Best Products for Dog Ear Cleaning & Hair Plucking (No More Infections!) vet Review

Dog Ear Cleaner & Plucking Review: 3 Must-Haves

In this article, I'm sharing my honest review of 3 essential dog ear care products every pet owner should know about. If your dog struggles with dirty ears, excess ear hair, or recurring infections, these tools can be a game changer.

We’ll cover one of the most trusted liquid cleaners, a tool for safe ear hair plucking, and a powder that helps make the process much easier. As a vet and pet content creator, I’ve seen how the right ear care routine can prevent chronic issues in breeds like poodles, schnauzers, and shih tzus.

Let’s break it down!

Should you clean and pluck your dog’s ears?

Plucking isn’t always necessary for every dog, but for some breeds, it’s an important part of hygiene. There is a controversy opinions surrounding this topic, some vet's say that if your dog doesn't have any ear infection and is an healthy ear, yes it can be part of their normal grooming routine. However, in dogs wth conditions like allergies, plucking may cause trauma and potentially leading to infection.

Product Review #1: Epiotic Ear Cleaner by Virbac

Epiotic is one of the most vet-recommended ear cleaners on the market. It’s alcohol-free, which means it won’t sting. It gently removes wax, dirt, and debris while preserving the natural flora of your dog’s ear canal.

Pros:

• Trusted by vets

• Non-irritating and safe for regular use

• Helps reduce odor and moisture

Cons:

• Not medicated (not for active infections)

Use this weekly or after bathing/swimming. Just apply into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear, and let your dog shake. Wipe excess with a cotton pad.

👉 Buy Epiotic on Amazon

Product Review #2: Grip & Strip Ear Hair Removal Tool

This tool makes ear plucking much easier and safer. Its rubber-coated tips give you better grip and precision without hurting your dog. It’s especially helpful in curly-coated breeds with tight ear canals.

Pros:

• Curved, ergonomic design

• Non-slip grip

• Reusable and easy to clean

Cons:

• Not suitable for matted or deeply embedded hair

Use with ear powder for best results.

👉 Buy Grip & Strip on Amazon

Product Review #3: MC Ear Powder

MC Ear Powder is your best friend when it comes to plucking ear hair. It dries the area and gives your fingers or plucking tool a better grip.

Pros:

• Helps grip slippery hair

• Reduces odor and moisture

• Mild scent and gentle formula

Cons:

• Can be messy if overapplied

Sprinkle lightly into the ear canal, massage gently, and begin plucking. A little goes a long way.

👉 Buy MC Ear Powder on Amazon

Verdict: Are These Products Worth It?

Absolutely! For pet parents doing home grooming or just wanting to keep their dog’s ears clean and infection-free, these three tools form a simple, effective routine:

• Epiotic for weekly cleaning

• Grip & Strip for hair removal

• MC Powder to make plucking easier

They’re affordable, vet-tested, and easy to use at home.

If you want to learn more about ear cleaning at home, check out our guide:

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide

You can also explore our related grooming guide: How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog? A Vet Explains

Have questions or need grooming help? Leave a comment or DM us @VetNourish on Instagram!