Have you noticed a buildup of wax in your dog's ears? Or maybe your pup has been kicking around its ears more than usual. Using ear drops to clean your dog's ears can control those unpleasant odors and relieve any itchiness your pet is experiencing! Many dog breeds, especially those with large or floppy ears, are susceptible to a variety of ear problems. There's no shortage of ear drop solutions on the market, and you want to be sure to buy the right formula for your dog's needs.
That's why we've researched and compiled the best ear drops for dogs online! We love Dechra's TrizULTRA + Keto Flush. This ear drop formula is vet-recommended and highly effective at quickly easing discomfort caused by infections. It also acts as a great cleanser for daily use. Keep reading to see other great ear drops for dogs, as well as our buying guide and application tips!
Quick List - Top Dog Ear Drops
Dechra
Veterinary-Recommended Ear Drop Solution for Itchiness and Inflammation
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
An Alcohol-Free Wash for Sensitive Skin
Virbac
Gentle, Low-pH Formula for Dogs Who Like to Swim
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While there are a bunch of different products and tools for cleaning your dog's ears, we've found that ear drops are the most recommended by experts and veterinarians. Here are a few reasons why you should shop for ear drops for your dog instead of wipes or creams.
It’s possible to clean your dog’s ears with cleansing wipes, but you may find it much harder to reach the nooks and crannies of your pet’s outer ear this way. With formulated drops, you'll be able to clean out wax and debris from even the deeper folds of your dog’s ear.
There are some cleansing ear creams for dogs that have gained popularity because they dry into powders that are easier to wipe away at the end of the cleaning process.
However, due to their thicker consistency, ear creams face the same issue that ear wipes do: they simply don't reach the deeper parts of your dog's outer ear as effectively as ear drops do.
It’s true that using ear wipes to clean your dog’s ears is a quicker and less messy experience. Dogs will shake their heads when ear drops are administered, often leading to droplets being thrown around the room.
However, ear wipes are made specifically for cleaning purposes. If your dog is showing signs of wax blockage, parasites, or bacterial infection, ear wipes will do nothing to solve the problem. You will have to take your dog to the vet, but it’s guaranteed that your vet will prescribe a type of ear drop.
In addition, if your dog has a history of ear problems like these, over-the-counter eardrops will help prevent the reoccurrence of their symptoms.
With so many options to choose from, we've compiled a few things to consider when looking to buy eardrops for your dog.
If your dog has a history of sensitive skin, or if you’ve noticed that the skin around their ears is red and irritated, you might want to stay away from cleaners that have harsh chemicals.
For example, ingredients like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are often found in dog ear drops. If you worry that your pet’s skin might react badly to these common ingredients, you may want to choose ear drops formulated without them.
Dog breeds with long ears are more prone to ear infections. If your dog has long, floppy ears, or if they have blood ties to breeds like spaniels, poodles, or English sheepdogs, it might be a good idea to invest in ear drops that either treat or prevent ear infections.
Ear drops formulated to clean your dog’s ears can prevent the buildup of wax, which can lead to blockage or infection, and also fend off the yeast that tends to grow in dog ears.
Some ear drops for dogs are intended only to cleanse or dry out your pup’s ears. They do a fantastic job of keeping your pet’s ears clean and odor-free, but if you have already started to notice itchiness and other signs of a problem, they may not help very much.
Ear drops that are formulated for specific problems, such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, or heavy blockage in your dog’s ears are recommended if you’ve noticed your dog kicking at their ears, struggling with balance, or if their ears have an unpleasant odor or drainage.
Dogs have deep ear canals and can be prone to infections of their ears, yeast growth, parasites, and even wax blockages. It’s important to consult with a vet first if you see signs of infection or yeast growth in your dog’s ears.
The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate ear drops for your pet. Formulas that include natural oils like coconut, jojoba, aloe, and such, not only provide your pet’s ears with extra comfort but also act as preventatives against yeast and bacteria.
How many times a day or week does the ear drop need to be applied to be effective? Dogs aren’t often fond of having drops put into their ears, so many owners prefer formulas that require only one application per week, or, if there’s an infection to be dealt with, battle the active infection with as few applications as possible.
Some eardrops require your dog’s ears to be cleaned manually before application. This isn’t a problem so long as your pup’s ears are healthy, but if your dog is already suffering, manual cleaning can irritate their tender ears even further. As mentioned previously, we recommend visiting a vet first if you see signs of distress in your dog.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dechra TrizULTRA + Keto Flush for Dogs, Cats & Horses | ![]() | Veterinary-Recommended Ear Drop Solution for Itchiness and Inflammation | |
2 | Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy for Dogs and Cats | ![]() | An Alcohol-Free Wash for Sensitive Skin | |
3 | Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats | ![]() | Gentle, Low-pH Formula for Dogs Who Like to Swim | |
4 | Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse for Dogs | ![]() | Vet-Formulated Ear Drop Solution for Itchy Skin and Deep Cleansing | |
5 | TropiClean Cocoa Butter Ear Wash | ![]() | Natural Cleanser Loaded with Soothing, Nourishing Oils | |
6 | Zymox Ear Solution with Hydrocortisone | ![]() | Medical Eardrops to Combat a Variety of Infections | |
7 | Zymox Ear Cleanser | ![]() | A Gentle Eardrop Solution to Use After Painful Infections | |
8 | Strawfield Pets Advanced Ear Cleaner | ![]() | High-Quality Eardrop Formulated for Dog Breeds with Sensitive Skin | |
9 | Dechra MalAcetic Otic Cleanser | ![]() | A Great, Alcohol-Free Solution for Dogs with Chronic Yeast Infections | |
10 | Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash | ![]() | Natural, Soothing Eardrop Solution for Waxy Ears |
The anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties of Dechra's TrizULTRA Keto Flush solution make it ideal for dogs with large or floppy ears. You can use TrizULTRA as a general cleaner to prevent yeast buildup on your dog's skin or as a soothing solution for skin that's itchy due to allergies or early-onset infections.
Vets will often recommend this ear drop solution due to its medicinal ingredients. TrizULTRA works well against bacterial infections as well as fungal infections and yeast issues.
Dog owners are especially happy with how gentle the ear drops are for pets with painful symptoms like inflammation. The formula is also free of any fragrance, but still does a great job of controlling odor in your dog's ears!
This ear drop solution is alcohol-free, which means it can be safely used on puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. Dogs and cats can benefit from the daily application of this gentle ear drop solution.
Many owners love the fact that Ear Therapy for Dogs and Cats is fragrance-free but note that it still does a great job of preventing foul odors in their pets' ears.
Some users have said that VFCC's Ear Therapy works better as a preventative for infections than as medicine for active infections. However, Ear Therapy for Dogs and Cats gives great results for its price, and it doesn't have the thick, greasy quality that plagues many other ear drops for dogs.
Virbac's Epi-Optic Advanced Ear Cleanser is alcohol-free, so you don't have to worry about irritating your dog's skin. Its gentle pH formula acts effectively against yeast infections and promotes healthy skin!
Owners have noted that this ear drop solution is great at de-clogging waxy ears and soothing chronic inflammation.
However, many owners of dogs who like to swim often can't get enough of this formula's effective yet gentle drying properties. They vouch that it will dry out any excess moisture in the deeper crannies of your pet's ears and prevent microbial invasion.
Users rave that Nutri-Vet's Ear Cleanse for Dogs thoroughly cleans ears, de-clogs wax buildup, and prevents yeast growth. As it includes aloe vera, this formula has been noted to be especially soothing for itchiness due to fleas, skin issues like eczema, or yeast growth.
It's important to note that Nutri-Vet's Ear Cleanse for Dogs does contain alcohol, and some owners of dogs with sensitive skin have said that it causes skin inflammation as a result.
Other users weren't a fan of how thick and oily the consistency is; you'll need to thoroughly wipe away excess liquid after application if your dog’s ear canal is narrow or hairy. Another big complaint is that this formula smells strongly of chemicals.
TropiClean's alcohol and soap-free Cocoa Butter Ear Wash is a great cruelty-free option for your dog's optic hygiene. Natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera soothe any itching and prevent yeast buildup within the ear canal.
The addition of witch hazel also makes this ear drop solution a great option for dogs who love to swim; owners have noted that it dries their dogs' ears very efficiently. Users have noted that this ear drop solution washes out the wax with ease.
Many warn, however, that the solution's consistency and poor design of the bottle tip make the application a messy process. TropiClean's Cocoa Butter Ear Wash is a great option if you simply need to clean your dog's ears, not medicate them. It smells just like coconuts, too!
Owners love that Zymox's Ear Solution with Hydrocortisone requires no pre-cleaning; simply apply the solution once a day per the instructions. Users happily report that this solution is extremely effective against all sorts of troubling ear infections.
Whether your dog suffers from yeast, bacteria, or fungi, this eardrop solution will ease their itchiness and pain. Users have noted huge differences after only one or two doses.
Zymox Ear Solution also contains alcohol, and some owners have noted that it irritates dogs with sensitive skin. Still, it works quickly against painful ear infections and can save you hundreds of dollars you might spend on multiple vet visits.
Zymox Ear Cleanser contains a patented formula promoting a healthy enzyme system within your dog's ears. This will help prevent yeast infections. If you own a dog with stubborn yeast problems, this might be a great ear drop solution to consider.
Some users have complained about Zymox Ear Cleanser's thick, slightly greasy consistency. If your dog has hairy ears or narrow ear canals, you might have a hard time cleaning out the excess drops.
As long as you keep this in mind, however, this a great ear drop solution for a dog with healthy ears.
Formulated in a federally-inspected US lab, Strawfield Pets Advanced Ear Cleaner provides protection against fungal and microbial infections.
The beauty of this solution is that it's non-alcoholic and contains aloe vera. Sensitive dog breeds such as cocker spaniels will have no skin issues with the formula. Dog owners also say that while these ear drops aren't advertised as medicinal, they're very effective against ear mites.
If fragrant products bother you, it should be noted that some customers made strong complaints about the strawberry-kiwi smell this solution gives off. It also will not dry on its own, and residual liquid may cause some discomfort if not completely cleaned out. Still, this is a fine product if your dog has sensitive skin or ear mites.
Dechra's MalAcetic Otic Cleanser is well-loved by owners of dogs with chronic yeast infections or dogs that love to swim. Even though it's alcohol-free, this ear drop solution will quickly dry out damp or deep ear canals, ensuring against yeast and musty smells.
MalAcetic Octiv Cleanser can be used twice a week if needed. While it isn't officially a medicinal ear drop solution, many owners have found it to be effective against bacterial infection due to its anti-microbial properties.
This solution does have a fragrance to it. Some users have noted that the apple scent is overpowering and unpleasant both to them and their pets. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, we recommend this eardrop solution!
Vet Best's Ear Relief Wash solution is alcohol-free and contains a variety of natural ingredients that effectively break down wax buildup. This means that you can avoid the worry of possible skin reactions while still enjoying the benefits of a powerful cleansing solution.
This ear drop formula contains plants with soothing properties like yucca, aloe vera, and chamomile that prevent yeast growth and relieve any itchiness your dog is experiencing.
Some customers have complained about the minty odor of this product, and a few with especially sensitive dogs have said that this product can cause redness and itching. If you don't mind the smell of mint and if your dog doesn't have a history of sensitive skin, this might be a good product for you.
Looking for other ways to keep your pup heathy and happy? Check out these articles to find the best heath products for your dog.
No. 1: Dechra|TrizULTRA + Keto Flush for Dogs, Cats & Horses
No. 2: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care|Ear Therapy for Dogs and Cats
No. 3: Virbac|Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats
No. 4: Nutri-Vet|Ear Cleanse for Dogs
No. 5: TropiClean|Cocoa Butter Ear Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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