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10 Best Ear Wipes for Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

woman cleans the ears of a welsh corgi pembroke dog

Many lucky dogs go their whole life with ear infections or similar problems. Other dogs aren’t so lucky. A long list of allergies has sent my Siberian Husky, Atlas, to the vet for ear infections more times than I can count.

After the first few trips, my vet asked what I was doing to keep his ears cleaned. Like most dog owners, I was relying on water and cotton balls, but my vet informed me of a better way: ear wipes.

At first glance, ear wipes absolutely seem easier to use than trying to wet cotton balls and scrub your dog’s ears before they fall apart. However, many are also medicated, which prevents funkiness and ear infections. You do have to get the right ear wipes, though.

Below, we’ve reviewed the best ear wipes for dogs.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Wash Wipes Hepper Wash Wipes
  • Natural ingredients and hypoallergenic formula
  • Large, thick wipes
  • Gentle
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes
  • 100 wipes
  • Vet-formulated
  • Alcohol-free
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Vet’s Best Ear Relief Finger Dog Wipes Vet’s Best Ear Relief Finger Dog Wipes
  • Easy to use
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Can be used regularly
  • Professional Pet Produces AromaCare Ear Wipes Professional Pet Produces AromaCare Ear Wipes
  • Aloe vera and other natural ingredients
  • Inexpensive
  • Textured for easy cleaning
  • Petkin Jumbo Dog Ear Wipes Petkin Jumbo Dog Ear Wipes
  • Larger than most
  • Natural ingredients like witch hazel
  • Snap lid for easy access
  • The 10 Best Ear Wipes for Dogs

    1. Hepper Wash Wipes – Best Overall

    Hepper Wash Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 30

    We love that Hepper Wash Wipes are made with only natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, which is perfect for dogs with sensitive ears. As the name suggests, you can use them on your dog’s whole body, too. They perform double duty, thanks to their versatility.

    Each pack contains 30 thick wipes. They hold up well to scrubbing, and you don’t have to worry about them leaving little particles behind.

    You can use these for dogs of all kinds, including puppies. They’re even suitable for cats, making them the perfect choice for multi-pet households. They’re capable of tackling tough dirt and grime while still being gentle enough for sensitive areas like the ears.

    Based on these features, we think the Hepper Wash Wipes are the best overall ear wipes for dogs.

    Disclaimer: You might have guessed, this product is our own, but we love it, and so we bring it up in the hope that you get to own one too.

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients and hypoallergenic formula
    • Large, thick wipes
    • Gentle
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Not medicated

    2. Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes – Best Value

    Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 100

    Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes are a veterinarian-formulated, alcohol-free, and sting-free way to clean your dog’s ears. They are made with a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera, eucalyptus, and chamomile, which are all soothing and moisturizing for the skin. The wipes are also thick and soft, making them gentle on even the most sensitive ears.

    Each pack contains 100 wipes, which is enough for many uses. With so many wipes in a pack, the price per wipe is extremely low. Therefore, we consider these the best ear wipes for dogs for the money, as they can save you a lot of money in the long run.

    With that said, some dogs are sensitive to eucalyptus, which can cause extra irritation. Therefore, you may want to move slowly with these wipes to ensure your dog doesn’t have a reaction.

    Pros
    • 100 wipes
    • Vet-formulated
    • Alcohol-free
    • Made with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Contains eucalyptus

    3. Vet’s Best Ear Relief Finger Dog Wipes – Premium Choice

    Vet’s Best Ear Relief Finger Dog Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 50

    The Vet’s Best Ear Relief Finger Dog Wipes are a bit different than others we’ve discussed because they’re made to fit on your finger. Therefore, they’re fairly small, but many people consider them easier to use. If you have a smaller dog, they may be particularly helpful.

    These wipes are made from only natural ingredients, including witch hazel, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. They are 100% free from parabens and potentially irritating ingredients. You can use them regularly without a problem, as they’re made to be used several times a week. The ingredients even help to dissolve waxy buildup.

    These wipes aren’t terribly expensive, but you aren’t getting many wipes in a container, and they’re smaller (since they are made to fit around your finger). In the end, this does make them a bit more expensive than other options.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Made from natural ingredients
    • Can be used regularly
    • Dissolves waxy buildup
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Professional Pet Produces AromaCare Ear Wipes

    Professional Pet Produces AromaCare Ear Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 100

    The Professional Pet Produces AromaCare Ear Wipe is very similar to our #2 pick, as they include both aloe vera and eucalyptus. They’re made to deodorize and clean your pet’s ear. However, they can be irritating for some dogs due to the included eucalyptus. If your dog has previously reacted poorly to eucalyptus, you probably don’t want to use these wipes.

    These wipes are textured and presoaked, which makes them very convenient. They’re a bit more textured than other wipes, though dogs can find this irritating, too.

    They’re designed to be utilized regularly, so they’re gentle enough for everyday use. Plus, they’re even made in the USA.

    Pros
    • Aloe vera and other natural ingredients
    • Inexpensive
    • Textured for easy cleaning
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Eucalyptus can cause irritation for some dogs
    • May be too textured

    5. Petkin Jumbo Dog Ear Wipes

    Petkin Jumbo Dog Ear Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 80

    Most ear wipes are rather small. Because I own a Husky, I’m always looking for larger ear wipes like the Petkin Jumbo Dog Ear Wipes. These ear wipes include witch hazel and aloe vera, which help soothe and clean your dog’s ears. The formula is relatively gentle, so you can use them every day without causing irritation.

    The lid is resealable and snaps, helping keep the unused wipes moist. You can easily snap open the container and get to the wipes when you need to, though.

    That said, several customers reported that the smell is a bit overbearing. If you’re sensitive to smells, you may want to select unscented ear wipes, which these are not. They also aren’t the largest wipes out there, despite being “jumbo” sized.

    Pros
    • Larger than most
    • Natural ingredients like witch hazel
    • Snap lid for easy access
    Cons
    • Smell can be overbearing
    • Not as large as some others

    6. Frisco Ear Wipes for Dogs

    Frisco Ear Wipes for Dogs

    Wipes per Pack: 100

    Yes, the Frisco Ear Wipes for Dogs are technically a “generic” brand that’s made by Chewy. However, these ear wipes are inexpensive and work great. They have many of the ingredients other ear wipes have, including aloe vera and eucalyptus. Therefore, they’re very soothing for many dogs with irritated ears. You can use these wipes as often as you want, as well.

    The wipes are pretty thick and large. They aren’t the biggest, but the size is plenty for most dogs’ ears. They’re about 3 inches in diameter.

    The only potential downside is that some users reported a lingering odor. If you’re sensitive to smells, this may be something to keep in mind.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Includes aloe vera and other soothing ingredients
    • Average thickness and size
    Cons
    • Lingering odor
    • Contains Eucalyptus

    7. TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes for Dogs

    TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes for Dogs

    Wipes per Pack: 50

    The TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes for Dogs are a bit different from other dog ear wipes. They’re scented with coconut, which can be nice if your dog’s ears tend to be stinky (which is often a sign of an ear infection, by the way). However, some people think the smell is a bit too much, and it can be irritating to some dogs, too.

    These wipes are made to be gentle in your pet’s ears so that you can use them daily. They work best if you routinely use them, though. On top of the coconut smell, they contain witch hazel and aloe. If you’ve read our other reviews, you’ll recognize these ingredients—they’re what most dog ear wipes include.

    These wipes only include 50 in a pack, and they’re about the same price as other options. Therefore, per wipe, they are more expensive.

    Pros
    • Scented with coconut
    • Includes witch hazel and aloe vera
    • Gentle enough for daily use
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Smell can be too much for some

    8. Inspire Naturals Plant-Based Dog Grooming Wipes

    Inspire Naturals Plant-Based Dog Grooming Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 50

    As you might notice, Inspire Naturals Plant-Based Dog Grooming Wipes aren’t made only for your dog’s ears. You can use them on your dog’s whole body, which makes them much bigger than most wipes on this list. They’re completely plant-based and gentle, allowing you to use them daily.

    They’re lightly scented, as are most grooming wipes. The scent isn’t terribly strong, but it may still upset those with sensitive noses. Furthermore, some dogs may find the scent irritating. You’ll need to consider your and your dog’s noses.

    The flip-top lid works very well, keeping the wipes moist and easy to reach.

    Pros
    • Large wipes
    • Lightly scented
    • Plant-based and gentle
    Cons
    • No soothing ingredients
    • Scent can be overwhelming for some

    9. Pet MD Advanced Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes

    Pet MD Advanced Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes

    Wipes per Pack: 100

    Unlike most wipes on this list, Pet MD Advanced Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes are medicated and designed specifically to prevent yeast and bacteria buildup. Therefore, they’re a bit stronger than other wipes and not simply botanically based. They’re a more convenient version of the ear flush and ear drops commonly used to prevent ear infections.

    These wipes can be a bit too much for some dogs, though. Not all dogs need “advanced” wipes, and they are more expensive due to all of the added ingredients. Unless you’ve tried other options first or spoken to your vet, you’re likely better off choosing something else.

    Pros
    • Stronger ingredients
    • 100 wipes per pack
    • Lightly scented
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Medicated wipes are not required by most dogs

    10. Nutri-Vet Ear Cleansing Dog Pads

    Nutri-Vet Ear Cleansing Dog Pads

    Wipes per Pack: 90

    Many users reported that the Nutri-Vet Ear Cleansing Dog Pads worked great for their pets. They are made in the USA and are specifically designed to clean your dog’s ears. They eliminate and dissolve wax on top of cleaning other debris. However, the company also claims that the pads are gentle enough for everyday use.

    With that said, the company doesn’t outwardly advertise the ingredients. After some research, we discovered that alcohol is a significant ingredient and the main reason that these pads work. Some dogs may find the alcohol irritating, though. It has a drying effect, which can be good or bad depending on your dog’s needs.

    You can use these pads on dogs of all ages, including puppies. The pads are extremely small, so they work better for smaller dogs. If you have a larger dog, look elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Contains alcohol
    • Very small wipes

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Ear Wipes for Dogs

    When choosing dog ear wipes, there are many things you need to keep in mind. There is no organization that regulates these wipes, so companies can put anything in them. Therefore, you need to pay attention to ingredient lists and other features to ensure they’re safe for your pooch.

    Here are some of the features you need to look for:

    Ingredients

    The first thing you’ll want to look at when choosing dog ear wipes is the ingredients. You want to make sure that the wipes are made with natural ingredients that are safe for your dog’s ears. Avoid wipes that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, as these can irritate your dog’s skin. Some dogs are sensitive to particular ingredients, while others are not.

    Here are some of the ingredients that you’ll commonly find in-ear wipes for dogs:

    Aloe vera:
    This ingredient is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that can help soothe ears. The vast majority of dogs aren’t sensitive to this ingredient, so it’s considered very gentle and safe.
    Witch hazel:
    This natural astringent can help remove dirt, wax, and debris from your dog’s ears. It’s a cleaner that’s much gentler than others out there, which is why it’s so commonly used.
    Chamomile:
    Chamomile is a natural calming agent that can help to soothe and relax your dog’s ears. It also smells good without being overwhelming.
    Yeast extract:
    While not as common as some other ingredients, yeast extract is a natural antifungal agent that helps prevent yeast infections. If your dog commonly gets yeast infections, you may want to look for this ingredient specifically.
    Benzyl alcohol:
    This type of alcohol is a natural cleaner and drying agent. It can kill bacteria and is stronger than most ingredients. However, some dogs may find it irritating.

    Formula

    You want wipes that are made to be used daily. While heavily medicated wipes have their place, cleaning your dog’s ears relies heavily on routine. You need to do it often, or the risk of an infection goes up.

    Look for wipes that explicitly state they’re suitable for everyday use. Most wipes will fit into this category. However, some of the more heavily-medicated options may not. If you feel like you need something stronger than these everyday wipes, speak to your vet.

    owner cleaning his dog ears
    Image Credit: Yavdat, Shutterstock

    Size

    While looking at the number of wipes is important, the size of the wipes matters even more. Most wipes are smaller. They aren’t baby wipe sizes unless you’re purchasing dog wipes designed to be used on your dog’s whole body. If you have a bigger dog, choosing wipes not specifically designed for the ears may be your best option.

    If you have a smaller dog, look for wipes that are specifically designed for the ears.

    It’s often easier to use big wipes on a smaller dog than small wipes on a bigger dog. After all, you don’t want to go through several wipes or potentially lose the wipe in your dog’s ear! Therefore, size is often more important for those with bigger dogs.

    Packaging

    For most products, the packaging doesn’t matter. However, for dog ear wipes, it absolutely does. If the container is poorly designed, the wipes may dry out shortly after you open them. Of course, this isn’t very helpful and can waste money.

    Choose a resealable container. Packaging that looks like what you may find used for baby wipes or home cleaning wipes works well.

    vet cleaning dog ears
    Image Credit: Zivica Kerkez, Shutterstock

    Fragrance

    Some dog ear wipes are scented, while others are not. Generally, we recommend unscented wipes or those that are very lightly scented.

    For one, added fragrances can irritate your dog’s ears. The ingredients that make the formula smell aren’t always the gentlest, especially if your dog already has sensitive ears. Furthermore, the scent can be overwhelming for those with sensitive noses. Dogs often have more sensitive noses than we do. Therefore, if it’s bothering our nose, imagine how our dogs feel.

    Finally, our dogs’ ears shouldn’t stink. If they do, it’s probably because of an underlying problem. Often, ear infections have an odor. Therefore, if your dog’s ears stink, you probably need to take them to the vet, not try to cover them up with perfumes.

    Price

    Most dog ear wipes cost about the same. However, the number and size of the wipes may affect how much you’re getting for your dollar. Just because wipes have a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be more expensive in the long run. If wipes are extra-large and come 100 to a pack, they may end up costing far less.

    Choose something in your price range, but also consider the overall value of the wipes.

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    Conclusion

    There are many dog wipes on the market today. Several of these are designed specifically for dog ears, but you can also use most full-sized dog wipes for ears. This latter category has the benefit of being much bigger (and often cheaper, too).

    We particularly like the Hepper Wash Wipes for this reason. They’re very large, made with only natural ingredients, and gentle enough for everyday use. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you may want to consider the Pet MD Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Dog Ear Wipes. As the name suggests, these wipes are specifically designed for dog ears and made with aloe vera and eucalyptus.

    Hopefully, one of these products works for you!


    Featured Image Credit: Marker Elena, Shutterstock

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