Your dog's ears are an essential part of their hygiene and health, but ear cleaning solutions are often overlooked. A great solution will help to flush out wax and also eliminate bacteria that could lead to clogs or ear infections.

This plant-based, organic product provides anti-fungal cleansing for your pet to help reduce excessive itching and will soothe their ears if they're always shaking their head. Designed especially to help dog owners treat their pet at home, the plant-derived ingredients are best for bacterial infections or fungal and yeast issues. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The recommended way to apply cleansing solution or wipes is to sit your dog between your legs, hold their ear up and angle it vertically, and fill the ear canal with the cleansing product. After massaging the base of the ear, you can clear away debris using a product like gauze or a wipe. Your dog can shake his head to push any excess liquid out of the ear canal, allowing you to free more wax or debris from their outer ear. Using wipe cleansing products can save a step, but may not clean the ear as deeply. Probably the most common form of ear cleaner for dogs is a liquid wash which you pour onto a cloth or cotton pad and apply to the inside of your pet’s ears. These are ideal if your dog is suffering from a specific infection or has a condition that causes a bad smell in their ears.

Cleansing & drying - salicylic acid and non-ionic surfactant to help remove dirt and excess wax docusate sodium dries ears EpiOtic is a soothing, pH neutral and antibacterial ear cleanser which can be used routinely in dogs and cats to maintain healthy ears. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser provides fast-acting and powerful protection against infection while also serving as an effective day-to-day cleaner. It is frequently recommended by veterinarians. Designed with a keratolytic formula, the liquid solution removes proprietary wax and debris, preventing buildup that can lead to discomfort or infection.

When dealing with infections, look out for products which are anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and anti-fungal. Many dog ear cleaners contain aloe vera which has natural anti-fungal properties. Look out for citrus fruits too, such as lemon and orange, which help fight bacteria. No, most veterinarians highly discourage pet owners from using their own ear health products on their dogs. Many cleaners designed for humans contain hydrogen peroxide, which can cause water to build up in the ear canal rather than be flushed out. Ultimately, this has the potential to cause additional pain and make ear infections worse. Anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties in the formulation means EpiOtic helps to maintain a healthy ear canal 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. When it comes to speed and efficiency, you can’t get much simpler than ear cleaning wipes or pads for your dog. Whichever name they go by, these are basically soft pieces of fabric soaked in liquids which help remove buildup.Another lovely product which contains just natural ingredients and no complicated chemicals is this softly-scented wash from Pets Purest, a brand proud to declare itself the first on the market to use no man-made or synthetic substances at all. Virbac is also recommended for use with dogs who swim or are exposed to water because of its ear-canal-drying abilities. Additionally, the Virbac cleanser has neutral pH and helps with combating bad odors without interfering with other additional cleaning treatments you might want to apply if your dog is really struggling with an infection. Systemic glucocorticoids are used to decrease stenosis, edema and hyperplasia of the vertical and horizontal ear canal to allow a complete otic examination as well as proper cleaning of the ear. They're also indicated in cases of allergic otitis externa. In older patients or those with concurrent diseases, you may need to perform bloodwork before starting your patient on glucocorticoids. Aim to use the lowest dose needed to prevent side effects, with the end goal of discontinuing the systemic glucocorticoid.

Gentle & Soothing – A neutral pH, along with being alcohol and fragrance free, means EpiOtic is gentle on skin and has soothing effects

If you’re a pet owner concerned about staying organic or exposing your dog to potential irritants, this ear cleaner is for you. Crafted with herbs and botanicals, the solution promises to clean out dirt, wax, and debris and reduce the likelihood of infection. It also helps to reduce and soothe itching, ear discharge, and overall discomfort. Just note that since the formula is so gentle, this may not be the best solution if your dog is already experiencing an intense ear infection. Use it in your weekly grooming routine and after any water activities.