The 14 Best Dog Ear Cleaners of 2023: Liquid & Wipe

When grooming your dog, cleaning his/her ears is a big part of this process and for this, you need a dog cleaner. It is important to keep them clean because ears can accumulate wax, dirt, or have infections. As such, you should pick a cleaner that tackles the specific problem in your dog's ears.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Dog Ear Cleaners

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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  VetWELL Dog Ear Cleaner Solution & Infection Treatment for Dogs & Cats, Tris Otic...
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Pet MD Otic Clean Dog Ear Cleaner for Cats and Dogs - Effective Against Infections,...
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Doggie Dailies Pet Ear Cleaner, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Soothing Aloe, Vet...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Mighty Petz Dog Ear Cleaner Solution – Pet Ear Wash to Support Infection Prone Ears and...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  PetHonesty OTIC Dog Ear Cleaner & Ear Health Support - Advanced Solution to Help Reduce...
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With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best dog ear cleaners that are suitable for clearing out different issues. Let's have a look.

6 Best Dog Ear Cleaners: Review

1. Best Overall: Mighty Petz Dog Ear Cleaner

With its 4-in-1 multipurpose formula, Mighty Petz's unit is our best product in this dog ear cleaner review. The ear flush cleans, dries, deodorizes, and creates an environment that is unfavorable for unwanted guests to live in the ear.

This solution is veterinarian-formulated and part of its cleaning function includes loosening & clearing dirt, gunk, wax, debris, etc. within three days. After this, it dries the ear canal to reduce infections known as swimmer's ears. Also, it maintains balance in infection-prone ears.

At the same time, the cleaner stops painful itching & scratching while also ending constant head shaking. As for bad odor, the solution clears it within three days, leaving a fresh cucumber & melon scent.

The product is suitable for all dog breeds in all sizes but can cause skin and eye irritation. In case it contacts the eyes, flush with water.

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2. Best Inexpensive: Nutri-Vet 1001044

The Nutri-Vet 1001044 is an affordable dog ear cleaner that removes wax, dirt & buildup while deodorizing and soothing at the same time.

In addition to that, it soothes dog ears and provides relief from the itch by stopping fungal infections, eczema, fleas, contact dermatitis, and insect bites.

That said, the solution contains a gentle formula with effective ingredients that are suitable for all dog breed sizes, cats, and puppies. It is formulated by vets to the highest quality and consistency standards. The only problem is that the cleaner is not effective against bacterial infections.

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3. Best Natural: Zymox Otic 1000

Zymox's Otic 1000 is our best natural dog ear cleaner because it features a natural patented LP3 antimicrobial enzyme system. This helps to clear ear secretions and keeps them healthy.

The solution is also a natural alternative to antibiotics with 1% hydrocortisone to soothe itches. It is non-toxic, gentle on pet skins, causes no sting, and can be used on dogs & cats of all ages.

Other than that, the solution is easy-to-use because no pre-cleaning is required. Simply fill the ear canal and let it do its magic, which includes easing painful infections caused by yeast, fungi, and bacteria. You can treat inflammations too of the external ear caused by these infections.

On the downside, this product comes in a very small 1.25 oz. bottle and it cannot be used on pregnant or lactating pooches.

Notes: You cannot get this dog ear infection treatment over the counter. It is only available through vets.

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4. Best for Sensitive Skin: PetHonesty Dog Ear Cleaner

This dog cleaner is specially formulated with the exact right pH balance for dogs. As such, it is gentle and non-stinging when cleaning or drying.

Part of this formulation is a small amount of salicylic acid and aloe vera, which wash off bacteria, pathogens, dirt, and excessive wax. As a result, it eliminates itchiness, redness, inflammation, bad odor, and build-up.

Apart from bacteria, the cleaner can wash off yeast the main concern is that it is not designed to eliminate fungal infections.

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5. Best for Yeast: Lively Pets Dog Ear Cleaner

Due to its fully medicated formula, this product is the best dog ear cleaner for yeast. It contains EDTA, which is a non-irritating antiseptic that controls the local yeast population by leaving the ear canal clean, fresh, and dry. ETDA also reduces ear mites.

On top of that, the solution has antifungal, antiviral & antibacterial properties. As such, it kills harmful germs that cause painful infections. This helps to control & eliminate itchy ears, head shaking, discharge, and bad odor.

You also get an alcohol-free with soothing aloe for sensitive tissues and a fresh apple kiwi scent. The only issue is that the cleaner can cause eye irritation so make sure you have enough water close by in case it gets into your pooch's eyes.

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6. Best for Routine Cleansing: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced

Virbac's Epi-Otic Advanced ear cleaner has a mild formula that is perfect for routine maintenance of otitis externa (infection of the outer ear canal). Also, the solution can be used for routine cleaning of healthy ear canals or before administering other ear treatments.

That said, the formula is alcohol-free, chlorhexidine-free, and has a low 2.2 pH for maximum gentleness & non-irritation. Additionally, it is keratolytic, which helps to wash off dead cells.

You also get innovative glycotechnology that reduces the release of inflammatory mediators and the ability of microorganisms to attach to the skin.

However, the product is not fully medicated with antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial properties.

Other Recommended Dog Ear Cleaners

7. Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa Ear Wipe

If you prefer using ear wipes to clean your dog's ears, we highly recommend Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa's wipes.

As the name suggests, the product is enriched with minerals from the dead sea and is free of hazardous chemicals. It only has natural active ingredients like chamomile, mallow, aloe vera, burdock, and licorice.

That said, each wipe measures 3.5 x 5 inches and is smartly designed for puppy ears. The pieces are coated in a healthy formula that is ideal for dogs, cats, and pets of all breeds.

Key Features

• Enriched with dead sea minerals.
• Natural active ingredients.
• Smartly designed for puppy ears.
• Coated in a healthy formula.

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8. Mister Ben's Original Ear Cleaner

With its ear wash and tonic set, this product is one of the best ear washes for dogs. The two solutions team up to provide six active ingredients that treat and protect dog ears from the root causes of most infections.

These ingredients guarantee 100% fast relief against itching, scratching, swelling, redness, and irritation. The formula is all-natural and contains 100% organic aloe as a natural antifungal & antibacterial agent.

Note: Do not use on nursing or pregnant dogs, or puppies under 6 months old.

Key Features

• Ear wash and tonic set.
• Six active ingredients for eliminating most infections.
• 100% fast relief.
• Antifungal & antibacterial organic aloe.

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9. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care

This solution lives up to its name as it is medically formulated to treat yeast, fungal & antibacterial infections in dogs and cats. Also, it cleans, disinfects & deodorizes to leave your pet's ears healthy and smelling fresh.

Aside from that, the cleaner has a gentle alcohol-free formula that is safe for sensitive ears and frequent use. It is quite affordable but still very effective.

Note: Do not use on pets under 3 months (12 weeks) old.

Key Features

• Treats yeast, fungal & antibacterial infections.
• Disinfects & deodorizes.
• Gentle alcohol-free formula.
• Affordable.

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10. VetWELL Ear Cleaner

VetWELL's Ear Cleaner is a high-quality product that is made in the USA in federally-regulated manufacturing facilities. Therefore, you can be sure of quality and safety when taking care of your pooch.

In addition to that, the solution is veterinarian-formulated to clean, dry, and acidify your dog's ears gently. It finishes off by deodorizing in either a cucumber melon or sweet pea vanilla scent.

Key Features

• Made in the USA.
• Quality and safety assured.
• Veterinarian formulated.
• Two scent options.

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11. Virbac Epi-Optic 3104

The Virbac Epi-Optic 3104 is characterized by a neutral pH formula that is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin as it does not cause any irritation. It is safe to use with other ear preparations or alone to clear debris and excessive wax.

That said, the cleaner is recommended for routine cleansing, especially on pets with chronic otitis externa. You also get a keratolytic formula to remove dead cells and innovative glycotechnology for dealing with inflammation & microorganisms.

Key Features

• Neutral pH formula.
• Safe to use with other ear preparations.
• Keratolytic formula.
• Innovative glycotechnology.

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12. Vet's Best 3165810023

As a kit with washing and drying treatments, this product is one of our best dog ear cleaning solutions. On top of this, you get an ear care kit guide that shows you how to use the two solutions to take care of your dog in the best way.

Both liquids are veterinarian formulated, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, with the washing solution being ideal for cleansing & soothing. On the other hand, the drying solution dries excess moisture, deodorizes, soothes, and nourishes.

Key Features

• Washing and drying treatment kit.
• Ear care kit guide.
• Alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dye-free.
• Veterinarian formulated.

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13. Vet Organics EcoEars

Vet Organics' EcoEars gives you an all-natural, high-quality cleaning formula that deals with dirt, itching, irritation, bad odor, and discharge in sensitive dog ears. With consistent use, the product will restore ears to a clean & healthy condition in 7 - 10 days.

If it does not work, no need to worry. EcoEars is backed by a 100% hassle-free money-back guarantee for a full year after the purchase date.

Key Features

• All-natural formula.
• Ideal for sensitive dog ears.
• Restores ears in 7 - 10 days.
• 100% hassle-free money-back guarantee.

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14. Pet MD Otic Clean

Your pooch should feel good as much as he smells good and Pet MD Otic Clean ensures that. It has a pleasant sweet pea scent that leaves the ears smelling great after cleaning. That said, the formula contains aloe vera for soft and gentle cleaning.

Apart from deodorizing, the product is scientifically designed and veterinarian formulated to clean, dry, and acidify ears. It is made in the USA in federally-regulated manufacturing facilities for the highest quality and safety.

Key Features

• Pleasant sweet pea scent.
• Soft and gentle aloe vera formula.
• Designed to clean, dry, and acidify the ears.
• Made in the USA.

How to Buy the Best Dog Ear Cleaners

1. Liquid vs. Wipe

There are two types of dog cleaners. Liquid solutions are similar to eye drops and are designed to reach deep into the ear canal to loosen debris, soothe irritation, control infections, etc. The function depends on the formulation.

On the other hand, dog ear cleaning wipes are thin super-soft cotton towels soaked in the cleaning solution. They are suitable only for wiping the outer section of the ear as it can be dangerous and uncomfortable to push them into the canal.

With that in mind, we recommend you use both types for the cleaning process as they have different functions. For instance, a combination of Mighty Petz's dog ear cleaner and Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa's wipes will work very well to clean the inner and outer ear.

2. Ingredients

The ingredients that make up a dog ear cleaner solution determine its function. Some have naturally-derived ingredients that are non-toxic and very gentle to a dog's skin & ears. A perfect example is Zymox's Otic 1000.

There are medicated ear cleaners for dogs with antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral formulas. These are better suited for treating infections, inflammations, redness, and other medical conditions. For this, check out Lively Pets dog ear cleaner.

Ultimately, you should diagnose your pooch then buy the cleaner that has the right ingredients to restore the ears.

3. Effectiveness

Some dog-ear cleaners work faster than others due to powerful fast-acting formulas. Usually, these give you visible results in 1 - 3 days. However, you must be careful with such products because the formulas can cause skin and eye irritation.

The ideal example is Mighty Petz's liquid cleaner and this would come in handy if you need to control the infection or reduce dirt/wax quickly before your pet's health deteriorates.

If the situation is not very serious, you can opt for a mild cleaner that takes a longer time to restore the ear (7 - 10 days). Usually, these are very gentle to the skin and soft tissues.

4. Ease of Use

Most liquid cleaners have drip tips for easy application. However, some like Zymox's Otic 1000 don't require pre-cleaning of the ear before use, which makes it much easier to use.

How to Clean Dog's Ear

Before getting started, you need to know that dogs don't like liquids or objects in their ears. Therefore, make sure he is calm before the cleaning. If not, you will need another person to hold him for you. With this sorted out:

• Use a light source to illuminate the ears. Alternatively, take your pet to a well-lit area.
• Pre-clean the ears using a clean cloth or wipes. Some solutions don't require this, so you can go directly to administering them.
• Pull the ear outwards and frontwards to straighten the canal.
• With the cleaning solution in hand, direct the tip into the canal, then press the bottle to release the number of drops recommended by the manufacturer.
• Massage the ear for about 1 - 2 minutes to distribute the solution inside.
• After this, use a wet wipe to clean the loose debris.
• Do this for the other ear and that's it. Give your pooch some treats after the process and repeat the cleaning process regularly for routine maintenance.

Buy on Etsy

Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes - Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and - Walmart Link

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats - Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Ear - Walmart Link

Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser, Vet-Recommended For Dogs and Cats, For Ear Cleaning - Walmart Link

4-in-1 Dog Ear Cleaner - Vet Formulated Cleansing Solution + Aloe Vera for Removing Wax, - Walmart Link

Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone - Walmart Link

Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes, 4 oz. - Walmart Link

ZYMOX Ear Cleanser - 4 oz. Bottle - Walmart Link

Virbac's Epi-Otic Advanced ear cleaner - Walmart Link

Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa's wipes - Walmart Link

The Virbac Epi-Optic 3104 - Walmart Link

Pet MD Otic Clean - Walmart Link

Mighty Petz's dog ear cleaner - Walmart Link

Lively Pets dog ear cleaner - Walmart Link

Mighty Petz's liquid cleaner - Walmart Link

PetHonesty dog ear cleaner - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes - Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and - eBay Link

VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats - Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Ear - eBay Link

Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser, Vet-Recommended For Dogs and Cats, For Ear Cleaning - eBay Link

4-in-1 Dog Ear Cleaner - Vet Formulated Cleansing Solution + Aloe Vera for Removing Wax, - eBay Link

Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone - eBay Link

Zymox Ear Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes, 4 oz. - eBay Link

ZYMOX Ear Cleanser - 4 oz. Bottle - eBay Link

Virbac's Epi-Otic Advanced ear cleaner - eBay Link

Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa's wipes - eBay Link

The Virbac Epi-Optic 3104 - eBay Link

Pet MD Otic Clean - eBay Link

Mighty Petz's dog ear cleaner - eBay Link

Lively Pets dog ear cleaner - eBay Link

Mighty Petz's liquid cleaner - eBay Link

PetHonesty dog ear cleaner - eBay Link

Conclusion

In summary, dog ear cleaners are essential for grooming and maintaining the health of your pooch.

With that in mind, the best dog ear cleaner in our review is Mighty Petz's unit, which is due to its 4-in-1 veterinarian formulated formula. It cleans, dries, deodorizes, and creates an unconducive environment for harmful microorganisms to thrive.

However, if your dog has sensitive ears, PetHonesty dog ear cleaner is a better option as it has the right pH balance for gentle cleaning. You should also consider Virbac's Epi-Otic Advanced for routine maintenance of sick and healthy ears.