Dog ear cleaners sold in Canada fall into two groups: liquid rinses that you squeeze into the ear canal, and wipes or drops that clean the outer ear only. They also differ on alcohol, fragrance and how often the label says to use them. The table below sets out what each brand publishes about its own product, so you can compare them side by side.
We are Trueleaf Petcare, and our Cleansing Ear Drops are in the table. Every row is limited to what the brand or a Canadian retailer publishes, and the brands are listed in alphabetical order.
Which ear cleaners for dogs are sold in Canada, and what is in them?
| Product | Where the brand says it is made | Type | Alcohol | Main listed ingredients | How the label says to use it | Price seen (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burt's Bees Ear Cleaner with Peppermint and Witch Hazel, 120 mL | Not stated on the pages we read | Liquid drops into the canal | Yes, denatured alcohol | Water, alcohol, glycerin, citric acid, peppermint oil, witch hazel, tea tree oil | 2 to 4 drops into the ear, massage, twice a week | $12.49, Homes Alive |
| Earthbath Ear Wipes, 30 | Not stated on the pages we read | Wipes, outer ear only | None listed | Water, aloe, cucumber, chamomile, witch hazel, oat, marshmallow root, vitamin E | Wipe away dirt and wax. Do not push into the canal | $14.49, Well.ca |
| Kin+Kind Dog Ear Cleanser, 118 mL | "Made in the USA" | Leave-in dropper liquid | "Alcohol and water-free" | Witch hazel, soapbark extract, tea tree oil (under 1%), aloe | Drip into the canal and massage. Not safe for cats | $19.49, Homes Alive |
| Skout's Honor Probiotic Ear Cleaner, 4 oz | "Made in the USA" | Liquid | "Alcohol and fragrance-free" | Water, triethyl citrate, probiotic blend, aloe, glycerin, avocado oil | Daily or as needed | $13.99, PetSmart.ca |
| TropiClean Dual Action Ear Cleaner, 4 oz | "Made in the USA" | Liquid drops into the canal | Yes, ethyl alcohol | Water, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, ethyl alcohol, acetic acid, oatmeal, boric acid | Two to three times a week, and after baths or swimming | $15.99, Homes Alive |
| Trueleaf Cleansing Ear Drops, 30 mL | Made in Canada by Trueleaf Petcare of Vernon, BC | Oil drops, outer ear | None | Virgin olive oil, Mediterranean oil of oregano | 2 to 3 drops on a cotton ball, then clean the inside of the ear flap | $20.99, trueleaf.com |
| Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash, 4 oz | "Made in the USA" (Pet Valu kit listing) | Liquid wash | "Alcohol free" | Yucca, aloe, chamomile, tea tree oil, clove oil, echinacea | Apply at the canal opening, massage, wipe. Daily or as needed | $16.99, PetSmart.ca |
| Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced, 118 mL | Not stated on the pages we read | Liquid rinse, through vets | Not mentioned | Disodium EDTA, docusate sodium, salicylic acid, PCMX, a sugar complex | Fill the canal, rub the base, wipe. 2 to 3 times a week, up to daily | Sold through vet clinics, no current retail price found |
Prices are what we saw on the named retailer's site on October 20, 2026, using the regular price where an item was on sale. They change often, and every brand may sell other sizes.
Does a healthy dog need its ears cleaned?
Often not. VCA Animal Hospitals says not all dogs need their ears cleaned, and dogs with healthy ears may never need it. It also warns that over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal. Dogs with floppy or hairy ears, dogs that swim often and dogs prone to ear trouble usually benefit from a regular routine. Your vet can tell you how often, if at all.
Canal rinse or outer-ear clean: what is the difference?
- Canal rinses, such as Epi-Otic, Burt's Bees and TropiClean, go into the ear canal. VCA's method is to fill the canal, massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds, let your dog shake, then wipe the outer ear with cotton or gauze. Do not put the bottle tip into the ear.
- Outer-ear products, such as wipes and our ear drops, clean the ear flap and the opening you can see. They suit routine upkeep and dogs that dislike liquid in the ear. They do not reach deep into the canal.
For either type, never use cotton swabs inside the canal. VCA and the Merck Veterinary Manual both say this, because swabs can push wax deeper and damage the canal.
What to look for on the label
- Alcohol. VCA notes that cleaners with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can irritate the ear canal.
- How often. Labels range from twice a week to daily. More is not better on a healthy ear.
- Species. Some cleaners, including those with tea tree oil, say they are not for cats.
- Directions you can follow. Look for a stated amount and method, not only "apply as needed".
When should you see a vet before using any ear cleaner?
VCA and the Merck Veterinary Manual list these signs of an ear problem:
- Head shaking or scratching at the ear
- A bad smell
- Redness, swelling or pain when the ear is touched
- Black, yellow or brown discharge
If you see any of these, see your vet before putting anything in the ear. A deep infection can damage the eardrum, and Merck warns that even products that are safe in a healthy ear can irritate an inflamed one. Your vet needs to check the eardrum is intact.
What does the research say about oil of oregano for ears?
Our ear drops use oil of oregano, so we checked. A 2017 lab study tested oregano oil against germs collected from dogs and cats with ear infections and found strong activity against yeast, but not against every type of bacteria. That was a lab test, not a trial in dogs, and the authors say essential oils cannot always replace medicine. We found no controlled trial of oregano oil in dogs' ears. That is why we make our drops for routine cleaning of the outer ear, and not for an ear that already has a problem.
Where does Trueleaf fit?
Trueleaf Petcare is a Vernon, BC company that makes veterinarian-formulated products for dogs and cats. Cleansing Ear Drops are two ingredients: virgin olive oil and Mediterranean oil of oregano. They help support regular ear cleaning. Put 2 to 3 drops on a cotton ball and wipe the inside of the ear flap. There is no alcohol, and nothing goes into the canal. The 30 mL bottle is made for dogs.
Common questions
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
Only as often as your vet recommends. Many healthy dogs need little or no cleaning. Dogs that swim or have floppy ears may need a weekly routine.
Can I use olive oil on its own?
Ask your vet first. Home remedies can irritate an ear that is already inflamed, and Merck advises against home mixtures such as vinegar solutions.
Can I use a dog ear cleaner on my cat?
Only if the label says it is for cats. Some dog cleaners contain ingredients that are not safe for cats. Our ear drops are made for dogs.
Why does my dog shake its head after cleaning?
Shaking after a rinse is normal, and it helps bring loosened wax to the surface. Shaking that goes on, or comes with pain or a smell, is a reason to see your vet.
Product details checked on October 20, 2026, from each brand's website or the Canadian retailer named in the table. Labels change, so check the pack before you buy.
