Every dog owner wants to ensure the health and happiness of their pup, but navigating the world of vet appointments, grooming, and training is no easy feat. That's why it's important to invest in the products that make looking after your furry friend that little bit easier.
So, how can you stay on top of your dog's ear health all year round?
Pesky ear infections, itching, and mites can be common issues for dogs, and prevention is key. Regularly checking your dog's ears during grooming helps prevent dirt and wax build-up, reducing the risk of any health issues. But how often should you be cleaning your dog's ears? And what products are best? We spoke to Fiona McGuckin MVB MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon from Village Vet, to find out more.
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
It's good practice to check your dog's ears regularly to ensure they're clean and free of infection. But a dog's ears self-regulate, so it's not necessary to excessively clean them, as Fiona McGuckin MVB MRCVS explains. “In general, if your dog's ears are not dirty, they should not need cleaning,” McGuckin says. “Certain breeds and individuals seem to have more issues with their ears, often related to conformation or atopy (skin allergies). These dogs may need more regular cleaning, and the schedule will depend on the individual.”
According to research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Basset Hounds, Beagles, Border Collies, Cockapoos, and Labradoodles are amongst the most common dog breeds to suffer from ear infections - due to their long, floppy and hairy ears.
Dogs that spend a lot of time in the water, like to roll around in the grass or are prone to allergies are also more likely to suffer from persistent ear problems. If you notice dirt, wax or an unpleasant smell, it’s important to gently clean your dog's ears. If symptoms don’t clear, get in touch with your vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?
“An infection will generally be obvious either by a foul smell or by the dog's behaviour,” McGuckin explains. “For example, head shaking, rubbing the face or head along the floor, pain when manipulating the ear, redness, inflammation, and exudate (fluid) when the ear itself is examined.”
Common signs of an ear infection:
- Swelling or inflammation
- Redness of the skin
- Yellow or brown discharge
- A foul odour
- Aggression or pain when ears are touched
- Reluctance to let you near the head
- Persistent ear scratching or head shaking
It’s important to note that these are also similar signs of ear mites. If concerned, please contact your vet for a professional opinion, so that a relevant course of treatment can be determined.
What should I avoid when cleaning my dog's ears?
There is one golden rule to follow when cleaning your dog’s ears. “Do not stick anything down the ear canal,” McGuckin warns. “The general rule of thumb in humans is 'do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear', and I would advise something similar in dogs.”
So, how should you administer a cleaning solution? “Pull the pinna (external ear flap) up and out from the skull - this gives us a nice long curve rather than the L shape the ear canal generally holds,” she says. “Squeeze the cleaning product into the ear with the pinna extended. Massage from the pinna down onto the skull. Stand back while the dog shakes its head. Then, wipe whatever is available using a clean swab or other non-shedding material. Do not use cotton buds, as there is a risk of damaging the ear drum.”
My dog doesn't like having their ears cleaned. How can I make the experience more comfortable?
Every dog owner knows how difficult it can be to check your pup’s ears so it’s important to make the experience as comfortable as possible, especially if it’s their first time. McGuckin recommends taking the process slowly. “Start by handling the external ear only, with rewards. Continue this until the dog will allow you to handle the ear without fuss,” she advises.
“Once this is well established, progress to placing the tip of the ear cleaner in the ear without applying the liquid. Continue until the dog is comfortable with this step. Repeat in slow increments until you can clean the ear. If your dog remains aversive, you may need to discuss medications to decrease pain or aversiveness with your vet.”
How we tested the best dog ear cleaners
The dog ear cleaning products below were chosen based on cost, research and reviews. We used them on my two dogs, both Maltipoos, but it is worth noting that every dog is different. If a reaction occurs, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian for advice.
Best dog ear cleaners in the UK at a glance:
- Best for a natural remedy: Herbal Dog Ear Cleaner - £17, Sparkly Tails
- Best for when you’re on a budget: Dog Ear Cleaner - £5, Pets at Home
- Best for sensitive ears: Dechra CleanAural Sensitive Ear Cleaner - £14.40, Amazon
- Best for a probiotic option: Lucaa+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care - £19.50, Paleo Ridge
- Best for stubborn ear wax: Douxo Auricular Ear Cleaner - £9.75, Pets at Home
- Best for puppies over 12 weeks old: Can You Hear Me? Natural Ear Cleaner - £9, Amazon
- Best for persistent ear infections: Nature's Greatest Secret Colloidal Silver Antibacterial Ear Drops - £12, Pets at Home
- Best for itchy ears: Clear Ears Cleaning Solution - £14.99, Amazon
Sparkly Tails Essential Dog Herbal Dog Ear Cleaner
Best for: A natural remedy
Made from certified organic ingredients - no harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens or sulphates in sight - the Herbal Dog Ear Cleaner is one of the best herbal remedies on the market. Suitable for all dog breeds and ages, it can be sprayed directly into the ear canal, eliminating the need for messy bottles, sticky hands, and waste.
I tried the Herbal Dog Ear Cleaner on my five-year-old Maltipoo as he has struggled with persistent itching over the last couple of months. I applied the product directly into the ear as instructed and although he doesn’t have his ears cleaned very often, he didn’t seem to mind. The product worked its magic after just one use as he no longer itched his ears.
However, spraying the product directly into the ear canal might not work for every dog. One review recommends spraying the product onto a clean cotton pad before gently applying if you have a fussy pup.
The Herbal Dog Ear Cleaner arrived beautifully packaged with clear instructions on the bottle. With ingredients including finger lime, witch hazel, and lemon myrtle, it smells fresh and is designed for weekly usage. This is a great option if you want an affordable, cruelty-free product that supports a small family business.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and ages
- Not suitable for: Cats and pregnant or lactating dogs
- Size: 50ml
- Format: Spray solution
Buy now £17.00, Sparkly Tails
Pets At Home Dog Ear Cleaner
Best for: When you’re on a budget
Small, easy to use, and 100 per cent vegan, the Pets at Home Dog Ear Cleaner is a great way to introduce your dog to regular grooming. The product is suitable for all ages and acts as a preventative measure. The product should be applied directly into the ear canal and then massaged into the ear base. Any excess solution can be wiped away with a clean cotton pad.
At just £5 for a generous 200ml bottle, this is one of the most affordable dog ear-cleaning products available in the UK and is a great option if you don’t need to clean your pup’s ears regularly.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and ages
- Size: 200ml
- Format: Squeeze solution
Buy now £5.00, Pets At Home
Dechra CleanAural Sensitive Ear Cleaner
Best for: Sensitive ears
The Dechra CleanAural Sensitive Ear Cleaner is designed to tackle stubborn ear wax on sensitive ears. Specially designed for dogs over six months old, the gentle pH-balanced solution can be used as a one-off cleaner or as part of a regular grooming routine if your pet has persistent wax build-up.
The solution will soften and dissolve any ear wax with chamomile to soothe delicate skin without the risk of staining or discolouring hair on the ears. The Dechra CleanAural Sensitive Ear Cleaner has received hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon with many users praising its protection against allergies, infections and persistent itching.
One review reads: “I use this weekly on my dog who can get itchy ears due to environmental allergies. It’s great as a general cleaner and is used by our local vet.” A second customer also praised the product’s effectiveness, as the review reads: “This is the only thing that works on my staffy dog’s ears. He suffers from ear infections, and this gives him instant relief. It’s easy to dispense and is cheaper than going to the vet.”
It's worth mentioning that several reviews comment on the strong smell of this product. If you’re looking for a scent-free product, the Dechra CleanAural Sensitive Ear Cleaner may not be a good option for you.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds over six months old
- Size: 100ml
- Format: Squeeze solution
Buy now £14.40, Amazon
Lucaa+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care
Best for: A probiotic option
The Lucaa+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care is one of the highest-rated dog ear-cleaning products on the market. One happy customer wrote: “This product is much gentler on my dog’s ears than products with lots of chemicals which seem to almost burn the skin. I noticed he went from having tar-like dark brown discharge to normal light brown wax and less each time, after using it for a week.”
Another customer adds, “This product is the only one that has worked for my boy’s ears, the itching stopped immediately, and the relief was noticeable straight away. I use this product as a maintenance dose now, I couldn’t be more pleased with it.”
Packed with probiotics, the solution is designed to fight against allergens - often the leading cause of pesky ear problems. The probiotics are dormant in the bottle but when applied to the ear, they come to life to restore the microbial balance of the ear by ‘eating’ allergens such as pollen, grasses, and house dust mite faeces. In turn, this reduces itching and scratching.
The spray arrived with clear instructions and a free salmon and potato biscuit, that it’s safe to say my dogs enjoyed. With a spray nozzle, the product is easy to apply directly into the ear and is a great option if your dog has itchy ears or suffers from regular ear infections. It’s also scent-free which some people (and dogs) may prefer.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and other small animals
- Size: 100ml
- Format: Spray solution
Buy now £17.00, Paleo Ridge
Douxo Auricular Ear Cleaner
Best for: Stubborn ear wax
With an innovative micellar formulation, the Douxo Auricular Ear Cleaner is a gentle, non-oily solution designed to remove ear wax and debris. What I like best about this product is that it can be safely used on any breed of dog, at any life stage so it will make a good investment if you have more than one pet. Its green tea fragrance is fresh but not overpowering and its micellar formulation feels like water. This makes for a nice and easy application.
The product has received hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon with many crediting the Douxo Auricular Ear Cleaner for helping to soothe their dog’s ears after just one use.
One review reads: “I have dogs with different shaped ears - some stand up, some fold, some are full flaps. I've used this on them all to make sure that their ears are free from wax as that can build up and allow infections to develop. This is a great product and does exactly what it says. It felt nice to the touch, didn't smell 'chemically', and it certainly allowed me to clean the ears.”
The only downside noted in the reviews section is that the product can come out quickly so it’s important to be ready to wipe away any excess solution with a clean cotton pad. At £9.75, this is one of the more expensive products on the market but when used correctly, it should last for a long time.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and ages
- Size: 125ml
- Format: Squeeze solution
Buy now £9.75, Pets at Home
Hownd Can You Hear Me? Natural Ear Cleaner
Best for: Puppies over 12 weeks old
Accredited by PETA with the Leaping Bunny seal of approval, the Can You Hear Me? Natural Ear Cleaner is one of the most ethical dog ear-cleaning products on the market. Made from bamboo water, organic aloe juice, and botanical extracts - it's also one of the gentlest.
Designed for regular use, this is a great choice for dogs with persistent ear wax build-up and can be used on puppies from 12 weeks - perfect for getting them used to a grooming routine. I tried this product on my seven-month-old Maltipoo, who is new to ear cleaning, and the product was difficult to administer at first as the solution came out quickly. But with some treats on offer, I applied the product using a clean cotton pad, and the process took less than a few minutes.
The Can You Hear Me? Natural Ear Cleaner has a fresh smell and is a good option if your dog needs their ears cleaned regularly, as it’s a generous size. However, I recommend a spray solution if your dog is nervous, as it’s easier to apply than a squeeze bottle such as this. Find what works best for your pooch.
- Suitable for: Dogs over 12 weeks old
- Size: 250ml
- Format: Squeeze solution
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Nature’s Greatest Secret Antibacterial Drops
Best for: Persistent ear infections
Developed with one of the UK's leading holistic veterinarians, Nature's Greatest Secret Antibacterial Drops are formulated using 90 per cent premium antifungal colloidal silver. The product also contains five essential oils: neem, lavender, cinnamon, blue yarrow, and chamomile.
The product has received hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon with customers praising the product for helping their dog with itchy and smelly ears.
One review reads: "My staffy cross' big floppy ears always seem to be yucky and smell. They irritate him and he hurts himself scratching. I'm forever cleaning his ears and have tried different products including vet-prescribed ones. I read positive things about colloidal silver ointments, and after just two applications, I can see this is the best ear care product by far.”
I like that the Nature’s Greatest Secret Antibacterial Drops are packaged in a small glass bottle with a pipette for easy measurement. However, there are mixed reviews about its strong-smelling scent, so make sure to consider this.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and ages
- Size: 30ml
- Format: Drops
Buy now £12.00, Pets at Home
The Dog Doctors Clear Ears Cleaning Solution
Best for: Itchy ears
A vet-formulated product, the Clear Ears Cleaning Solution is designed for dogs with persistent itching, dirt or wax buildup, and unpleasant ear odour. The product has received over one hundred five-star reviews online.
One review reads: “Managed to soothe and treat the in-ear irritation my dog was suffering from within a few hours and haven't had to use again since - great product!” Another customer adds that the product has helped with their dog’s persistent ear scratching, as they wrote: “My Dachshund is prone to bad ears, and this has done the trick to stop his ears flapping.”
I like that the product has been formulated with the guidance of a veterinarian and is designed to prevent ear mites, infections, and yeast buildup. However, this is one of the pricier options available.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds and ages
- Size: 118ml
- Format: Drops
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Verdict
I considered three key factors during the review process: quality ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and cost-per-use. The Pets at Home Dog Ear Cleaner is undoubtedly the most affordable at just £5 for a generous 200ml. With a small nozzle, it's easy to administer and can be used on dogs of all ages, making it a great choice when training your puppy.
The Can You Hear Me? Natural Ear Cleaner is also a good option, as it's proudly vegan with the Leaping Bunny stamp of approval. But a squeeze solution can be tricky to apply - especially if your dog is fussy.
My top pick? The Herbal Plus Ear Cleaner from Sparkly Tails is beautifully packaged and easy to apply, all thanks to its small spray nozzle. It smells fresh, has minimal ingredients, and is proudly no-mess, as the solution doesn't need to be wiped away after use. A good all-rounder for dogs of all ages.
