An essential part of many dogs’ regular grooming needs involves keeping their ears clean for health and hygiene reasons. Not all dogs need routine ear cleaning, but many do to help prevent ear infections. The best ear-cleaning solutions can remove a build-up of wax, dirt, and other irritants that can cause bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections. I’ve researched dozens of dog ear cleaners to help you narrow down your best options. I think the best dog ear-cleaning solution is Virbac, but I also have other options for specific needs.
| Overall | Runner-Up | For Infections | All-Natural Wash | Wipes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Virbac Epi-Otic | Pet Honesty | Zymox Otic | EcoEars | PetMD |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| View on Chewy | View on Website | View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Why Is It Important To Keep My Dog’s Ears Clean?
I spoke with Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a small animal veterinarian, who explains why cleaning a dog’s ears is so important.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is so important because a build-up of wax or debris can lead to inflammation or infection. This is particularly important for breeds with hairy ear canals, like Poodles and Bichons, because the hair traps dirt and prevents ventilation.
But Dr. Godfrey adds that the type of cleanser you use is just as important as keeping them clean.
While wipes can be useful for cleaning around the entrance of your dog’s ear canals, they’re not particularly effective for getting dirt and wax from deep down. Therefore, I recommend an ear-cleaning solution. Most will be gentle and have a similar pH to the lining of your dog’s ears, and they work by emulsifying the wax to break it up and help it work its way out.
– Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, Veterinarian
8 Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions
I’ve chosen my top picks and based my reviews on the quality of ingredients, efficacy, pricing, customer feedback, brand reputation, our experience, and other factors.
Best Overall Ear Wash For Dogs: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
This vet-recommended dog ear cleaner is one of the most popular and effective solutions. It’s excellent at removing a build-up of wax, dirt, debris, and foul odors while keeping the ear canal dry. With 0.2% salicylic acid and other vet-formulated ingredients, this cleanser is mild and non-irritating. It also has a low pH, so it’s safe to use along with ear infection treatments.
Made in the USA, Virbac Epi-Otic is a fantastic choice for routine cleanings of dogs and cats with sensitive ears and pets with chronic otitis externa (ear infections). Its anti-adhesive glycotechnology helps prevent microbes from attaching to the ear canal, which can cause ear infections. Some users say the scent is a bit strong, but most rave about this cleanser.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-recommended | Some users say the scent is strong |
| Contains 0.2% salicylic acid | |
| Mild and non-irritating | |
| Prevents microbes from attaching to the ear canal | |
| For dogs (& cats) with sensitive ears |
Personal Experience With Virbac Epi-Otic
Every few months, we would notice a slight odor and some head shaking from Storm, our black lab. So when we noticed this, we would wait for him to lie down and relax. Then we gently squirted Virbac’s ear-cleaning solution into his ear and massaged it for 30 seconds or so. After he naturally shook his head to get rid of the solution, we took a clean cotton swab and softly wiped the ear canal in areas without going in very deep. This process was quick, painless, and kept ear infections and excess wax build-up at bay.
– Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal Co-Founder and Mixed-Breed Rescue Parent
Price
- Starts at $12.77 ($3.19 / Fl Oz)
Runner-Up: Pet Honesty Otic Ear Cleaner Review
View on Amazon | View on Pet Honesty
Pet Honesty’s vet-recommended, non-stinging ear cleaner is formulated with a low pH balance to clean, deodorize, and dry your pet’s ears for routine grooming. It includes gentle amounts of salicylic acid and benzoic acid to help with itchiness, odor, inflammation, redness, and wax build-up. It also flushes out bacteria and other pathogens. Safe for dogs and cats, this ear wash comes highly recommended by pet parents and leaves a pleasing cucumber-melon scent.
Pet Honesty makes all of its pet supplements and other products at an FDA-approved facility in the USA and offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. They are also certified by the National Association Supplement Council (NASC). It’s one of our favorite manufacturers of high-quality dog and cat supplements for everything from allergies and anxiety to joint pain and urinary health.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-recommended & NASC certified | A few customers reported issues with the bottle leaking during transit |
| Non-stinging ear formula | |
| It helps with itchiness, odor, inflammation, redness, & wax build-up | |
| Offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee | |
| Made in FDA-approved USA facilities | |
| Has a cucumber-melon scent |
Price
You can subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20% with Pet Honesty.
To learn more about this brand and its product range, check out our full review of Pet Honesty.
Best Dog Ear Cleaner For Yeast & Bacterial Infections: Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
Another popular vet-recommended solution, Zymox, is ideal for pets with chronic ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It can also be used as a routine cleaner to help prevent irritation and infections. It contains a patented L3 enzyme system, including three active enzymes with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Made in the USA, this no-sting, non-toxic dog ear solution also contains 1% hydrocortisone to relieve your pup from itching and inflammation. Massage it in and your pup will feel instant relief. It is expensive, however, so if your pup doesn’t suffer from chronic ear infections, you may want to choose a more affordable solution for routine ear cleaning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for chronic ear infections | Pricier than other options |
| Contains patented enzymes | |
| It has antibacterial, antifungal & antiviral properties | |
| Contains 1% hydrocortisone | |
| Alleviates itching & inflammation |
Price
- Starts at $23.79 ($19.03 / Fl Oz)
Best All-Natural Ear Wash For Dogs: EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
Are you wary of using any pharmaceuticals on your pup? This Vet Organics EcoEars ear flush for dogs and cats contains 100% natural ingredients. It uses no harsh chemicals, antibiotics, cortisone, steroids, or enzymes. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility, it includes a botanical blend of organic mullein leaf extract, witch hazel extract, rosemary extract, tea tree oil, and other alternative ingredients with antifungal properties.
Many owners find this cleaner effective in breaking down the buildup of wax, dirt, and gunk in their dogs’ ear canals. It’s also fantastic at removing foul odors. The major drawback of this product is that it contains denatured grain alcohol, which may irritate some dogs. It’s also not labeled as vet-recommended, so you may want to check with your vet before using this as a replacement for traditional ear cleaners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains 100% natural ingredients | It contains denatured grain alcohol, which can be irritating |
| No harsh chemicals | |
| It has antifungal properties | |
| Great for removing foul odors | |
| Fast-acting formula |
Price
- Starts at $23.13 ($2.89 / Fl Oz)
Best Ear Wipes For Dogs: PetMD Ear Wipes Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
Although many vets recommend ear washing for dogs over wiping for a thorough cleaning, pup owners find these PetMD ear wipes are super convenient for a quick and easy clean. Each wipe is soaked in an alcohol-free formula designed to gently clean, deodorize, and dry your pet’s ears. Ingredients include soothing and antibacterial aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, and cleaning/drying agents such as salicylic acid and lactic acid.
They’re made in small batches in the USA in a federally regulated manufacturing facility to ensure the highest quality. The non-irritating, soothing ingredients are gentle enough to use daily if your pup has consistently dirty or smelly ears. They’re a great help to prevent a build-up of gunk and are simple to use – just wipe and massage it around the outer ear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient ear-cleaning wipes | Not for thorough cleaning purposes |
| Gentle enough for everyday use | |
| Contains cleaning, deodorizing & soothing agents | |
| Made in small batches in the U.S. |
Our Personal Experience With Pet MD Ear Wipes
I have used the Pet MD ear wipes for years will all my dogs. My Chihuahua Cookie always had smelly ears, and these wipes were perfect to clean them out. My Beagle mix Falkor, has long, floppy ears, and these have helped immensely with keeping them clean. These smell great and are very gentle. They work well to reduce odors and remove gunk. Plus, they are quite easy to use with a quick wipe and massage. You don’t need additional items like cotton swabs to use these, and they’re easy to store as well.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent & Writer For Canine Journal
Price
This product is also our winner for ear-cleaning wipes in our best dog wipes guide. There we explore other wipes for paws, eyes, butts, teeth, and more.
What About Bodhi, PetLabCo. & Veterinary Formula?
Although the following dog ear-cleaning solutions didn’t make my top picks, they are all highly rated and popular choices among pup parents.
Bodhi Dog Pet Ear Cleanser Review
Another all-natural, plant-based solution you may want to consider is Bodhi Dog’s alcohol-free ear cleanser. It is formulated for sensitive ears and contains soothing aloe vera and eucalyptus, which also have natural antibacterial properties. Other carefully selected ingredients include glycerine (a natural moisturizer) and stearic acid (from palm oil). As well as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (for ear wax removal) and benzoic acid (to prevent infection). Bodhi Dog makes its products and packaging in the USA using the most socially responsible and eco-friendly methods. This family-owned small business also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| An all-natural, plant-based solution | Some owners find the eucalyptus scent too strong |
| It contains aloe vera, eucalyptus & other beneficial ingredients | |
| Made in the U.S. | |
| Uses eco-friendly ingredients & methods | |
| 100% satisfaction guarantee |
Price
PetLabCo. Clear Ears Therapy Review
View on Amazon | View on PetLabCo | View on Walmart
PetLabCo.’s alcohol-free ear flush for dogs is another excellent choice for canines with recurring fungal ear infections. It contains 0.15% ketoconazole, an antifungal vets often prescribe for fungal ear and skin infections. Salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and glycerin help remove wax, microbes, and discharge while keeping your pup’s ear canal skin moisturized but dry enough to keep yeast at bay.
This solution is vet-formulated and recommended. It is made in the USA and gets many positive customer reviews for everything from relieving itchy ears to infection prevention. PetLabCo. has a well-respected reputation for manufacturing only high-quality, natural pet supplements and healthcare products.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains ketoconazole | Pricier than other options |
| Ideal for recurring fungal infections | |
| Vet-formulated and recommended | |
| Made in the U.S. |
Price
Read our full review of PetLab Co. to learn more about the brand and its wide range of healthcare products.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
One of the top-selling ear washes for pets, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy, is another terrific choice for sensitive ears and is gentle enough for frequent use. It’s specially formulated to help alleviate itching and redness in your pet’s ear canal. It also does a fantastic job of removing a build-up of wax, dirt, and other gunk. Vet-recommended and made in the USA, this cleanser contains lactic acid to remove excess moisture and anti-inflammatory salicylic acid. It also lists two antifungals, benzoic acid, and ketoconazole, to help prevent and treat ear infections. Although it gets many positive customer reviews, some say it was too harsh for their pet’s ears.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Alleviates redness and itchiness | Some customers say it was too harsh for their pet’s ears |
| Vet-recommended | |
| Made in the U.S. | |
| Contains anti-inflammatory & antifungal properties |
Price
- Starts at $8.98
Best Homemade Ear Cleaning Solution For Dogs
Many veterinarians recommend not using a homemade ear-cleaning solution and sticking with a formula designed to be safe and non-irritating for dogs. “I wouldn’t recommend putting anything into your dog’s ears without checking with your vet first,” advises Dr. Godfrey. “If it’s a home remedy, it might not be safe, and if your dog’s ears look sore, the eardrum may have burst, exposing the fragile cells of the middle and inner ear.”
Still, some vets say using almond or olive oil is gentle on the skin and effective for regular cleanings. There’s conflicting advice about using white or apple cider vinegar — some recommend it (only if diluted with water), while others say it can irritate skin or cause pH imbalances. Most vets advise against using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or boric acid.
We have a guide on the best home remedies for dog ear infections. If your vet gives you the all-clear to use one, be sure to check it out.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
Some dogs have naturally clean, healthy ears and may never need cleaning. But a general rule of thumb is no more than once a month or only when needed (e.g., you smell a mild odor or see a build-up of debris). Over-cleaning can cause the ear canal to become irritated or infected.
However, certain dogs may require more frequent cleaning. These include dog breeds with long, floppy ears, such as Bassett Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers, dogs with allergies, and those who swim frequently. These factors all lead to a higher risk of developing ear infections. Ask your vet about your pup’s specific ear-cleaning needs.
How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Knowing the proper way to clean your pup’s ears is just as important as using a high-quality cleansing solution. All you need is your solution of choice, a cotton swab, and a towel to wipe any mess. Place the drops into the ear canal, massage for around 20 seconds, and wipe any residue with the cotton swab. Check out the video below and our step-by-step guide to ensure you clean safely and effectively.
Does My Dog Have An Ear Infection?
Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears is one of the best ways to prevent ear infections in your pup. But even with routine cleaning, some dogs are particularly prone to developing them. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of ear infections in dogs and ear mites. Depending on the type of infection, your pup may need vet-prescribed antibiotics or other treatment.
Other Necessary Grooming Requirements For Your Dog
Now that you know the best ear-cleaning solutions for dogs, your pup has a few other grooming requirements you need to learn more about. We have a step-by-step dental cleaning guide, and we have also found the best dog toothbrushes. If your dog is a heavy shedder, check out our guide on the best de-shedding tools. You should also learn how some pet wellness plans can help with the cost of grooming, which might be helpful for some owners who spend a lot on it.
Do you use any of the above ear-cleaning solutions? Do you have any ear-cleaning tips that you think we and our readers should know about? Let us know in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products for our pups and all of our readers.
