Best Dog Ear Cleaners (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

What to Consider When Buying Dog Ear Cleaners

Buying the right dog ear cleaner entails a few things that need to be considered. These are as follows.

• Purpose

You need to determine if the ear cleaner is for general cleaning only or you would like other benefits as well. For example, there are those that come with antimicrobial or antiseptic properties that are effective in addressing ongoing ear infections. There are also those that address nasty pet smell emanating from the dog’s ears.

• Safety

This is inherent in the ingredients used in the formulation of dog ear cleaners. Ideally, you should always go for products that use all-natural ingredients and stay away from those that use harsh chemicals in their formulas. Alcohol is definitely a big no-no since it dries and can irritate the skin in the ears.

• Effectiveness

Whenever safety is considered, effectiveness is almost always adversely affected. We all know that certain preparations that are really effective can come with a variety of side effects. There should be a good balance between effectiveness and safety. Obviously, you cannot just pick a safe product if it cannot do a good job of cleaning and deodorizing your pet’s ears. In like manner, you cannot have a really effective product at the expense of pet safety.

• Ease of application

This actually depends on the purpose of the dog ear cleaner. If it’s for everyday use wet wipes may be a better choice since it is less traumatic for your dog and definitely more convenient for you. However, if it’s deep cleaning, disinfection, and deodorizing that you require, then only an otic drop will do. Even so, you should still go for otic drops that are a lot easier to apply than others.

Benefits of Using Dog Ear Cleaners

While we can use homemade dog ear cleaners, sometimes the best solution is still commercially-available dog cleaners. Here are a few of the many benefits of using such products.

• Balances the pH of the skin of the ears

There are microorganisms that naturally reside on the skin. These are non-pathogenic or non-disease-causing microorganisms that play an important role in keeping the pH balance of the skin. If the skin becomes too acidic, it may favor the growth of acid-loving microorganisms. If it is too alkaline, it also favors the growth of alkali-loving germs. That is why the pH of the skin must be maintained within its normal range. Anything that upsets this balance can lead to ear infections.

Some dog ear cleaners are specially formulated to strike a balance between acidity and alkalinity so that microorganisms that require either acidic or alkaline environments will not wreak havoc in your dog’s ears. This also helps minimize infections while also eliminating the development of really bad odors from the ears.

• Promotes hearing acuity

The chief function of the outer ear is to convey sound waves from the environment to the middle and inner structures of the ear. This is an important thing to remember since dog ear cleaners only work on the outer ear. Anything that impedes the movement or transmission of sound waves from the external environment through the ear canal and into the eardrum can lead to decreased hearing acuity. In other words, your dog will not be able to hear accurately.

Cleaning its ears by using dog ear cleaning solutions especially those that dissolve wax and remove dirt and debris is useful when it comes to promoting optimum hearing acuity. Since the waxy buildup is removed, there are no obstacles that can impede the effective transmission of sound waves. This way, your dog hears your calls or commands even better. Training can be made a lot more interesting and definitely more fun, too.

• Prevents infection

Upsetting the normal pH balance of the skin in the ears can favor the growth and proliferation of certain germs. Wax, debris, and dirt in the ear canal can then provide a good refuge or ‘temporary home’ for these microorganisms. These germs also tend to feed on organic matter that is present in ear debris or wax. Now add into the equation moisture and you’ve got the perfect condition for creating an overabundance of pathogenic microorganisms.

Dog ear cleaners can help prevent infection by addressing these three elements – the upsetting of the skin’s natural pH balance, the accumulation of dirt or organic matter that can protect and nourish germs, and the introduction of moisture that facilitates the growth and proliferation of such germs.

• Provides a nice smell to dogs

One of the most often causes of pet smell is an ongoing ear infection. The problem is that most pet parents don’t often think of an ear problem if their dog happens to be smelly. If despite frequent bathing you can still smell some nasty stink from your dog, there’s a high chance your pet has an ear infection. This is often caused by yeast infections.

Dog ear cleaners that contain ingredients that are effective against yeast ear infections can help minimize, if not eliminate nasty pet odors by addressing the problem right from its very root. Of course, you don’t expect the problem to go away immediately. Sometimes you’ll need several days of continuous application for you to smell any noticeable improvements.

Liquid vs. Wipe Ear Cleaners

Two of the most common preparations for dog ear cleaners in the market are liquid drops and wipes. Each preparation actually has its pros and cons. Understanding the applications of these preparations can help you make the right choice as to which of these two you should use in cleaning your dog’s ears.

• Liquid otic drops

Resembling eye drops, canine otic drops are preferred by most pet parents because of the deeper clean that these products provide. The cleaning solution is instilled into the dog’s ear canal and allowed to stay there for a few seconds before the dog is encouraged to shake its head in an effort to remove as much of the dog ear cleaning solution. Because the cleaning solution stays inside the dog’s ear for quite some time, it can go to work loosening wax and other debris so that these can be easily removed when the dog shakes its head.

Unfortunately, this is where some pet parents are really put off. As the dog shakes its head, some of the cleaning solution, as well as the dirt and gunk from the dog’s ears, can be splattered onto the clothes, arms, and even the face of the pet parent if he or she is not careful enough.

• Ear wipes

Like wet wipes, dog ear wipes are perfect for on-the-spot cleaning. For example, your dog just came from the garden and you notice its ears to be really dirty, you don’t have to clean it with a dog ear cleaning drops right away. You can easily clean it using these wet wipes designed especially for dogs’ ears.

There is one problem though. You will not really be able to clean in between the folds of skin in your dog’s ear canal. You may not even be able to clean the inner portion of the dog’s outer ear simply because the cleaning prowess of the ear is dependent on the size of your fingers. If you have a large or giant breed of dog, then putting your finger wrapped with ear wipes inside its ears shouldn’t be a problem. Even then, you will still not be able to clean as thoroughly as you would like to. Nevertheless, ear wipes are perfect for every day superficial cleaning of your dog’s auditory pinnae and canal.

Best Dog Ear Cleaners FAQ:

Q:  What is a dog ear cleaner?

A:  Dog ear cleaners are solutions that contain specific ingredients intended to remove wax, dirt, debris, and other particles in your dog’s ears. Depending on the active ingredient or ingredients of the solution, it can dissolve waxy accumulations while providing a protective layer in the skin surface of the ears. This can help provide for a more naturally-balanced skin pH and prevent the outgrowth of pathogenic germs.

Q:  How do I clean my dog’s ear?

A:  Cleaning your canine friend’s ears is easy. One of the very important things you have to ensure is that your dog is well-rested and calm even before you start cleaning its ears. Not all dogs are fond of having someone poke something in their ears, especially those that are quite sensitive to such activities. It is always a good idea to get someone else to help you hold and soothe the dog while you’re cleaning its auditory canal.

Always make sure to clean your pet’s ears in a well-lighted environment. Cleaning the ears is not all about cleaning, you know? This is your chance to look for any sign of abnormalities such as discharges, swelling, redness, or even wounds. You won’t be able to see these things in a dimly-lit environment.

Get your cleaning materials ready. Gently pull on your dog’s ear to straighten its ear canal. Slowly insert the tip of the dog ear cleaning solution into the ear canal and apply a drop or two. For the actual number of drops to be administered, you can check the manufacturer’s recommendation or even your vet’s directions.

Remove the dog ear cleanser from the dog’s ear and massage the base of its ear. Wait for about a minute or a minute-and-a-half for the solution to work. Your massaging action will also help remove debris or wax that has already been loosened by the cleaning solution.

Let your dog shake its head to remove any excess cleaning solution and to get rid of the loosened debris. Wipe your dog’s outer ear with wet wipes. Now repeat the same process in your dog’s other ear.

Once you’re done, don’t forget to shower your pet with hugs, treats, and plenty of play time for being such a good dog.

Q:  Can I use a human ear cleaner on my dog?

A:  The short answer is “no!” You cannot and should not use an ear cleaner intended for humans on your dog. They may have the same ingredients, but the formulation can be a little bit different. You might only bring more harm to your dog than good.

Our Top Pick

We are one with the majority of pet parents in saying that the triple bioactive enzyme formulation of Zymox Ear Cleanser is the best dog ear cleaner in the dog world. The LP3 enzyme system that features Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme and Lactoferrin is what clearly separates the Zymox from the rest of the pack. It’s safe to use on a regular basis and is very effective not only in keeping your pet’s ears clean and smelling fresh, but also in protecting your dog’s ears from bacterial, fungal, yeast, and other microbial infections.

Whether it is a part of their regular grooming regimen or for on-the-spot cleaning, you can always count on the best dog ear cleaners we’ve featured in this article to help you manage your hound’s dirty and smelly ears.

Sources

1. Dog Ear Cleaning: Do I need to wash my dog's ears?, Banfield Pet Hospital