog's ear, massage the base of the ear, and then wipe out any excess with a cloth. With wipes, you simply wipe out the inside of your dog's ears.
Q. How often should I clean my dog's ears?
A. You need to find a balance when cleaning your dog's ears. Not often enough could lead to problems, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections. Too often and you might irritate your dog's ear canals, causing further issues. In general, you should clean your dog's ears once a month unless otherwise instructed by a vet.
Q. What should I do if my dog won't let me clean her ears?
A. Some dogs don’t take kindly to having their ears cleaned. This might be because of a bad experience in the past or because their ears feel sore, but whatever the reason, our advice is the same. Try to make ear cleaning time a positive experience by feeding your dog plenty of treats as you clean her ears. This is easier with two people — one to feed the treats and the other to clean the ears — but you can do it solo if you must. In time, your dog will start to associate ear cleaning with food and may be less averse to it.
