10 Best Ear Cleaners for Dogs 2024 | UK Veterinary Surgeon Reviewed
If your dog has an ear infection like otitis media or otitis externa, you might need a more medicated dog ear wash instead. We’ve searched high and low for products that can treat infection, improve your dog’s hearing, reduce itching or headshaking and neutralise odours too. Read on for our picks of the best products to buy online for a happy, healthy pooch.
Quick List - Top Ear Cleaners for Dogs
Pro Pooch
A Naturally Derived, Cruelty-Free Formula That Supports an Animal Welfare Charity
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
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With Specialist Consultation From Veterinary Surgeon Charlie Grainger
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
How to Choose an Ear Cleaner for Dogs in the UK
- Consider Which Ear Cleaner Will Be the Easiest to Use
- Look for Gentle But Effective Key Ingredients
Consider Which Type of Ear Cleaner Will Be the Easiest to Apply and Ensure That It Suits Your Pet’s Specific Needs
For Short-Term Use Like Infections or Odours, Opt for a Liquid Wash to Clean In and Around the Ears
Used every day for a number of days, you should be able to clear up any problems quickly with regular application. These washes are often medicated and recommended by vets and contain certain ingredients with an intense, chemically scent, but there are also some dog ear washes available online which contain natural ingredients and smell much more pleasant.
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Ear cleaning solutions are a fantastic way to clean in and around the ear. As long as a vet has said it is safe to put a product down the ear, solutions can be poured into the canal. The canal is then gently massaged and wiped out with cotton pads. This is the most effective way to get a deep clean.
If Your Pet Has Ticks or Suffers With Itchy Ears, Choose Drops to Ease Their Discomfort
Keeping ears clean when an infection is present is vital. Young dogs are prone to ear mites whereas older dogs likely have an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. Often they may need treatment from the vets so always check with your vet before using product down the ear.
Knowing if the eardrum is intact before putting product down the ear is very important and only a vet can tell you that. Make sure your pet is up to date with prescription flea and worm products from the vet to rule out other causes of itching.
For General Maintenance, Select Wipes and Pads to Help Remove Buildup
You might enjoy using wipes shaped into discs which can be gently stroked around the inside of your dog’s ears, or even handy little pads which slip over your finger for extra control as you help soothe and clean your pet’s lugholes. Either way, this type of dog ear cleaner can easily become a part of the weekly or daily hygiene routine you go through with your dog.
Wipes are very convenient. They are ready to use and good for on the go without having to use many different products. Place them over your finger to gently clean inside the pinna (ear flap) and in each crevice of the ear. They are not great for getting down into the canal to clean further down, however, they are great for mildly mucky ears and to maintain already clean ears and prevent wax build-up.
Those With a Calm Pet Who Won’t Fidget Can Try Bamboo Buds That Offer Extra Control
The downside of this type of dog ear cleaner is that the sticks are often made from plastic – not ideal for the environment – so a preferable option is to choose bamboo sticks which should biodegrade much more easily.
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Cotton buds can be used to clean out the folds and crevices of your dog's ears and are a great way to clear out build-up from hard to reach areas. Never put the cotton bud into the ear canal itself as this may push wax and bacteria further down and damage the very delicate eardrum. There are many eco-friendly options to replace plastic cotton buds such as bamboo sticks or even just paper sticks.
Look for Gentle Yet Effective Ingredients Such as Anti-Fungal Aloe Vera, Wax-Softening Lactic Acid and Astringent Witch Hazel
Glycerin and lactic acid are especially helpful for loosening stubborn ear wax and cleaning away other types of buildup. Their moisturising properties can help soothe dry scaly skin in your pet’s ears; plant oils also do a good job of melting away stubborn wax.
Look out for drops containing the anti-septic povidone-iodine if you want to help disinfect your dog’s skin. Witch Hazel is another good ingredient to look for in a dog ear cleaner as it is an astringent and has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory qualities.
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Good ingredients are really important. As mentioned many infections are caused by bacteria and yeast. Finding products which contain ingredients that destroy these can work wonders in clearing infection. Cleaning with very dilute saline is great but for added antiseptic properties lookout for chlorhexidine digluconate and TrisEDTA in the ingredient list.
10 Best Ear Cleaners for Dogs in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pro Pooch Ear Cleaner | | A Naturally Derived, Cruelty-Free Formula That Supports an Animal Welfare Charity | |
2 | Paw Originals Ear Cleaner For Dogs | | Sweet-Smelling With Quick-Absorbing Efficiency | |
3 | Vet’s Best Dog Ear Cleaning Pads | | Fuss-Free Cleansing at Your Fingertips | |
4 | BUGALUGS Dog Ear Cleaner | | Treat Infection Fast With an All-Natural Formula | |
5 | Virbac Epiotic® | | An Effective Antiseptic Option With Salicylic Acid | |
6 | Bamboo Stick Pet Ear Cleaner Buds | | Absorbent Bamboo Buds That Are Easy to Use | |
7 | Petpost Dog Ear Wipes With Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera | | Lightly Scented Wipes for Quick Cleaning | |
8 | Pets Purest Ear Pro Dog Ear Cleaner | | Gently Fragranced and Anti-Fungal | |
9 | Floofs Dog Ear Cleaner Solution | | A 100% Plant Based Product Suitable for Cats and Dogs | |
10 | Cooper & Gracie Anti-Fungal Ear Cleaner for Dogs | | Ideal for Bacterial Infections or Yeast Issues |
A Naturally Derived, Cruelty-Free Formula That Supports an Animal Welfare Charity
The product contains all kinds of nutrient-rich fruit peels as well as glycerin which is known to soothe dry skin conditions and provides gentle relief to uncomfortable ears. It can be used twice daily for three days and then weekly to maintain your pet’s healthy flappers. Plus, if that's not enough, the company even donates a portion of their profits to Mayhew to help aid their mission of animal welfare.
Sweet-Smelling With Quick-Absorbing Efficiency
The largely natural formula is very highly rated by online shoppers since as well as being easy to use, it’s non-irritating and scented with fresh, fruity flavours like aloe and citrus.
Fuss-Free Cleansing at Your Fingertips
These wipes are less ‘organic and natural’, more highly-efficient cleansing. They contain malic and salicylic acid to provide a deep, intensive clean and also boast the soothing properties of aloe and witch hazel. There are also some parabens and silicones in there, which are not proven to be harmful according to NHS research. If practicality is a priority, these should be your best bet.
Treat Infection Fast With an All-Natural Formula
Largely made with naturally derived ingredients, BUGALUGS shows results fast. This liquid formula is 100% natural and free from preservatives so it’s perfect for sensitive ears.
An Effective Antiseptic Option With Salicylic Acid
Containing lactic and salicylic acid to dissolve away the build-up that can clog pores and cause infection, this product is perhaps not as gentle as some of the more plant-based options on our list but comes very highly rated on eCommerce sites.
Absorbent Bamboo Buds That Are Easy to Use
By using them weekly you can rid your pooch’s ears of wax and other gunk without the addition of liquids or drops. This can help reduce nasty odours and hopefully help avoid any type of ear infection if added to your pet’s routine.
PetpostDog Ear Wipes With Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera
Lightly Scented Wipes for Quick Cleaning
Scented with coconut oil and aloe vera, probably the biggest advantage of these wipes is that they come in a handy pot which keeps them fresh and they’re so fast to use that your pet won’t have to sit still for long; ideal for wriggly, impatient puppies who love to fidget!
Gently Fragranced and Anti-Fungal
To treat itchy or bad-smelling ears, soak a cloth or cotton pad in this light liquid and gently rub around your pets ears. Results should be visible after between two and three days. As well as being cruelty free, the product is made in the UK, keeping your carbon footprint low too!
A 100% Plant Based Product Suitable for Cats and Dogs
Relying on eucalyptus for its anti-inflammatory properties and pleasant scent, this product exclusively uses natural ingredients and nothing else. Plus it's suitable for both cats and dogs so you won't need to buy two different products.
Ideal for Bacterial Infections or Yeast Issues
The formula is alcohol free and 100% natural, using no synthetic fragrances likely to cause irritation, and relying on plant oils such as aloe vera and citrus to gently work through waxy buildup, leaving a pleasant scent behind. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is that it hasn’t got as many top reviews as other popular products – but it still has lots!
Charlie’s Advice on Good Ear Health for Your Pooch
"If your dog is scratching and shaking its ears always ensure to get them checked out with a vet. It could be a simple infection or something nasty and resistant. It could also be linked to allergies so finding the underlying cause is really important."
Top 5 Ear Cleaners for Dogs
No. 1: Pro Pooch｜Ear Cleaner
No. 2: Paw Originals｜Ear Cleaner For Dogs
No. 3: Vet’s Best ｜Dog Ear Cleaning Pads
No. 4: BUGALUGS｜Dog Ear Cleaner
No. 5: Virbac｜Epiotic®
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