What is the best dog ear cleaner? (ANSWERED)

best ear cleaner for dogs
For my puppy, Zymotic makes the best over the counter ear cleaner solution for dogs.

My German Shepherd dog loves playing in water, which means he tends to get ear infections. I have found the best dog ear cleaner to wash dirt out and keep the infections at bay.

For me, I use a saline flush and ear wipes for dogs when doing s weekly cleaning. I use a medicated ear cleaning solution if I suspect a yeast is growing.

Pet King Brands Zymox ear solution reviews

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ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5-Percent Hydrocortisone, for Dog & Cat, 1.25 oz
  • No.1 Best Selling and Effective Solution: Formulated for Cats and Dogs to manage problematic ears; ZYMOX's patented Formula is safe and Gentle and is a natural alternative to traditional Therapy
  • Instantly starts working to clean pet's ears and rid of build up and debris to help reduce the possibility of irritation
  • Easy, Daily, One Step Process to Clean Problematic Ears: No more digging in those painful ears; The natural enzymes found in ZYMOX maximize the cleaning Power of this Product, without traumatic pre cleaning and application
  • Easy to Use and Effective: Apply generously to uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal; Gently Massage underneath ear canal so that solution can work its way down and instantly begin cleaning build up that has settled in Your pet's ear canal; Apply just once a day for 7 days or continue use as needed
  • Made in the USA: Proudly American Made in a facility that practices GMP Good Manufacturing Practices; Our Products are Animal Cruelty Free and are never tested on animals

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Pet King Brands Zymox is my favorite ear cleaner for dogs. I use the Ear Cleanser and the Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution.

The Ear Cleanser does not smell, has a more viscous feel than water, and is not oil. It does feel a little greasy if you get a little on ear hair.

I use this product once a week on my German Shepherd, providing he has not been playing in the water and has the start of an ear infection.

If he has a yeast infection in his ears, his ears ususally smell funky. And he scratches his ears constantly — night and day.

Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution review

Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution for Dogs and Cats to Soothe Ear Infections with 1% Hydrocortisone for Itch Relief, 1.25oz
  • Ear care for dogs and cats - soothes ear infections, redness and inflammation for pets of all ages
  • Gentle, no-sting formula
  • Solution provides a safe, natural alternative to medication with 1% Hydrocortisone for itch relief
  • No pre-cleaning of painful ears required - fill ear canal and let solution get to work
  • Patented LP3 Enzyme System helps clear ear secretions and promotes healthy ears

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Instead of an using an non medicated good ear cleaner for dogs, I use a medicated ear cleanser — i.e., Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution.

My GSD is prone to ear infections because of his ear structure and size. I try to keep water out of them, but he loves to swim, which makes it hard to keep the water away.

I have taken him to the vet for infections. The vet bill included an exam and the cost of ear drops, which was expensive.

Because I know my dog’s signs when he has an infection, I no loger take him to the vet when he’s scratching his ears or they smell bad.

Instead, I use the Otic Enzymatic Solution, which has cleared up his ear infection many times now.

The ear solution is pricey — but less so than vet visits. For my dog, the best dog ear cleaner for yeast is the Otic.

5 tips for cleaning a dog’s ears

Choose a safe, effective ear wash

Another excellent pet ear cleaner is cheap and easy to find at any drugstore: pure saline.

However, if you want to use something that’s prepared explicitly for dogs, that’s okay, too.

There are many commercial ear washes on the market, and while most are safe, you should always read the ingredients.

Avoid those that contain alcohol, antibiotics, or steroids unless you have a reason for using them.

For my dog, I can see him scratching his ears all the time and they usually smell, so I have a good understanding of his nuances and when to use the Otic Enzymatic Solution.

Alcohol may have a tendency to dry out the ear canal excessively and could make your dog more susceptible to ear infections.

Likewise, antibiotics and steroids may not be not necessary unless your veterinarian prescribes them or has reason to believe they are needed.

Get help

Even though you’re doing it for his own good, your dog won’t appreciate it — whether it is saline or a puppy ear cleaner.

Your dog may squirm and try to escape, which is not only frustrating but also increases the chances of injury.

For the sake of your dog’s safety and your sanity, have someone help you. One of you can restrain him gently while the other does the cleaning.

Make ear-cleaning positive experience for your dog

While your dog is never going to love getting his ears cleaned, you can teach him to associate the task with the promise of a reward for cooperating.

Have a bag of his favorite treats ready, and whenever he accepts your care without a fuss, let him have one.

Be sure to praise him lavishly as well. Never yell at your dog; they are sensitive to tone of voice and may learn to avoid coming to you when it’s time to clean their ears.

Use the appropriate materials and prepare your work area before you start

Cotton swabs are not sufficient for cleaning a dog’s ears, and they could injure the delicate ear canal.

The best option is plain cotton balls. They don’t cost much, and they’re easy and safe to use.

Whenever you’re ready to do the job, choose a spot with good lighting and plenty of room for you and your helper to maneuver.

Make sure there are no obstacles around that could fall on you or get knocked over. Gather your cotton balls and ear cleaning solution and set them out within easy reach while you work.

When to call a pro

Know when you shouldn’t attempt to clean your dog’s ears at home.

If you notice a foul, musty odor coming from your dog’s ears or there is excessive debris in the ear canal, your dog may have an ear infection or mite infestation.

Should this be the case, home care is not appropriate.

You’ll need to take your animal to the veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. If your dog’s ears are infected, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or give you a topical cream to apply.

Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.

Find the best dog ear cleaner on Amazon.

Originally posted 2022-04-21 21:51:17.