
Mid-range: These dog ear cleansers cost from $8 to $15 and include some medicated options and ear cleansing wipes in addition to liquids.Įxpensive: High-end dog ear cleansers are priced between $15 and $25. They are generally non-medicated options for general cleaning of the ears. Inexpensive: These dog ear cleansers start at around $3 to $8.

Look for an alcohol-free cleansing product to avoid this problem and keep your dog comfortable.

You might choose a product that contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as green tea or turmeric.Īlcohol: If your dog's ears are inflamed and sore, an ear cleanser that contains alcohol is likely to sting. In this case, a dog ear cleanser that contains soothing ingredients is a great option. Soothing: As already mentioned, some canine ear problems can cause the ears to become quite sore and inflamed. These cleansers tend to be gentle and great for routine cleaning or the removal of airborne allergens from your dog's ears, but they don't contain any serious antimicrobial or antifungal ingredients that are needed to alleviate the symptoms of bacterial or fungal infections. Antibiotic ear cleansers are suited to dogs with severe bacterial infections, but these are generally prescribed by a veterinarian rather than bought over the counter.Īll-natural: Some dog ear cleansers advertise all-natural ingredients. Salicylic acid and lactic acid have antimicrobial properties that can help with both bacterial and yeast infections of the ear.Īntifungal ingredients, such as ketoconazole, are found in certain ear cleansers and, with regular use, will clear up a yeast infection. Steroids, such as hydrocortisone, generally reduce itchiness and can help dogs with otitis externa. Some dog ear cleansers are simply for general ear cleaning, while others contain active antibacterial or antifungal ingredients to help resolve ear infections. Cleaning your dog's ears can remove these foreign bodies and solve the problem, especially if you act quickly before the debris makes its way deeper into the ear canal. Obstructions: It's very common for dogs to get grass seeds and other plant debris in the ears while out on walks or playing in the yard. Regular cleaning with a non-medicated liquid ear cleanser or ear cleansing wipes physically removes the allergens and reduces the problem, but severely affected dogs may need anti-allergy medication, too. Certain liquid ear cleansers reduce the number of mites in the ears, but flea and tick treatments are more effective at killing them off.Īllergens: Airborne allergens like dust and pollen can get inside your dog’s ears and cause an allergic reaction with itching and soreness. They're common in cats and highly contagious, and this means that a dog that lives in the same house is susceptible to getting them. Dog ear cleansers containing steroids can help, but the other ingredients should be gentle so they don't further irritate the ear.Įar mites: These arachnids ( Otodectes cynotis) cause intense itching. Otitis externa: Better known as swimmer's ear, otitis externa is a painful inflammation of the ear canal that can have a range of causes. Dog ear cleaners that contain antifungal ingredients will help.

Yeast infection: These ear infections are caused by certain fungal strains and can be trickier to tackle than bacterial infections, requiring a longer course of treatment. Luckily, you can get an antibiotic ear cleanser to help get rid of a bacterial infection. If you haven't already had your dog's ear problem diagnosed by a vet, that should be your first port of call.īacterial infection: These infections are common in dogs, especially breeds with long, floppy ears, since the warm, wet environment inside the ears makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Some of these can be remedied with an ear cleanser. Key considerations Common ear problems in dogsīelow are some of the common ear problems that can make a dog’s ears itchy, sore, or inflamed. If you're concerned about quality, choose one from a recognizable brand and/or one made in the United States.

You can find some subpar dog ear cleansers on the market.
