Best Dog Ear Cleaner for 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

Being a dog owner comes with many responsibilities, but pet parents will agree that it’s more than worth it.

For instance, like many fur-parents, we know you would lovingly clean your dog from head to tail and smile the whole time.

Of course, you should not neglect the ears when you do so, which is where the best dog ear cleaner comes in.

Using this product can help lower the odds of ear infections, keeping your pet healthy and happy.

The problem is that there are so many cleaners and solutions in the market today. How do you know which ones are best for your fur baby?

To help you out, we looked at some of the top options today.

Best Dog Ear Cleaner Reviews

1. Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner

Pet MD is one of the most reliable names in pet care today.

However, it has been making a wide range of high-quality products accessible to pet parents since 2002.

This Florida-based company has a selection of dog ear cleaners, and this one comes in the form of wipes.

As you can imagine, it is ideal for daily use or quick clean-ups.

Product Highlights

Veterinarians recommend the Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner for a number of reasons. Here are some of its essential features:

  • Advanced Formulation

This Dog Ear Cleaner is made using an advanced formula approved by veterinarians.

It uses only superior ingredients, including healing aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, purified water, glycerin, lactic acid, and more.

Equally important, it has zero alcohol that could cause swelling in the ear canal.

For these reasons, you can use it to clean your dog’s ears every day without worrying about any harmful effects.

  • Gentle and Safe

Aside from being very effective, this dog ear cleaner is safe. It leaves a clean, fresh smell and leaves the ears dry and itch-free.

Fur parents will also like that it does not stop working once you have applied it to your dog’s ears.

Instead, it will continue to protect your pet by preventing yeast growth or the infestation of mites.

  • Convenient to Use

This dog ear cleaner comes in the form of hygienic pads. Each disposable wipe has a diameter of 2.25 inches and is easy to hold.

It is pre-moistened, making it effective in removing any dirt, waxy buildup, and discharge.

You won’t have any problem cleaning your dog’s ears, even if it is squirming. It is suitable for dogs over 12 weeks old.

  • Healthy for Your Dog

The Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner can ward off infections, keeping your dog happy and healthy. It also reduces the foul odor.

It is veterinarian-formulated, so you can rest assured it is safe for your dog to use.

The Good

There are many things to like about the Pet MD dog ear cleaner, such as its effectiveness and ease of use.

However, what we like most about it is that it is veterinarian-formulated and safe for your dog.

The Bad

While the wipes are easy to handle, some complain that they are too small for big dogs.

Pros:

  • Safe formulation
  • Soothing on dog’s ears
  • Easy to use

Con:

  • A bit small for big dogs

2. Virbac Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser

Virbac is an American company that specializes in animal health. It makes medicines, supplements, and other products for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

The Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser is a premium offering from its selection of ear cleaners.

With its effective formulation, it is a must-have for pet parents whose dogs are prone to ear infections.

Product Highlights

The Virbac Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser has many features that dog owners will love.

  • Powerful Cleanser

Ear cleaning is a big part of a dog’s health and health. It is even more important for dogs that are prone to ear infections.

If your four-legged friend has floppy ears, has allergies, or likes to get wet, you should get Virbac.

It is a powerful cleanser that can keep your dog’s ears healthy and smelling fresh.

That’s because it contains salicylic acid and other substances that can safely remove wax, dirt, and debris.

Simply apply this cleanser to a cotton ball and use that cotton ball for cleaning.

  • Non-Irritating Formula

While this dog ear cleaner is a powerful cleanser, it has a neutral pH.

It uses a formulation that won’t cause any irritations or leave a burning sensation.

Even if your dog has sensitive skin, you can still use this product. It will even remove foul odors from your dog’s ears.

It is great for everyday, routine cleaning or as preparation before administering ear medication.

  • Anti-Microbial Properties

Aside from removing wax, debris, and dead skin cells, this dog ear cleaner has anti-microbial properties.

It helps keep your dog’s ears dry, which prevents the growth of yeast or bacteria.

This is very important because yeast infections cause much discomfort, itching, and even pain.

If you want to protect your pet from these symptoms, you need an ear cleanser like the Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser.

In addition, it is designed to be safe for use and will not cause any inflammation.

The Good

What we like most about the Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser is its powerful cleaning capability. It can easily remove wax, dirt, buildup, and bad odors.

The Bad

Some complain that while this ear cleanser removes odors, it leaves a strong smell.

Pros:

  • Powerful cleaning action
  • Does not cause irritation or inflammation
  • Prevents yeast or bacterial growth

Con:

  • Might leave a strong scent

3. VetWELL Otic Rinse Dog Ear Cleaner

VetWELL specializes in pet care products, including ear wipes and anti-itch sprays.

The Otic Rinse Dog Ear Cleaner is one of its more popular offerings. It is not medicated, so it comes with an affordable price tag.

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to protect your dog from ear infections, this product is a great option.

Product Highlights

The VetWELL Otic Rinse Dog Ear Cleaner comes highly recommended by veterinarians.

That’s because it has many features that make it very effective in cleaning your dog’s ears.

  • Effective Formula

The Otic Rinse Dog Ear Cleaner is not medicated and is designed specifically for cleaning.

That said, it is very effective at what it does. It can remove the dirt and debris from your dog’s ears, even the stubborn waxy buildup.

Simply apply it generously into your dog’s ear canal, then massage the base of the ear.

After doing this, you can let your dog shake its head if it wants to. From there, you can wipe the excess cleaner with a cloth or cotton.

  • No Sting

Keeping a dry environment is key to preventing infections or bacterial growth.

Note that this ear cleaner contains a small amount of alcohol—less than five percent, to be more specific.

It is enough to keep your dog’s ears dry without stinging them.

VetWELL has been using this formulation for 15 years, so it is guaranteed to be safe.

Make sure you follow the instructions when using it. Also, do not apply it if you suspect that your dog has a damaged eardrum.

  • Safe and Gentle

This product contains aloe vera, which offers a number of benefits when applied to your dog’s ears.

For instance, this ingredient can help soothe inflammations and heal infections.

On top of this, it does not cause any irritations, so your dog won’t keep on scratching its ears.

The Good

The best thing about the VetWELL Otic Rinse Dog Ear Cleaner is that it is very effective.

As long as you follow the instructions, you should be able to deal with stubborn dirt and wax buildup easily.

The Bad

Again, keep in mind that this product contains a small amount of alcohol.

While it is safe to use, you need to ensure that your dog’s eardrum is not damaged before you do.

Pros:

  • Removes dirt and waxy buildup effectively
  • Does not sting
  • Safe for regular use

Con:

  • Contains a small amount of alcohol

4. Barkos Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes

Barkos is an online store that offers a wide range of pet care essentials, from wipes and rubs to shampoo and conditioner.

This product is a dog ear cleaner that comes in the form of wipes.

Like the rest of the Barkos’ offerings, it has an affordable price tag. It is a great option for pet parents who want to pamper their fur babies without breaking the bank.

Product Highlights

These ear wipes from Barkos are affordable but have all the essential features that pet owners look for in an ear cleaner.

  • Recommended by Veterinarians

Like most pet parents, you want nothing but the best for your dog.

Who better tell you what makes up the best ear cleaner for dogs than trained veterinarians?

One of the biggest draws of the Barkos Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes is that they are veterinarian-recommended.

This fact alone should lay all your doubts to rest when it comes to the product’s safety or effectiveness.

  • Natural Ingredients

If you can’t take the words of veterinarians, it’s OK. There are many other ways to see the benefits of using these wipes from Barkos.

For instance, you will find that each sheet boasts natural and plant-based ingredients that are safe for your canine companion.

It is made from cotton soaked in the Barkos’ very own hypoallergenic formula containing aloe vera.

In addition, it is 100% free from chemicals or pesticides that could irritate your dog’s ears.

It can clean, soothe, and protect your dog’s ears, which is what every pet parent wants.

  • Guarantee of Satisfaction

Another thing you would like about this product is that it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you are not happy with it for some reason, you can ask for your money back.

Barkos will give you a 100% refund without asking any questions. That is how confident they are in their products.

On top of this, Barkos even included a nose rub in this product package, which gives you more value for your money.

The Good

What stands out the most about these wipes from Barkos is that veterinarians highly recommend them.

It goes a long way in gaining the trust of pet parents who want nothing but the best for their fur babies.

The Bad

There is not much to complain about this product except that you could not use it on puppies younger than 12 weeks.

Pros:

  • Highly recommended by veterinarians
  • Uses natural ingredients only
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee

Con:

  • Not suitable for puppies younger than 12 weeks

5. Vetnique Labs Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Wipes

As its name implies, Vetnique Labs focuses on unique veterinary products for pets, doing everything from research to product development and testing.

The Oticbliss Ear Cleaner Wipes are part of its wide selection of ear care products.

If you are looking for an ear cleaner designed by veterinarians themselves, this is a great option.

Product Highlights

The Oticbliss Wipes is one of the best dog ear cleaners today. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • Cleansing and Drying

Keeping your dog’s ears dry helps keep microbial growth in check.

These wipes contain salicylic acid that helps reduce excess moisture. It also has docusate sodium, which softens the ear wax and makes it easier to remove.

There are other beneficial ingredients, too, like vitamin E and aloe.

Its formulation is designed to cleanse and dry your dog’s ear and prevent infections.

  • Odor-Fighting Formula

Aside from removing dirt and excess wax, these wipes also help eliminate bad odor. This is thanks in large part to chloroxylenol.

With this on hand, you can cuddle your dog all you want and not deal with any unpleasant smells.

  •  Designed by Veterinarians

Vetnique is a company owned by veterinarians. Consequently, its products are veterinarian-formulated.

As such, you can rest assured that the Oticbliss is effective and safe to use for routine cleaning. Just make sure you use it as directed.

The Good

This product is designed by people who know what is best for dogs and other pets. Not only is it effective in removing dirt and wax buildup, but it is also safe to use.

The Bad

The Oticbliss Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes are a bit more expensive than some brands, but not by much.

Pros:

  • Safe and effective
  • Helps fight odor
  • Formulated by veterinarians

Con:

  • A bit pricier than some brands

Buyer’s Guide

There are many dog ear cleaner brands in the market, so picking just one can be overwhelming for any pet parent.

Fortunately, there are ways to narrow down your options. Here’s how:

1. Cleaning Power

Since the whole point of buying is to clean your dog’s ear, it must get the job done efficiently.

Look for ingredients like docusate sodium, salicylic acid, and chloroxylenol. These substances help remove excess wax, keep the ears dry, and reduce or eliminate bad odor.

2. Safety

While you want to clean your dog’s ears, you would not want to cause irritations while doing it.

Substances like aloe vera can help keep any swelling down. Also, make sure that the product does not have high alcohol content.

As much as possible, get a brand that uses natural ingredients.

3. Wipes vs. Solutions

One decision you need to make when shopping around for a dog ear cleaner is whether to get wipes or a solution.

Both are very effective, and it would all depend on your personal preference.

Dog Ear Cleaner FAQs

1. When should I take my dog to a vet about an ear problem?

These products are meant to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry to ward off infections.

In other words, it is a preventative measure, and it is not designed to treat ear problems.

If your dog has persistent itching or a bad odor from its ears, take it to the vet for immediate treatment.

2. How frequently should I clean my dog’s ears?

Every dog has a different lifestyle, pre-existing condition, and even physiology, so it would ultimately depend on your pet.

That said, once a month should be enough for most dogs.

If your dog is prone to infections or itching and is fond of swimming, try cleaning its ears once a week. Some owners even do it every two weeks.

3. Are dog ear cleaners safe?

Ear cleaners are safe for dogs as long as you find the right brand and follow the instructions properly.

If it is your first time using a certain product, monitor your pet closely for any adverse reactions.

Which Dog Ear Cleaner Should You Choose?

All these products are safe and effective, but we recommend the Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner the most.

It uses an advanced formulation recommended by veterinarians but is very gentle on your dog’s skin.

It is also very easy to use, allowing you to clean your pet’s ears even if it is squirming around.

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