The best ear cleaner for dogs after swimming is a gentle cleanser with a drying agent, and our top pick is the Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution. After a swim, towel-dry your dog’s ears, apply the cleaner, and let it dry out the ear canal so trapped water can’t lead to an infection.
There are a few different options for ear cleaners for dogs, but not all of them are equally effective. Some ear cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage your dog’s delicate ear canal. Others may not be strong enough to break down all the debris that can accumulate in your dog’s ears.
So, what’s the best ear cleaner for dogs after swimming? We’ve done the research to find the best options out there.
Why is it important to clean your dog’s ears after swimming?
Swimming is a great exercise for dogs, but it can also lead to ear infections if their ears are not properly cleaned afterward. The water your dog swam in can contain bacteria that can cause an infection, and the moisture trapped in their ears provides the perfect environment for that bacteria to grow. (1)
For this reason, it’s a good idea to dry and clean your dog’s ears after swimming, even if they don’t seem dirty, unless your vet advises otherwise. This is especially important for dogs with floppy ears, such as retrievers and spaniels, whose ear canals stay damp longer. Some ear cleaners are more effective than others at preventing infections, so it’s important to choose one that will be gentle on your dog’s ears and also effective at breaking down any debris.
5 best ear cleaners for dogs after swimming
Important to note is that you should also dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming (and after cleaning them) to help prevent infections. Bacteria need moisture to grow, so by keeping your dog’s ears dry you can help prevent any infections from taking hold in the first place.
Nonetheless, here are five of the best ear cleaners for dogs after swimming that can help prevent infections and keep your dog’s ears healthy:
At a glance
5 picks, each best at something different
Check priceBest overall
Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution
4.9
Check priceBest for sensitive skin
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
4.8
Check priceBest budget
VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs
4.8
Check priceBest wipes
Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
4.6
Check priceBest for small dogs
VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner
4.6
1Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective ear cleaner for your dog, Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution is a great option. It’s designed to thoroughly cleanse and deodorize your dog’s ears, and it contains drying agents that help keep the ear canal from staying damp.
We especially like that it’s safe for routine use which is perfect if your dog goes swimming a lot. It also dries quickly which helps to prevent any bacteria from taking hold in your dog’s ears.
What we like the most: They mention how their product is especially useful for after swimming.
Pros
- Thoroughly cleans and deodorizes
- Dries quickly
- Safe for routine use
- Affordable
Cons
- N/A!
2Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
If your dog has sensitive skin, Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner is a great option. It’s designed to be gentle on your dog’s ears while still being effective at breaking down any debris.
Even without alcohol, it still dries quickly to help prevent any infections from taking hold. Same as with the previous ear cleaner, this one can also be used for routine cleaning if your dog goes swimming often.
What we like the most: Its glycotechnology formula, which is designed to clean well while being gentle on your dog’s ears.
Pros
- Gentle yet effective
- Dries quickly
- Can be used for routine cleaning
- Safe for dogs with sensitive skin
Cons
- More expensive than some other options
3VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs
Are you looking for an ear cleaner that won’t break the bank? VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs is a great affordable option. It’s designed to clean, deodorize, and dry your dog’s ears, and it also contains aloe vera to help soothe any irritation.
Even though it’s budget-friendly, this ear cleaner is still effective at breaking down any debris and it’s also safe for daily use. We also appreciate that it’s made in the USA in federally regulated manufacturing facilities.
It comes in 2 scents, cucumber melon and sweet pea vanilla. Both are amazing and make your dog’s ears smell great!
What we like the most: It’s budget-friendly while still being effective and safe for daily use.
Pros
- Effective at breaking down debris
- Safe for daily use
- Made in the USA
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the scent
4Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
Instead of using ear cleaners in a liquid form, you may want to try wipes instead. The main benefit of the wipes is that they’re very convenient and easy to use. The best wipes in our opinion are the Pet MD Wipes.
These ear wipes are formulated to gently clean, deodorize, and dry your dog’s ears. They’re also safe for regular use, which makes routine cleaning easy. The best part? There are 100 convenient, disposable ear wipes in each package.
What we like the most: The convenience of the ear wipes.
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
- Safe for regular use
- Formulated to clean, deodorize, and dry your dog's ears
- 100 disposable ear wipes in each package
Cons
- Some dogs may not like having their ears wiped
5VETNIQUE LABS Oticbliss Ear Cleaner
These wipes are specifically made for small dogs and puppies. They’re formulated to gently cleanse, deodorize, and dry your dog’s ears, and they’re safe for regular use.
What we like the most: The wipes are specifically designed for small dogs and puppies.
Pros
- Formulated to cleanse, deodorize, and dry your dog's ears
- Safe for regular use
- Specifically made for small dogs
Cons
- N/A!
How to clean your dog’s ears after swimming
Now you know the best ear cleaners for dogs after swimming, but how do you actually use them? (2) Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Start by drying your dog’s ears with a towel
- Apply the ear cleaner: with a liquid cleaner, lift the ear flap and gently fill the ear canal following the label directions; with wipes, or for a lighter clean, apply it to a cotton ball or pad
- Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds so the cleaner can loosen debris and water (you’ll hear a squishing sound)
- Allow your dog to shake their head to remove any excess ear cleaner
- Gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the entrance of the ear, being careful not to go too deep
- Repeat on the other ear
- Dry your dog’s ears with a towel again and make sure there is no residue left behind
And that’s it! By following these simple steps, you can help to prevent ear infections from developing after your dog goes swimming.
Don’t clean an ear that already looks sore. Call your vet instead if you notice redness, swelling, a bad smell, discharge, frequent head shaking or scratching, a head tilt, or if your dog cries when you touch the ear. These are signs of an ear infection, which needs prescription treatment, and some cleaners can be harmful if the eardrum is damaged. For hard-to-reach folds, you can also use long Q-tips for dog ear cleaning, as long as you don't go deep into the canal.
Final thoughts – Best ear cleaner for dogs after swimming
There you have it! The best ear cleaners for dogs after swimming. By using one of these products, you can help to prevent any ear infections while also keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy. We hope this article was helpful and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect ear cleaner for your dog!
