7 Best Ear Cleaners For Goldendoodles 2023

As pet parents, we have all seen our Goldendoodles scratching away at their ears. The reality is, that as much as you groom and spoil your best four-legged friend, dogs are still prone to contract ear infections, causing terrible itching and discomfort.

Knowing when your Goldendoodle’s ear scratching is simply harmless wax build-up, or something more serious requiring the vet’s attention, can help you keep your pup comfortable and healthy.

If your Goldendoodle’s ears seem sore or smell less-than-fresh, don’t panic! We’re here to help you learn about the best ear cleaner for Goldendoodles so they can be back in tip-top shape in no time.

 

The Best Ear Cleaner For Goldendoodles

These ear cleaners are specially formulated to be gentle and effective, using natural ingredients that won’t irritate your pup’s sensitive ears. Whether your Goldendoodle has a history of ear infections or you simply want to keep their ears clean and healthy, any ear cleaner below is a great choice for any pup.

1. Best ear cleaner for Goldendoodles overall: Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is a medicated treatment formulated to combat dog ear infections. Its ingredients are aimed at reducing biotic-resistant microorganisms, which invade your dog’s, ears, crawl into their earlobes and settle into the smallest creases of their ears.

It contains an ear infection-killing hydrocortisone solution of 1%, a veterinarian-strength formula. Despite this, it’s gentle on your pet’s skin, so this ear treatment is perfectly powerful and will give your pup’s ear instant relief from the discomfort caused by an ear infection.

It also contains biofilm-reducing ingredients that will focus on penetrating biofilm, a substance that forms in the ear and causes or leads to infections.

The simple application makes it easy for any pet owner to use, and it can be applied every seven days for the treatment and prevention of recurring, unwanted ear infections.

2. Best for chronic infections: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Dog Ear Cleaner

VirbacEpi-Otic Advanced is an epic solution that will help to clean dog ears and remove dirt, excess water, and wax that build up over time.

If your dog loves swimming and splashing around, then water is bound to infiltrate its ears.
Even though we try to keep their ears dry and as clean as possible, infections and irritations occur more often than we can control.

The great thing about the solution is that it can be used daily if needed to treat an active ear infection or two or three times a week for maintenance.

The solution is antiseptic and contains salicylic acid, a fantastic solution for cleaning out your dog’s ears and treating chronic ear infections.

It has a neutral pH balance, which promotes your ear health and can be used in conjunction with any other medications.

The solution has a patented anti-odor technology; an ear infection can cause an unpleasant smell, but this is done away with by using Virbac Epi-Otic.

It is a dermatologically-tested product and is guaranteed to make your pet’s ears stand up and be ready to listen to your loving commands! One word of warning – please consult your veterinarian before usage as you can’t use this product if your dog has a ruptured eardrum.

3. Best natural product: EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner

As the name suggests, EcoEars is an eco-friendly, all-natural product.

It helps dry out any moisture in your Groodle’s ears, soothing any irritation, itching, and smells caused by an ear infection.

All pet parents want clean dog ears and EcoEars is here to help you by removing visible dirt and cleaning dirty ear discharge and ear wax. Its natural ingredients are soothing to sensitive skin – your pup will love you for using this ear cleaner!

EcoEars can be used on Doodles in all life stages, at any age, and is a safe solution to clear irritation and bring comfort to ears. The application is quick and includes a 10 to 15 day program which allows you to continuously use this product for persistent problems.

4. Best for yeast infections: MalAcetic Otic Cleanser for Dogs

MalAcetic Otic Cleanser for Dogs looks after the pH balance in your Goldendoodle’s ear canal. Maintaining the optimum pH balance will keep your pet’s ears healthy and irritant-free.

The pH in your Goldendoodle’s ear has to be at the correct level for sustained health and the prevention of fungal and yeast infections. So, the right pH will help reduce any unwanted bacteria in your pet’s ear – these bacteria cannot survive and cause an ear infection if the conditions aren’t right.

To make it even better, it has a clean, refreshing apple fragrance! This is a medically formulated antiseptic cleanser for your dog’s ears, which focuses on fungal and bacterial skin conditions with its antibacterial ingredients.

5. Best for odor reduction: Vet Basics General Ear Cleaner

Vet Basics General Ear Cleaner is great for smelly ears! With a pleasant scent, your doggy will not only have happy, healthy ears but also smell sweet with the deodorizing benefits of this product.

It contains specially formulated ingredients to combat either a bacterial or fungal ear infection, acting as a medicinal treatment for irritated ears.

6. Best non-medicated: OtiRinse Ear Cleansing/Drying Solution for Dogs

Excess wax, dirt, dust, and ear mites can make their way into your Goldendoodle’s ears, creating irritation and redness from scratching. Otirinse Ear Cleansing/Drying Solution works to drown out the irritants and effectively keep the dirt out.

This trusted rinsing solution is excellent for gently grooming ears; it’s not medicated and can be purchased easily online. The wax-dissolving properties will keep unwanted ear infections at bay, and the lovely fragrance means stinky ears are a thing of the past!

The drying solution is fantastic for the prevention of future ear problems. It will keep your dog’s ear canal free of any debris and reduce moisture to keep it dry and clean.

7. Best ear wipes: Pet MD Dog Aloe Vera & Eucalyptus Ear Wipes

If using the above ear preparations sounds like something you’d rather avoid, ear wipes are a great alternative to use as dog ear cleaners. They’re convenient to use and still work great at preventing an ear infection from developing.

Eucalyptus is used as an essential oil in this ear cleaner; it has soothing effects that will comfortably remove any dust, dirt, and excess wax from your Goldendoodle’s cute furry ears.

The cucumber-melon scented Pet MD dog wipes have soothing aloe, a pleasant scent, and have been vet-approved for use in your dog’s ears. In fact, Pet MD uses a scientifically advanced aloe vera formula that has been tested for quality assurance. It has been manufactured in the USA since 2002.

This ear cleaner couldn’t be easier to use. Simply rub your dog’s ear with the wipe to remove any dirt, debris, and excess wax build-up. They can be used daily, and are safe for dogs of all ages and stages, as long as your puppy is 12 weeks or older.

 

Choosing the Best Ear Cleaner for Goldendoodles: Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best ear cleaner for Goldendoodles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the ear cleaner you choose is safe and effective for your pup. Here are some other factors the team at BarksInThePark suggests you consider when making your selection:

Ingredients

When it comes to choosing an ear cleaner for your Goldendoodle, the ingredients are an important factor to consider. Look for an ear cleaner that uses natural, gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your pup’s ears. Some common ingredients in ear cleaners include:

• Witch hazel: A natural astringent that can help to dry out excess moisture in the ears.

• Aloe vera: A soothing ingredient that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation.

• Tea tree oil: A natural antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that can help to keep your Doodle’s ears clean and healthy.

• Chamomile: A gentle, calming ingredient that can help to reduce inflammation and soothe your pup’s ears.

Avoid ear cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, as these can irritate your Goldendoodle’s sensitive ears. The exact opposite of what you’re hoping to achieve!

Speed

The speed at which ear cleaners work is also an important factor to consider. Some ear cleaners require a longer contact time than others, which can be a challenge if your Goldendoodle isn’t patient at having their ears cleaned!

Look for an ear cleaner that works quickly and effectively, without the need for a long contact time. This will help to make the ear cleaning process as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your pup, and ensure they have healthy ears again in no time.

Smell

The smell of an ear cleaner can be an important factor to consider, both for you and your Goldendoodle. Some ear cleaners have a strong odor, which can be off-putting and unpleasant.

Look for an ear cleaner with a mild or pleasant scent, as this will help mask any stinky smells coming from your Doodle’s infected or dirty ears.

Dosage

When it comes to using ear cleaners, the dosage is an important factor to consider. Check the recommended dosage for the ear cleaner you’re using, and make sure it’s appropriate for your Goldendoodle’s size.

Using too much ear cleaner can be harmful to your pup’s ears, while using too little may not be effective. It’s also best to choose a product that doesn’t require too many applications. If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll surely agree that cleaning your dog’s ears is no easy task – the less often you have to do it, the better!

 

Homemade Remedies For Your Goldendoodle’s Ears

While the products above will be the most effective, you can also try home remedies to rid your Doodle of ear conditions. These are ideal if you’re in a pinch and the pet store is closed and you need something to try quickly.

Witch hazel

Try witch hazel as a natural remedy; it’s natural and has been proven to be a fantastic ear aid for both humans and dogs!

Apple cider vinegar solution

Apple cider vinegar which has been diluted with green tea (add 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to the tea), and mixed with five drops of calendula tincture is great for natural ear cleaning.

Once the solution has cooled off, use a syringe to add one or two drops to your dog’s vertical ear canal.

Essential oils

A solution of essential oils that have been diluted with green tea is another ideal cure for an ear infection. You can try a combination of lavender, copaiba, and frankincense essential oils. A few drops of each of these diluted with some water is a quick and easy natural remedy that you can make at home.

 

How To Clean A Goldendoodle’s Ears

There’s a simple four-step easy ear cleaning process for pet parents to follow with the dog ear cleaners we recommended above:

1. Start by pre-cleaning your dog’s ear exterior with cotton wool or a cotton pad.

2. Then lay your doggy down on its side, lift its earlobe, and squirt the product to fill the ear canal. Or, you can add a few drops of the ear cleaner onto cotton wool or a cotton pad then use the moistened cotton to wipe the interior of your dog’s ear.

3. Softly press at the base of your dog’s ear to gently massage the ear solution into the ear canal. You want to hear the liquid squishing around, and then allow your pup to shake its ear to rid it of any excess solution.

4. Use cotton balls to gently wipe away and absorb any residue and continue the process until there is no waxy debris left. Ears cleaned!

    

Why Cleaning Your Goldendoodle’s Ears is Essential

Regularly cleaning your Doodle’s ears is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. Failure to do so can result in ear infections, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss if left untreated. Did you know that ear infections can even cause other health issues, such as skin irritation and a weakened immune system?

Goldendoodles are especially prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which trap moisture and create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Regular cleaning of your Doodle’s ears can help prevent ear infections by removing excess wax and debris that can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.

Not only does regular cleaning of the ears help prevent infections, but it can also alert you to any potential problems before they become more serious. By inspecting your Groodle’s ears regularly, you can identify any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or a foul odor, and take action before the infection spreads.

In fact, the same goes for any routine grooming procedures – it’s great to get into these habits so you can learn what’s normal for your dog and when you might need to see your vet. If you notice when brushing your dog’s teeth that their breath could be fresher or their gums are a bit red, why not check out the best dental chews for Goldendoodles?

 

FAQs

What can I clean my Goldendoodle’s ears with?

Any of the products listed above are ideal for keeping your Doodle’s ears clean and free from infections. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, then simply cleaning it with a cleansing solution might not be enough to combat the fungi-building bacteria associated with ear infections. Don’t hesitate to see a vet if your dog appears to be in pain and these cleaners aren’t working.

Should I clean my Goldendoodle’s ears?

Yes, although they look adorable, Goldendoodles’ floppy ears are a trap for moisture and bacteria. Yeast also thrives in this dark, damp environment. Clean your dog’s ears once a month or so to keep them clean and healthy, even if your dog isn’t showing signs of infection.

What is the best vet-recommended dog ear cleaner?

The Virbac Epi-Otic ear cleaner is often recommended by vets and is also one of our favorites. It’s ideal for both treating an ear infection and regular, preventative cleaning. The powerful, fast-acting formula will have your Groodle happy again in no time.

Do Goldendoodles get a lot of ear infections?

Unfortunately, yes. Dogs with floppy ears are particularly prone to ear infections. Added to this, their thick, dense coats means that their ears are covered in hair. Although hair keeps out dirt, it also keeps in dirt and water once they get in your dog’s ears.