When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreAfter evaluating ten popular ear cleaners for dogs, our reporter narrowed her recommendations down to just four safe, effective options.Liz Coleman/Business InsiderWhen it comes to a dog's health, ear care is often overlooked. But if your dog has floppy ears, allergies, or likes to swim, their ears might need extra attention. The best dog ear cleaners can tackle odors, debris, and wax buildup before they become a problem.In the two years I've had my perky-eared pup, Olive, ear cleaning hasn't been a regular part of our routine. To find out if I was neglecting an important hygiene task, I asked several veterinarians which dogs might benefit from ear cleaning and what to look for in a good cleaner. Then I drew on my experience as a pets reporter and product tester to evaluate 10 of the best dog ear cleaners available. Our top pick at a glance: Virbac Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser contains a solid combination of active ingredients while being gentle enough for daily use. It's also widely available, safe for dogs of all ages, and easy to dispense. To maintain the health of your dog's ears, do a weekly check and inform your vet if you notice signs of infection. Dr. Rose Miller, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Dermatology for Animals - Liberty Lake, says signs of a problem include ear sensitivity, foul odor, redness, swelling, crusting, scabs, discharge, head-shaking, and ear-scratching.Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.Our top picks for the best dog ear cleanersBest overall: Virbac Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser - $14 at ChewyBest for sensitive ears: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy - $9 at ChewyBest wipes: HICC Pet Pet Ear Relief Finger Wipes - $15 at ChewyBest medicated: Mal-A-Ket Plus TrizEDTA Flush - $25 at ChewyBest overallThe first measure of a good ear cleaner lies in its active ingredients. Dr. Jessica Apted, lead veterinarian and regional medical director of Sploot Veterinary Care, says to look for drying agents like salicylic acid or lactic acid, mild antiseptics, pH-balancing ingredients, and soothing agents, such as aloe vera and glycerin. Additionally, Dr. Katy Miller, director of veterinary services at BSM Partners, says many ear cleaners include cerumenolytics, which help break down earwax.Virbac Epiotic Advanced is widely regarded as one of the best dog ear cleaners available and contains several beneficial ingredients, including salicylic and lactic acids, which dry excess moisture and help balance the ear's pH. These acids also have antimicrobial properties. Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is an antiseptic that kills bacteria. And docusate sodium breaks down earwax. Equally noteworthy are the ingredients this formula leaves out. There's no alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, two ingredients that Rose Miller says can be irritating and potentially toxic.Virbac Epiotic Advanced Ear Cleanser uses several vet-recommended ingredients to help cleanse and soothe a dog's ears.Liz Coleman/Business InsiderFor peace of mind, it's worth mentioning that Virbac ranks among the most trustworthy veterinary brands. It develops its products alongside researchers and scientists. And while veterinary grooming products aren't bound by FDA regulation, Virbac voluntarily adheres to the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) to ensure product safety and quality.I found Epioptic easy to dispense with gentle pressure. Liquid came out drop by drop, allowing precise control over the dosage. A minor downside is the scent, which was slightly soapy and may be off-putting for some pets. This product also contains blue dye. While generally considered safe for topical use, there is some concern about potential health hazards. Dogs with sensitive skin may fare better with a fragrance- and dye-free formula, such as Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy.Best for sensitive earsSome dogs have sensitive skin and experience pain or discomfort with topical treatments, which may be caused by allergies, a dry environment, or genetic factors. These dogs need a gentle ear cleaner that won't worsen their symptoms, especially if their anatomy or lifestyle calls for frequent cleaning. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy is free of harsh ingredients sometimes found in other products, like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, fragrances, and dyes. It also includes glycerin, which Apted and Miller say soothes the ear canal.Not only is this formula gentle, but it's also effective. Active ingredients include a winning combination of drying agents (salicylic acid, lactic acid), two antimicrobials (benzoic acid, ketoconazole), and an earwax-busting cerumenolytic (propylene glycol).Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy is a gentle, fragrance-free cleaner designed to soothe sensitive ears while effectively removing buildup.Liz Coleman/Business InsiderAs many pet own
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