Fur maintained, check. Teeth cleaned, check. Nails cut, check. But how about ear cleaning with dog ear cleaning solutions?
Sometimes, ear cleaning is one neglected but essential part of your Shiba Inu’s grooming routine. Unfortunately, ear infections are common in dogs, and these are caused by different factors, including wax buildup and moisture that grows bacteria and yeast.
However, these can all be avoided if you clean your Shiba’s ear when needed. To effectively clean the ear, you need dog ear cleaning solutions, specifically those recommended by veterinarians.
What to look for in dog ear cleaning solutions
To make sure you are keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy, there are a few things you should look for when buying dog ear cleaning solutions.
Recommended by veterinarians
There are a lot of homemade dog ear cleaning solutions online. These are indeed cheaper since ingredients can mostly be found in your kitchen. However, these have not undergone extensive testing, and some components can harm or irritate your dog’s ears.
So only use dog ear cleaning solutions your veterinarian recommends.
Choose liquid ear cleaners instead of wipes
Liquid ear cleaners are more recommended than wipes because they are more effective.
A dog’s ear canal is long, narrow, and has a right-angle shape, so wipes aren’t able to reach down to it and effectively clean it.
On the other hand, liquid cleaners get out all of the debris by allowing owners to squirt it into the canal, massage the base of the ears, and let the dog shake the dirt out.
However, if your dog is not comfortable with ear cleaning with liquid cleaners or is new to it, dog ear wipes are a good choice for starters.
Dog-safe ingredient
Check the labels first and make sure all ingredients are safe for dogs.
The ingredients will also tell you what the cleaner does. For example:
- Salicylic acid and lactic acid. These are antimicrobial and prevent yeast or mild bacterial infections.
- Hydrocortisone. Helps fight itchiness.
- Ketoconazole. An antifungal treatment.
Know what your dog needs
Some cleaners are made for specific ear cleaning needs. Some cleaners are better at removing was, while others are suited for drying an ear after swimming. Others also lean more towards preventing yeast, bacteria, or fungi.
You can consult your veterinarian to know what your dog needs the most.
The Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions
It is important only to use dog ear cleaning solutions that your veterinarian recommends. This is because while homemade cleaning solutions are cheaper and more convenient, they might contain harmful ingredients to your Shiba Inu.
We’ve listed the best dog ear cleaning solutions recommended by vets.
For Multiple Symptoms: Great Ears Multi-Symptom Dog Ear Cleaner
Some dog ears just have it all. Dirty, smelly, and itchy. The good news is the Great Ears Multi-Symptom Dog Ear Cleaner solves all three issues in one cleaner.
This product is made with plant-based ingredients from the USA. It is free of alcohol, sulfates, phosphates, and irritating chemicals.
This dog ear cleanser is designed for dogs with floppy ears like the Spaniels, Poodles, Basset Hounds, Beagles, and more. This mild solution can be used for regular cleaning to prevent wax buildup, infections, and yeast and can be used for all ages and puppies over 12 weeks.
It has an ergonomically designed bottle tip, making it easier to put into a dog’s ear.
For Drying: Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleaner
The Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleaner is our pick for the best dog ear cleaning solution for drying.
This product is safe to use even when there is no infection or before applying ear medications. It consists of drying agents like salicylic acid that help keep the ear canals dry and prevent ear infections. It’s a good item, especially when your dog likes swimming.
It works in both cleansing and drying the ears.
For Bacterial Infections: MalAcetic Otic Cleanser
Veterinarians love the MalAcetic Otic Cleanser because it is effective against bacterial infections. It is formulated with acetic and boric acid that helps with pH balance on the surface of the dog’s ear.
It has antimicrobial properties that prevent and treat milk to moderate bacterial infections.
For Maintenance: Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution
The Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution is a trusted product in the veterinary industry. It is used in animal hospitals and is from a trusted brand.
It is an ear cleansing solution made with ingredients that reduce inflammation. In addition, it contains safe dog ingredients like aloe vera, which moisturizes dry ears. Long-time users of this product can attest that it effectively cleans their dog’s ears.
What to look for in dog ear cleaning solutions
The best dog ear cleaning solutions recommended by vets
