Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solution for Weekly Maintenance (2026)

Based on peer reviewed veterinary research  ·  For educational purposes only  ·  Updated October 2026  ·  16 min read

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

Disclosure: Vetified makes Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner and Dog Ear Cleaning Wipes. We include them alongside other options and list their downsides too, so keep that in mind as you read.

Prevention is usually easier than treatment. For dogs prone to ear problems, a consistent weekly ear cleaning routine is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce infection frequency and catch early problems before they escalate. But choosing the right maintenance ear cleaning solution is not as simple as grabbing any bottle off the shelf.

The maintenance cleaner you choose should balance several factors: suitable for weekly use without irritating the ear canal, effective enough to dissolve wax and remove debris, and ideally, offers some antimicrobial benefit to keep pathogen populations in check between cleanings. This guide helps you find that balance.

Who Needs Weekly Ear Cleaning?

Not every dog needs the same cleaning schedule. Here is a general guideline for cleaning frequency. For complete details, see our guide on how often to clean your dog's ears.

Weekly cleaning recommended for: Floppy-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labs, Goldens, Beagles), dogs with a history of ear infections, dogs with environmental or food allergies, dogs that swim regularly, and dogs with hairy ear canals (Poodles, Doodle mixes). For breed-specific guidance, see our article on the best ear cleaner for floppy-eared breeds.

Biweekly or monthly cleaning sufficient for: Erect-eared breeds with no history of ear problems, dogs with no allergy history, and dogs that do not swim or get wet frequently.

Two Approaches: Maintenance-Only vs. Dual-Purpose

Ear cleaning products for maintenance fall into two main categories, and understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for your dog's needs.

Maintenance-only cleaners

These products focus on wax dissolution, debris removal, and ear canal hygiene. They use ingredients like docusate sodium (ceruminolytic), salicylic acid (mild antiseptic/drying), and natural soothing agents. They are gentle and effective for keeping healthy ears clean but cannot treat active infections. Examples include Virbac Epiotic Advanced, Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash, and MalAcetic Otic.

Dual-purpose cleaners (treat + maintain)

These products contain active antimicrobial ingredients, and their labels give one frequency for use during a flare and a lower frequency for maintenance. The idea is having one product for both scenarios: more frequent use when an infection flares up, then less frequent maintenance use, as directed on the label. This is particularly practical for dogs with chronic ear problems who cycle between treatment and prevention. Examples include Vetified Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner (made by Vetified) and Curaseb.

Ear Cleaning Solutions for Weekly Maintenance Compared

The products below are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked. Each one gets the same fields so you can compare them. Vetified makes one of them (Vetified Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner); the others are made by other companies.

MalAcetic Otic

Active Ingredients: Acetic Acid, Boric Acid | 8 fl oz

MalAcetic takes an environmental management approach by keeping the ear canal pH low, which is less hospitable to yeast and bacteria. For dogs prone to yeast overgrowth, regular acidification of the ear canal is one way to help keep Malassezia in check before it reaches infection levels. It is generally used for maintenance rather than during active infections.

Good fit for: yeast-prone dogs whose owners want an acidifying maintenance cleaner.

Pros: acidifying approach aimed at yeast-prone ears; widely available.
Cons: not intended for active infections; does not contain an antifungal drug.

Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash

Active Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Aloe Vera | 16 fl oz

Vet's Best uses a plant-based ingredient formula aimed at routine cleaning. It comes in a large bottle, which suits owners who clean weekly. The trade-off is that it does not contain an antifungal or antiseptic drug ingredient.

Good fit for: healthy ears that need routine weekly cleaning with a plant-based formula.

Pros: large 16 fl oz bottle; plant-based ingredients.
Cons: minimal antimicrobial action; not intended for active infections.

Vetified Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner

Vetified makes this product.

Active Ingredients: 0.2% ketoconazole + 0.2% chlorhexidine, 12 fl oz

This is a medicated ear cleaner with directions on the label for use during a flare and for maintenance. In published research, ketoconazole has antifungal activity against Malassezia yeast and chlorhexidine has antiseptic activity against common bacteria. It is steroid free and contains aloe vera. It is an OTC veterinary drug listed on DailyMed (not FDA approved). Use as directed on the label.

Good fit for: dogs with a history of yeast or bacterial ear problems whose owners want one medicated cleaner for flare ups and maintenance.

Pros: contains both an antifungal and an antiseptic; steroid free; one bottle for treatment and maintenance use as directed on the label.
Cons: sold mainly online; the product itself has not been tested in a published clinical study; newer brand; medicated, so more than a dog with healthy ears may need; you must follow the label directions.

Virbac Epiotic Advanced

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Docusate Sodium | 8 fl oz

Virbac Epiotic is a long-established, widely used maintenance ear cleaner. It has a low-pH formula with ceruminolytic (wax-dissolving) ingredients, and the maker describes an anti-adhesive technology intended to reduce microbial attachment to the ear canal lining. For dogs without a history of ear infections who just need routine hygiene, it is a common choice.

Good fit for: dogs without a history of ear infections that need routine wax removal.

Pros: long track record; wax-dissolving ingredients; widely available.
Cons: does not contain an antifungal drug; not intended to treat active infections.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears: Step-by-Step

Proper technique is as important as the right product. Here is the correct weekly cleaning procedure:

1. Gather supplies: Ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze pads, treats for positive reinforcement, and a towel.

2. Warm the solution: Hold the bottle in your hands for a minute or two. Cold solutions cause flinching and make dogs resistant to future cleanings.

3. Lift the ear flap and fill the ear canal with solution until you can see fluid.

4. Massage the base of the ear (the cartilage where it meets the skull) for 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound as the solution works through the canal.

5. Allow your dog to shake. This is natural and helps expel loosened debris. Have the towel ready.

6. Wipe the visible ear with cotton balls, removing any debris and excess solution from the inner ear flap and visible canal opening.

7. Reward your dog with treats and praise. Making ear cleaning a positive experience ensures easier sessions in the future.

Important: Never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal. They can push debris deeper and potentially damage the eardrum.

Signs That Maintenance Is Not Enough

Even with consistent maintenance, infections can still develop. Recognize these signs that indicate you need to step up from maintenance to treatment: head shaking or ear scratching, unusual discharge (dark brown, yellow, or green), strong odor (sweet/musty or foul/rotten), redness or swelling in the ear canal, and pain when the ear is touched. If these signs appear, switch from maintenance frequency (weekly) to treatment frequency (twice daily) with a medicated product, and see your veterinarian if the infection does not improve within 7 to 10 days. For more on home treatment, see our home treatment guide.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears for Weekly Maintenance at Home

Routine weekly cleaning is appropriate for healthy ears, or for ears that have already been checked and cleared by your veterinarian. If the ear is painful, red, swollen or producing heavy discharge, have it examined before starting a cleaning routine.

1. Pick a set day. Choose one consistent day each week, such as bath day, so cleaning becomes routine and is not done more often than needed.
2. Look and smell first. Check the ear flap and canal opening for redness, dark wax buildup or odor. Note any changes so you can spot a developing problem early.
3. Apply the cleaner. Lift the ear flap and gently fill the canal with a dog ear cleaner. For dogs with a history of infections, a dual-action medicated cleaner can be used at maintenance frequency.
4. Massage and let your dog shake. Massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds, then step back and let your dog shake out loosened wax.
5. Wipe the outer ear only. Use cotton balls, gauze or a grooming ear wipe on the visible parts of the ear. Never push cotton swabs into the canal.
6. Keep the schedule steady. Clean once a week, adding an extra cleaning after swimming if needed, and avoid cleaning more than twice weekly outside of active treatment. If odor, discharge or head shaking appears between cleanings, see your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a medicated ear cleaner for routine weekly maintenance?

It depends on the product label. Some medicated ear cleaners, including Vetified Ear Infection Relief + Cleaner, list both a treatment frequency and a maintenance frequency on the label. Follow the label directions, and ask your veterinarian which frequency fits your dog.

Q: Is it possible to clean my dog's ears too often?

Yes. Over-cleaning (more than twice weekly outside of active treatment) can strip the ear canal of protective oils, disrupt the natural microbiome of beneficial organisms, and cause irritation that actually increases susceptibility to infection. Weekly cleaning is sufficient for most dogs, with additional cleaning after swimming or bathing. More frequent cleaning is only appropriate during active infection treatment, under veterinary guidance.

Q: Do I need a separate cleaner and treatment, or can one product do both?

For dogs that rarely get ear infections, a maintenance-only cleaner (like Virbac Epiotic) is sufficient for routine use, with a separate medicated product on hand for occasional infections. For dogs with chronic or recurring ear problems, some owners prefer a dual-purpose medicated cleaner (Vetified makes one) used at the frequencies on its label, so one bottle covers both phases. Ask your veterinarian which approach suits your dog.

Q: What is the best time to clean my dog's ears during the week?

Choose a consistent day and time that works with your schedule so it becomes routine. Many owners clean ears during or after the weekly bath. Avoid cleaning immediately before or after swimming, as the ear canal should not be excessively wet for extended periods. If your dog swims, clean and dry the ears within an hour after swimming, then resume the regular weekly schedule from that point.

Related Reading

• How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Ears?
• Best Ear Cleaners for Dogs with Chronic Infections
• Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Floppy-Eared Breeds
• Dog Ear Flush vs Ear Drops vs Ear Wipes
• Dog Ear Yeast Infection: Complete Treatment Guide
• Dog Ear Infection After Swimming: Prevention Guide
• How to Break the Cycle of Recurring Dog Ear Infections
• Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?

E. Maddens

Founder of Vetified. Develops topical antifungal and antimicrobial formulations for companion animals. Vetified products are listed on DailyMed and made in a compliant facility.