Best Dog Ear Infection Treatments

If you’re the proud pet parent to a lovely dog, you’ve probably heard a lot about ear infections by now. They’re very uncomfortable for your pet.  What’s more, they can even produce some nasty health outcomes if left untreated.

Luckily, just with a little diligence, you can protect your pup from ever having to deal with them in the first place. As the saying always goes, the best offense is a good defense. In order to protect your pooch, you’ll need a quality dog ear cleaning solution at your side. But, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the best one for your pet.

That’s why, in the following blog we’ll break down what we like the best about four options available.  We’ll tell when your dog has an ear infection and how to clean your dog’s ears.  We’ll include how to apply medicated ear drops to your dog’s ears if they do get an infection.

Best Dog Ear Cleaners 2023

Banixx Dog Ear Infection Cleaner

You can use Banixx as an ear cleaner effectively, and what’s more? Most affordably! Apply it to both prevent AND treat ear infections. Its ease of use makes it the most versatile ear infection treatment on the market today. For best results, use it 2-3 times per day.

Best of all, it provides instant, sting-free, odorless relief to your pup without relying on pesky antibiotics or steroids. In addition, it’s not oily or sticky like so many ear infection medications.

To treat your dog’s ear infection with Banixx, coat the inside of their ear with the solution and then gently massage it into the ear tissue. If your pup is new to Banixx, it’s a good idea to apply Banixx via a well-moistened cotton ball. Be sure to close the ear flap and keep it gently closed with your hand as you massage it into the ear tissue.

In just a few days, you should notice that any head shaking or discomfort your dog may have been feeling will have subsided.  You pup will get this relief from just a couple days of applications with our clinically-proven solution. With Banixx, relief really can be that simple. 8oz Av retail $16.99 (June 2023).

 

Zymox Ear Cleanser with Bio-Active Enzymes

Zymox’s Ear Cleanser with Bio-Active Enzymes (4oz Av retail $16.99 (June 2023)) is most effective when used on a weekly basis.  It is advertised as a preventative against the build up of bacteria or moisture. Many owners have reported greater success when pairing this with Zymox’s Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone ($23.79 for a 1.25 ounce bottle). Owners say that this solution also leaves a pleasant scent.  That’s over $24 per ounce for the Duo, compared with Banixx at $2.12 per ounce.

Zymox Veterinary Strength Dog and Cat Ear Cleanser

Zymox’s Veterinary Strength Dog and Cat Ear Cleanser is most effective at preventing ear infections when used on a twice-weekly basis. It’s made of lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme that help inhibit microbes within the ear canal. Users also report this solution leaving a mild scent after each cleaning. 4oz Av retail $16.99 (June 2023). That’s over $4 per ounce compared with Banixx at $2.12 per ounce.

Burt’s Bees for Dogs Ear Cleanser

Burt’s Bees for Dogs Ear Cleanser is primarily used to prevent the development of ear infections. It is most effective when applied to your dog’s ear canals at least once per week. Many consumers like this brand due to its heavy emphasis on using natural ingredients.  In particular witch hazel that’s advertised as being able to prevent debris buildup.  4oz Av retail $14.99 (June 2023).  That’s $3.75 per ounce compared with Banixx at $2.12 per ounce.

Pet MD Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes

Pet MD’s Aloe Vera and Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes are primarily used to make your dog’s ear an unwelcoming habitat for yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms. They are recommended for use twice per week. These wet ear wipes are infused with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil to provide a relaxing, natural solution for ear care. Additionally, these wet wipes are formulated to deliver lactic acid in order to preserve your dog’s skin’s natural acidity. 100 Wipes Av Retail $14.99 (June 2023).  But, once ear wipes dry out, there is no way to replenish.

When Should You Clean a Dog’s Ears?

A thorough cleaning of a dog’s ears is imperative to ensuring they’re in good overall health.  But don’t panic, you don’t have to drop everything right now to go spelunking in their ears.
Instead, just make ear cleaning a part of your dog’s routine grooming.  That way you’re more likely to be consistent with doing it. A good rule of thumb is to clean your dog’s ears at least once per month. Make a note to check them for signs of infection, irritation, or parasites at least every other week

However, please note that this advice will certainly vary between breeds. Some breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds will require more regular ear cleaning. Their droopy ears allow for less air flow than their counterparts who have much shorter ears. This diminished airflow allows moisture, dust, dirt and debris to build up in ear canals that may produce a yeast infection.

Additionally, dogs that love to spend time in the water should also have their ears checked more frequently. The extra moisture from their swimming water create optimal conditions for fungal infections to begin and multiply.  So swimmer parents, keep those towels handy for regular ear drying sessions!

Signs That Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

While some dogs may display no signs of suffering from an ear infection, other dogs may exhibit severe discomfort. If your dog is suffering from an ear infection, you may notice a tilting of their head more than usual (Note: ignore this advice if you’re holding a milkbone, then they’re tilting their head for a different reason).

You may also notice them shaking their head a lot.  Or perhaps you’ll even see them stumbling around as if unable to get a proper footing. Ear infections affect balance with dogs just as they do with humans. Dogs with ear infections may also aggressively scratch or rub their ears against hard objects.  They may show a reluctance to chew or eat.

Of course, dogs with ear infections may also present more obvious signs of ear infections too. Such as, the area around their ears may lose its hair or may develop crusts or scabs. This area might also begin to swell or become very red. A foul odor emanating from your dog’s ears is a sure giveaway sign that a yeast infection is lurking!

Visit the Vet

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, it is advisable to visit a veterinarian. There are three types of ear infections: otitis externa, media, and interna. Otitis externa refers to a type of inflammation that affects the layer of cells lining the outside of your dog’s ear. Otitis media and interna, however, refer to infections that affect the middle and inner ear canal.

The latter two, otitis media and interna can be very serious and result in deafness.  You may see facial paralysis and even vestibular disorders (dizziness & vertigo).  Accordingly, it’s important that you don’t delay in seeking veterinary advice to ascertain your dog’s infection type. While otitis externa can be treated successfully with over the counter solutions, the untrained eye cannot accurately diagnose the severity of an infected dog’s ear. So, remember: if you suspect your dog has an ear infection, get them assessed by a vet.  This will ensure that the infection’s root cause is taken care of correctly and happy,healthy days are close.

A visit to your veterinarian is costly and time consuming which is why we advocate for dog owners to take a proactive approach. This involves a focus on minimizing the potential for dog ear infections to occur in the first place by using one of the solutions discussed above.

How to Clean a Dog’s Ears

For starters, you have to remember that any dog who isn’t used to getting their ears touched may be a bit skittish.  Be gentle, patient and move slowly.  Plan this for when you have a good space of time.  You may have to bribe them to embark on this journey with you. And, DO make sure that the solution you choose to use is at least room temperature. If unsure, run the bottle under warn water to warm the liquid. Imagine how you would feel if someone, unexpectedly, put something COLD into your ear? Not Fun! Particularly if your own ear was infected!

Offer them treats, toys, belly rubs, or whatever it is that’s going to help them relax. Making this a calm, semi-enjoyable experience for them will make this whole process go much smoother. Be sure to organize your supplies so that they are close by once you have embarked on the ear cleaning process.  This keeps it short, sweet and successful. That’s a winner for every-one!

Once your pup is relaxed, go ahead and proceed with the cleaning. There are two common ways to do this.

First, wet a cotton ball or gauze with an ear rinsing solution and wipe it around the outer flap of your dog’s ear. Be calm and slow with this step. Then, secondly, take a freshly moistened cotton ball/gauze and work your way from the outside of the ear in towards your dog’s ear canal.  Be cautious to not to go too deep into your dog’s ear or be too aggressive. Finally, wipe away or clean out any remaining wax or other junk from their ear canal with a third, fresh cotton ball.

The other method involves placing a small amount of medicated ear cleaning solution in your dog’s ears, closing the ear flap gently with your hand.  Then massage the base of their ears. This action induces them to shake their heads, which is both adorable and will loosen the debris inside of their ear canals. Once this waste material has been loosened, you can gently remove it from the inside of their ear canal with cotton or gauze. Repeat this process with a fresh cotton ball/gauze until you can wipe out the inside of their ear canal and come out with a clean cotton ball. We only like this method for dogs that have no aversion to the process. It’s Not to be recommended for shy, timid or fearful dogs.

After you finish cleaning their ears, make sure to spoil them with treats, belly rubs, and lots of “good boys”.  Lots of positive reinforcement will make even the most skittish dogs receptive to these modifications in their grooming habits.

If your dog has an ear infection and requires medication to be applied to their ears, complete the above process before proceeding with the following instructions.

How to Apply Medication for Dog Ear Infections

To apply medication to your dog’s ears, gently grasp the tip of their ear and pull the ear flap straight up to expose their ear canal. Then, administer the number of drops of medication your veterinarian has prescribed.

Next, while still holding the ear flap up vertically, begin to massage the base of the ear below the ear opening for approximately 30 seconds. This will allow the medication to coat your dog’s entire ear canal. Repeat this process with the other ear as needed, being sure to wipe away any debris or waste that accumulates on the flap of your dog’s ears.

We hope you found this article helpful and if your dog ever gets any cuts, abrasions, ear infections or hot spots, we hope you keep Banixx Pet Care in mind.