Yeasty itchy ears in dogs are one of the top reasons pet parents visit the veterinarian. Otitis externa, infections of the dog’s outer ear canal from yeast, bacteria, or allergies ranks in the top three reasons according to Today’s Veterinary Practice.

The shape of a dog’s ear canal is part of the reason they are prone to yeast, infection, ear mites, and more. Untreated ear infections can progress to the middle ear (otitis media) and even the inner ear, known as otitis interna.

Never treat your dog’s ear for a suspected infection without having your veterinarian examine the ears first. The ears may need a specific medication or antibiotic, and you never want to compromise the delicate eardrum. We’ll share our top treatments for yeasty, itchy ears in dogs.

anatomy of a dog's ears

Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Treatment for Yeasty, Itchy Dog Ears: 8 Options to Try

Ceaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis may help cut down on buildup and prevent ear infections. Having an effective dog ear cleaner on hand is important.

If you want to clean dirt, debris, and wax from your dog’s ears, an ear cleaner is a must. There are plenty of over-the-counter products that make great at-home options. Here are a few of our favorites.

Best Overall Treatment for Yeasty Itchy Ears in Dogs

Our pick: Advanced Formula ZYMOX Plus Otic Solution

ZYMOX PLUS Advanced Formula for dogs
Buy at Amazon
By at Chewy

The Advanced Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Otic Dog and Cat Ear Infection solution is made without any antibiotics. The brand’s LP3 enzyme system works to inhibit, split, and destroy harmful organisms while keeping healthy cells intact. Made in the USA and ideal for dogs and cats with sensitive or irritated ears, the hydrocortisone gets to work on inflammation relief as the ear heals. This formula is idea for bacterial, fungal and yeast ear infections.

Highlights

  • Helps with repeated infections or infections that won’t resolve on their own
  • Bacteria will not develop a resistance to the LP3 enzymes
  • Cleaning of the ear is not required first
  • Formula includes an additional four biofilm-reducing enzymes to destroy the biofilm slime layer in the ear
  • Made for both acute and chronic otitis externa in dogs and cats
  • Solution is designed not to sting ears

Things to Consider

  • The 1.25-ounce bottle is a bit expensive
  • Must be applied once daily for seven days or per your veterinarian’s instructions

Best Advanced Ear Cleaner for Dogs with Chronic Otitis Externa

Our pick: EpiOtic Advanced Ear Cleanser

Epioptic Advanced ear cleanser for dogs
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

EpiOtic is an established and widely-used brand. It is a good all-around ear cleaner for preventive use. It’s a pH-neutral, non-irritating, gentle product appropriate for regular cleanings and cats with sensitive ears. It dries the ears, removes wax and debris, and deodorizes (using a patented technology), as well as prevents bacteria from forming in the ear canal.

Highlights

  • Ideal for dogs with allergies, floppy-eared dogs, and dogs who swim or get wet often
  • Provides a drying effect
  • Gentle to use daily (non-irritating formula)
  • Cleanses the ear canal with neutral pH
  • Helps remove excessive wax and cellular debri
  • Recommended for dogs with chronic otitis externa 

Things to Consider

  • Designed for the maintenance of healthy ear canals
  • Do not use in ears with ruptured membranes

Best Cleansing and Pre-Treatment Ear Cleaner for Dogs

Our pick: TrizEDTA Flush

TrizEDTA for dogs ears
Buy at Amazon

This ear cleaner has the added benefit of being an antimicrobial. TrizEDTA flush is a great choice that is safe for the ear canal and can help break down any bacteria present. It’s alcohol-free, making it gentle enough to use two to three times per week. It is also ideal for long-term use to clean your dog’s ears.

Highlights

  • Ideal long-term to prevent the recurrence of Pseudomonas infection
  • Can be used with or without veterinarian-prescribed medications (apply one half-hour before antibacterial meds are applied to the ear)
  • Works as both a cleansing and alkalinizing solution
  • Easy to administer formula
  • Made in the USA

Things to Consider

  • Made for dogs and cats
  • Always check with your veterinarian first before using

Best Acetic Boric Acid Based Formula for Yeasty Dog Ears

Our pick: MalAcetic Otic AP

Malacetic otic dog ear cleaner
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

This antimicrobial solution is for mild to moderate bacterial and fungal infections. Made to dry and cleanse the ear, it helps balance the skin surface pH so your dog doesn’t deal with yeast or fungus overgrowth. The patented acetic and boric acid based formulation is often used and recommended by veterinarians.

Highlights

  • Serves as a drying agent for bacterial or fungal ear infections
  • Use as needed or as directed by your dog’s veterinarian
  • Patented medicated formula
  • Easy-to-adminster tip on bottle
  • Sold and recommended by veterinarians

Things to Consider

  • Apple-type scent may linger

Best Silver Honey Formula for Itchy Dog Ears

Our pick: Absorbine Silver Honey Vet Strength Ear Rinse

Yeasty itchy ears in dogs Silver Honey
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

Developed by veterinarians, the Silver Honey Vet Strength Ear Rinse helps with dirt and waxy build-up that can lead to infection. Because it is made without antibiotics, your dog won’t suffer any stinging sensation. Both non-toxic and unscented, this rinse combines MicroSilver BG and medical grade Manuka Honey. Because it is pH balanced, it won’t disrupt the skin but will help fight inflammation.

Highlights

  • Made with manuka honey to moisturize and soothe
  • Developed by veterinarians for use in dogs and cats
  • May help dogs with swimmer’s ear
  • Use as needed or as recommended by your veterinarian
  • Contains no steroids or antibiotics
  • Helps reduce stinky ear smell

Things to Consider

  • The formula is a bit on the sticky side
  • Use in conjunction with other products in the Silver Honey line for pets

Best Ear Wash for Dogs with Hypochorous Acid

Our pick: HICC Pet Dog Ear Cleaner

HICC Pet ear rinse
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

Help relieve itching and prevent further scratching thanks to HICC’s antibacterial dog ear rinse. It removes odors, flushes waxy buildup, and soothes the ear while keeping itching under control. This formula is made with two simple ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid (0.015%) and Deionized Water. It is veterinarian-recommended and contains no oil or fragrance.

Highlights

  • Flexible applicator head allows for easy, quick, ear cleansing
  • Ideal for pets with sensitive ears
  • Safe if licked
  • Uses oxidative decomposition to remove odors
  • Fast-acting state-of-the-art formula
  • Comes with 30 cotton swabs

Things to Consider

  • Made in China
  • A bit on the pricey side

Best Ear Wipes For Itchy Dog Ears

Our pick: Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes

Ear wipes may help yeasty itchy ears in dogs
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

For pet parents who would prefer a convenient wipe for itchy ear maintenance, consider the cucumber-melon scented Pet MD pads. Packaged in a 100-count portable container and made in the USA, each pad is alcohol-free and designed to gently clean your dog’s ears. Simply rub the accessible portion of the ear with the pad as needed.

Highlights

  • Made in the United States in federally regulated manufacturing facilities
  • Veterinarian-approved with aloe vera and eucalyptus to soothe the ears
  • Reduces odor while it works to prevent infection
  • Safe for daily usage
  • Convenient 100-count container

Things to Consider

  • Designed for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks of age
  • For topical use only on outside of ear canal

Best Vet-Strength Ear Drops for Yeast Dog Ears

Our pick: Vetnique Oticbliss

Vetnique Oticbliss ear drops for dogs and cats
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

Gentle yet effective, Vetnique’s medicated ear drops are formulated with MicroSilver BG and 1 percent hydrocortisone for the itching and discomfort that comes with inflammation. Made in the USA and touted as veterinarian-strength, these ear drops are made without alcohol. Each bottle also contains chitosan to help support the gentle ear canal and soften the skin. Consider this product if you’d like to remove wax, discharge, and any dead skin from within your dog’s ears.

Highlights

  • Designed for all life stages of adult dogs
  • Made in the United States
  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Designed to treat active ear infections
  • Should be applied for 7 to 10 days unless recommended otherwise by your veterinarian

Things to Consider

  • Like all ear products, do not use in a ruptured eardrum
  • Not for routine cleaning of the ears

How We Ranked Our Dog Ear Treatments

We also considered the following criteria in narrowing down our top picks of products for yeasty itchy ears in dogs:

Ingredients: Each product on our list contains soothing, healing, and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat yeast, combat itching, or promote overall healthy ears.

Application Method: We included a variety of applicators, tip shapes, and wipes.

User Reviews and Brand Reputation: Positive consumer feedback and a strong brand reputation contribute to each of our selections. These help build trust, influence which ear product you purchase, and ensure your dog is getting the very best products for ear care.

Veterinarian Recommended: We considered if veterinarians recommended the product.

pug smiling with dirty ears

What Are The Different Treatments for Itchy Dog Ears?

Dog Ear Cleaners (also known as Ear Flush): These fluids are intended to flush into an ear for cleaning. Many ear cleaners are available over-the-counter, although your veterinarian may prescribe one.  

Ear Drops for Dogs: If your dog has an ear infection, your veterinarian may prescribe ear drops, to be used in addition to ear cleaner. These ear drops may contain antibiotics, anti-yeast ingredients, and/or a steroid to soothe inflammation. 

Ear Wipes for Dogs: Ear wipes can be a simple way to clean the external portion of a dog’s ear. They look similar to baby wipes, but contain ingredients that are specifically intended to be appropriate for cleaning a dog’s ears.

If you have questions about ear cleaning products, talk to your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.

Where to Learn More About Managing Yeasty Itchy Dog Ears

If your dog suffers from yeasty or dirty ears, here are some additional resources to help: