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Top 5 Ear Cleaning Solutions for Dogs in Canada 2025: Expert Guide to Safe, Vet-Recommended Liquid Cleansers for Sensitive Ears

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Liquid ear cleansers and rinses designed for routine removal of wax, debris, and mild odors are essential tools in canine hygiene. Available as saline, enzymatic, and antiseptic formulas, these products help maintain ear hygiene, reduce the risk of infection, and keep dogs comfortable between veterinary visits. Canadian consumers increasingly choose solutions that are gentle, alcohol-free, and backed by veterinary guidance, with preferences driven by ingredient transparency, ease of application (drops versus wipes), proven effectiveness for common issues like wax buildup and mild odor, and availability through Canadian retailers and veterinarians. For many owners, priorities include formulations suited to sensitive or floppy-eared breeds, clear usage instructions, and options that balance natural ingredients with clinical efficacy.

Quick Menu

1. Best Antimicrobial Treatment

2. Best Professional-Grade Cleaner

3. Best Natural Ingredients

4. Best for Quick Cleanups

5. Best Gentle & Natural

1
BEST ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment

Pet King Brands

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is best-in-class for dogs with recurring or active ear infections thanks to its enzymatic LP3 system that targets bacteria, yeast, and fungi without relying on traditional antibiotics. It tends to be pricier than routine cleaners on this list but often reduces the need for prescription drugs and vet follow-ups, making it a technically stronger option for infection control compared with foaming cleansers and wipes. For owners focused on resolving stubborn infections, Zymox offers a clinically oriented alternative to maintenance products like TropiClean wipes or Burt's Bees gentle cleansers.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Enzyme-powered bio-ninjas

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Enzyme-powered bio-ninjas

  • Rapid itch relief

Review Summary

88%

"Users frequently report rapid improvement in chronic ear infections and reduced itching; it's praised as very effective though pricier than many alternatives and some dogs resist application."

  • Vet-approved champion

  • LP3 enzymatic system helps control bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the ear

  • Vet-approved champion

  • LP3 enzymatic system helps control bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the ear

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is best-in-class for dogs with recurring or active ear infections thanks to its enzymatic LP3 system that targets bacteria, yeast, and fungi without relying on traditional antibiotics. It tends to be pricier than routine cleaners on this list but often reduces the need for prescription drugs and vet follow-ups, making it a technically stronger option for infection control compared with foaming cleansers and wipes. For owners focused on resolving stubborn infections, Zymox offers a clinically oriented alternative to maintenance products like TropiClean wipes or Burt's Bees gentle cleansers.

  • Enzyme-powered bio-ninjas

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Vet-approved champion

  • LP3 enzymatic system helps control bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the ear

  • OTC topical formula designed for short-course treatment of otic infections

  • Enzyme-powered bio-ninjas

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Vet-approved champion

  • LP3 enzymatic system helps control bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the ear

  • OTC topical formula designed for short-course treatment of otic infections

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From 32.49$
2
BEST PROFESSIONAL-GRADE CLEANER

Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner

Epi-Otic (Virbac)

Epi-Otic Advanced is a market-leading veterinary ear cleanser prized for its gentle, non-irritating, foaming formula and widespread clinical use, making it a go-to choice for routine cleans and pre-treatment prep. While it is not marketed as an antimicrobial cure like Zymox, its strong debris- and wax-removal performance and cost-effective multi-use bottles give it a technical and financial advantage for regular vet-recommended maintenance. Compared with botanical or wipe-based products on this list, Epi-Otic strikes a balance between clinical effectiveness and everyday affordability for dog ear care.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Gentle non-irritating

  • Deep cleansing action

  • Gentle non-irritating

  • Deep cleansing action

Review Summary

86%

"Vets and owners like it for thorough, non‑irritating cleaning and reliable odor control; a minority note it can sting if the ear is raw or has open wounds."

  • Clinic-grade calm

  • Alcohol-free, non-irritating cleanser that helps remove wax and debris

  • Clinic-grade calm

  • Alcohol-free, non-irritating cleanser that helps remove wax and debris

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Epi-Otic Advanced is a market-leading veterinary ear cleanser prized for its gentle, non-irritating, foaming formula and widespread clinical use, making it a go-to choice for routine cleans and pre-treatment prep. While it is not marketed as an antimicrobial cure like Zymox, its strong debris- and wax-removal performance and cost-effective multi-use bottles give it a technical and financial advantage for regular vet-recommended maintenance. Compared with botanical or wipe-based products on this list, Epi-Otic strikes a balance between clinical effectiveness and everyday affordability for dog ear care.

  • Gentle non-irritating

  • Deep cleansing action

  • Clinic-grade calm

  • Alcohol-free, non-irritating cleanser that helps remove wax and debris

  • Acidic formulation helps restore and maintain healthy ear pH

  • Gentle non-irritating

  • Deep cleansing action

  • Clinic-grade calm

  • Alcohol-free, non-irritating cleanser that helps remove wax and debris

  • Acidic formulation helps restore and maintain healthy ear pH

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$18-28 CAD

3
BEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash

Vet's Best

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash positions itself as a plant-derived, gentle ear cleaner that appeals to owners seeking natural ingredient profiles and soothing action for sensitive dogs. It is generally more affordable than specialty enzymatic treatments and offers a softer option than strong clinical cleaners, though it may be less effective for active infections than Zymox or professional vet products. As a middle-ground solution, Vet's Best is a budget-friendly maintenance choice that complements stronger antimicrobials and is preferable to wipes when a deeper rinse is needed.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Herbal soothing hug

  • Odor-banishing botanicals

  • Herbal soothing hug

  • Odor-banishing botanicals

Review Summary

80%

"Owners appreciate the natural, gentle formula and pleasant scent for routine maintenance, but many say it's less effective on heavy wax buildup or active infections."

  • Pup-friendly scent

  • Plant-based cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E

  • Pup-friendly scent

  • Plant-based cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash positions itself as a plant-derived, gentle ear cleaner that appeals to owners seeking natural ingredient profiles and soothing action for sensitive dogs. It is generally more affordable than specialty enzymatic treatments and offers a softer option than strong clinical cleaners, though it may be less effective for active infections than Zymox or professional vet products. As a middle-ground solution, Vet's Best is a budget-friendly maintenance choice that complements stronger antimicrobials and is preferable to wipes when a deeper rinse is needed.

  • Herbal soothing hug

  • Odor-banishing botanicals

  • Pup-friendly scent

  • Plant-based cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E

  • Formulated to soothe irritation and help remove dirt and wax buildup

  • Herbal soothing hug

  • Odor-banishing botanicals

  • Pup-friendly scent

  • Plant-based cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E

  • Formulated to soothe irritation and help remove dirt and wax buildup

Order Now

$12-20 CAD

4
BEST FOR QUICK CLEANUPS

TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes

Tropiclean

TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes are a convenience-focused, low-cost option ideal for daily upkeep, quick odor control, and on-the-go cleanings between more thorough washes. They are not a substitute for enzymatic or vet-grade liquid treatments for infections, but their per-use affordability and portability make them the most practical choice for routine spot cleaning compared with bottled cleaners. For owners who prioritize simplicity and travel-ready care, TropiClean wipes complement clinical products like Epi-Otic or Zymox rather than replacing them.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Pocket-ready cleanup

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Pocket-ready cleanup

  • No-rinse convenience

Review Summary

83%

"Convenient and effective for surface debris and daily upkeep with most dogs tolerating them well; however, they don't replace liquid cleaners for deep cleaning and some report a slight residue."

  • Tropical scent boost

  • Pre-moistened wipes for convenient, single-step ear cleaning on the go

  • Tropical scent boost

  • Pre-moistened wipes for convenient, single-step ear cleaning on the go

Time-Saving Convenience

TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes are a convenience-focused, low-cost option ideal for daily upkeep, quick odor control, and on-the-go cleanings between more thorough washes. They are not a substitute for enzymatic or vet-grade liquid treatments for infections, but their per-use affordability and portability make them the most practical choice for routine spot cleaning compared with bottled cleaners. For owners who prioritize simplicity and travel-ready care, TropiClean wipes complement clinical products like Epi-Otic or Zymox rather than replacing them.

  • Pocket-ready cleanup

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Tropical scent boost

  • Pre-moistened wipes for convenient, single-step ear cleaning on the go

  • Helps remove surface wax and neutralize odor without rinsing

  • Pocket-ready cleanup

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Tropical scent boost

  • Pre-moistened wipes for convenient, single-step ear cleaning on the go

  • Helps remove surface wax and neutralize odor without rinsing

Order Now
From 24.27$
5
BEST GENTLE & NATURAL

Burt's Bees Care Plus+ Ear Cleaner

BURT'S BEES FOR PETS

Burt's Bees Care Plus+ Ear Cleaner brings a soap-free, naturally inclined formulation from a well-known personal-care brand, offering gentle cleaning and good value for regular home use. It sits between botanical washes like Vet's Best and clinical rinses like Epi-Otic: gentler than vet-grade antiseptics but more substantial than single-use wipes, which makes it a solid everyday option for dogs with mild sensitivity. Financially it competes well on price-per-use while providing a recognizable natural-brand assurance for owners focused on gentler ear care.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Gentle natural formula

  • Alcohol-free clean

  • Gentle natural formula

  • Alcohol-free clean

Review Summary

84%

"Popular for a gentle, natural formula that cleans routine buildup without harsh chemicals, but several reviewers say it's not strong enough to clear persistent infections."

  • Bee-approved gentle

  • Made with mostly natural ingredients and a pH-balanced, gentle formula

  • Bee-approved gentle

  • Made with mostly natural ingredients and a pH-balanced, gentle formula

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Burt's Bees Care Plus+ Ear Cleaner brings a soap-free, naturally inclined formulation from a well-known personal-care brand, offering gentle cleaning and good value for regular home use. It sits between botanical washes like Vet's Best and clinical rinses like Epi-Otic: gentler than vet-grade antiseptics but more substantial than single-use wipes, which makes it a solid everyday option for dogs with mild sensitivity. Financially it competes well on price-per-use while providing a recognizable natural-brand assurance for owners focused on gentler ear care.

  • Gentle natural formula

  • Alcohol-free clean

  • Bee-approved gentle

  • Made with mostly natural ingredients and a pH-balanced, gentle formula

  • Designed to lift dirt and wax while minimizing irritation

  • Gentle natural formula

  • Alcohol-free clean

  • Bee-approved gentle

  • Made with mostly natural ingredients and a pH-balanced, gentle formula

  • Designed to lift dirt and wax while minimizing irritation

Order Now
From 24.59$

What the Research Says About Ear Cleansers and Canine Ear Health

Scientific and clinical findings support routine ear cleaning as a useful component of ear care when done correctly and tailored to the dog’s needs. Research and veterinary clinical experience indicate that appropriate ear cleansers can reduce cerumen (ear wax) buildup, lower surface microbial counts, and help manage early signs of irritation. Different formula classes serve different roles: saline and cerumenolytic agents help loosen and flush debris, enzymatic systems break down proteinaceous deposits and can limit biofilm persistence, and antiseptic formulations reduce surface bacteria and yeast when not contraindicated. Importantly, evidence and veterinary guidelines emphasize that cleansers are an adjunct to, not a replacement for, veterinary diagnosis and treatment when infection or pain is suspected.

Routine cleaning with gentle saline or cerumenolytic solutions helps remove wax and debris and can improve topical medication delivery when needed.

Enzymatic cleansers, including those with lysozyme or lactoperoxidase systems, are designed to break down organic material and may reduce substrate that supports microbial growth.

Antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine or other mild antimicrobials can reduce bacterial and yeast counts on the ear surface; however, these should be used according to veterinary guidance to avoid irritation.

Clinical guidance stresses avoiding alcohol- or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners in many cases because they can dry and irritate the ear canal, especially in dogs with inflammation or thin/fragile skin.

If a dog shows pain, heavy discharge, redness, swelling, or recurring problems, peer-reviewed veterinary literature and practice standards recommend a veterinary exam before continuing self-administered cleaning.

In the Canadian context, owners can find effective, vet-friendly options for routine ear maintenance. The main products covered on this page — Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment, Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash, TropiClean Ear Cleaning Wipes, and Burt's Bees Care Plus+ Ear Cleaner — represent a mix of enzymatic, antiseptic, and convenient wipe formats to suit different dogs and owner preferences. For broad-spectrum home use with strong enzymatic action and solid clinical reputation, Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment stands out as the best single choice among the five for many pet owners, while the other four remain excellent alternatives depending on sensitivity, format preference, and price. I hope you found what you were looking for — use the search to narrow by formula type, scent-free options, or vet-recommended picks to refine or expand your results.

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