Written and reviewed by Dr Jill McMaster BVM&S MBA MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and in-house expert at BorrowMyDoggy on 9th May 2023

Overview:

Does my dog have a problem with their ears?

What causes ear infections?

Virbac Epiotic Ear Cleaner

Dechra CleanAural Dog Ear Cleaner

Elanco Otoclean Ear Cleaner

Does my dog have a problem with their ears?

If your dog is shaking their head, or maybe scratching at their ears, it could be a sign of an ear infection, and you should make an appointment at your vet.

Your vet is the only one that can give your pooch’s ear a proper examination and provide the correct treatment. You should never put anything down your dog’s ears to check out for yourself.

Simple things like cotton buds can damage a dog’s eardrum and ear canal, so should be avoided. As should water. Ear canals tend to be a bit greasy, so water won’t clean an ear, and can often make it a bit worse, by making a warm, wet environment for fungus and bacteria to grow.

What causes ear infections?

There are lots of different causes of ear infections in our puppy pals. Sometimes it can be overgrowth of fungi or bacteria, sometimes it can be ear mites or sometimes it can even be a grass seed stuck down your dog’s ear canal.

Only your vet can provide the correct diagnosis and treatment for these issues. If your dog has a lot of ear infections, there can be an underlying issue like allergies to the environment or their food. Your vet can usually advise on the reasons for your dog’s ear problems, but it can take a bit of investigation and time to get to the root of the problem.

If however your pup doesn’t have an infection when your vet has examined their ear and has advised they would like you to use an ear cleaner, here are some ear cleaners that are available for you to buy. 

Always read instructions from any new product before using, and make sure to contact your vet with any concerns.

Need a helping paw, read all about how to clean your dog's ears.

Virbac Epiotic Ear Cleaner

https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/epiotic-ear-cleaner-for-dogs-cats

Price £8.57 for 60ml

What we love

• Alcohol Free
• Comes in two different sizes
• Easy to use nozzle

Best for

• Dogs with sensitive skin due to it’s gentle formulation
• Helping to maintain healthy ears

Dechra CleanAural Dog Ear Cleaner

https://www.animeddirect.co.uk/cleanaural-ear-cleaner-for-dogs-50ml

Price: £5.11 for 50ml

What we love

• Clear instruction for use on the bottle
• Flexible nozzle
• Sensitive option also available

Best for

• Slightly smelly ears as the fresh fragrance will help with smell, and cool and soothe
• Dogs who need routine use of ear cleaner as soft enough on skin

Elanco Otoclean Ear Cleaner

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Otoclean-Ear-Cleaner/

Price:  £17.99 for 18 5ml vials

What we love

• Hygienic due to multiple small bottles
• Easy to use
• Gentle on most dog’s ears

Best for

• If you have more than one dog or cat so you can use different vials for each, reducing cross-contamination

The information in this article should only be used as a guide, and should never replace advice or treatment given by your veterinarian. If you ever have any concerns about your pet’s health you should speak with your veterinary practice. Prices from 08/02/23.