If your dog is constantly scratching their ears, shaking their head or developing waxy, smelly ears, choosing the right ear cleaner can make a big difference to their everyday ear-care routine.

Two popular options for UK dog owners are Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff and Otodine Ear Solution.

Both are designed to help keep ears clean, but they are very different products. Ear Stuff is a natural, oil-based ear cleaner designed for gentle routine care, while Otodine contains chlorhexidine and Tris-EDTA and is often used as part of a more targeted ear-care routine.

So, which is right for your dog?

Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff: Natural Ear Care for Itchy, Waxy & Sensitive Ears

Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff is a natural oil-based ear cleaner designed to help soften wax, soothe dry or irritated skin and make everyday ear cleaning easier.

Its formula contains:

• Black seed oil (Nigella sativa)
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil

Rather than flushing the ear with a large amount of liquid, only a small quantity of Ear Stuff is needed.

How Ear Stuff Works

The oils help soften stubborn wax and debris, allowing it to move naturally towards the outer ear where it can be gently wiped away.

Black seed and coconut oils are also commonly used in natural skin-care formulations, while olive oil helps soften accumulated wax.

Because Ear Stuff is oil based, it can be particularly useful for dogs that dislike traditional liquid ear cleaners.

Ear Stuff Is Best Suited To:

• Itchy or irritated ears
• Waxy ears
• Mild odour associated with wax build-up
• Sensitive ears
• Routine ear cleaning
• Dogs that dislike liquid ear flushes
• Ongoing ear maintenance

If your dog has painful, inflamed ears or obvious discharge, however, speak to your vet before using an ear cleaner.

Shop Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff

Otodine Ear Solution: Chlorhexidine & Tris-EDTA Ear Cleaner

Otodine is a liquid ear-cleaning solution containing chlorhexidine digluconate and Tris-EDTA.

It is frequently used as part of ear-care routines for dogs with problem-prone ears and may be recommended before prescribed ear medication.

How Otodine Works

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic ingredient used in many veterinary products.

Tris-EDTA is included to support the cleansing action of the formula, particularly where microbial overgrowth may be involved.

The liquid also helps remove accumulated wax and debris from the ear canal.

Otodine May Be Better Suited To:

• Dogs with recurring ear problems
• More substantial wax and debris
• Veterinary-directed ear cleaning
• Preparing the ear before prescribed medication
• Dogs requiring a traditional liquid ear cleanser

If your dog has an active infection, Otodine or any other ear cleaner should not replace veterinary assessment and treatment.

PDSA advises that ear infections in dogs can involve bacteria or yeast and are often linked to underlying problems such as allergies, ear mites or excess wax. PDSA

Ear Stuff vs Otodine: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Is Better for Yeast-Prone Dog Ears?

This depends on what is actually causing the problem.

A dog with slightly waxy, itchy or sensitive ears may benefit from a gentle product such as Ear Stuff as part of routine ear hygiene.

However, a true yeast infection is different from ordinary wax build-up.

PDSA explains that ear infections can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria and may cause symptoms including:

• Head shaking
• Scratching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Strong odour
• Discharge

If those signs are present, your dog should be examined by a vet rather than simply trying different ear cleaners. PDSA

Your vet may need to examine a sample from the ear to determine whether yeast, bacteria or another problem is responsible.

Ear Stuff for Mild, Waxy or Sensitive Ears

For dogs that mainly struggle with:

• Wax build-up
• Mild itchiness
• Sensitive ears
• Dry skin around the ear
• Regular maintenance

Ear Stuff offers a gentle, natural option.

Its oil-based consistency helps soften wax without requiring the ear canal to be flooded with liquid.

Buy Ear Stuff here

Otodine for More Problem-Prone Ears

Otodine may be more appropriate where a vet has recommended a stronger cleansing approach.

It is often used where there is:

• Recurrent ear trouble
• Significant debris
• Persistent wax
• A need to clean the ear before medicated drops

For recurring infections, however, identifying the underlying cause is important.

PDSA notes that conditions such as skin allergies, mites and excessive wax can contribute to repeated ear infections. PDSA

How to Use Dog Ear Cleaners Safely

Whichever product you choose, always check the ear before applying anything.

1. Inspect the Ear

Look for:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Significant discharge
• Blood
• Strong smell
• Signs of pain

If any of these are present, speak to your vet.

2. Use the Correct Amount

Follow the directions for the specific product.

Ear Stuff only requires a small amount, while traditional liquid ear cleansers may use considerably more.

3. Massage the Ear

Gently massage the base of the ear after applying the cleaner.

This helps distribute the product and loosen accumulated debris.

4. Let Your Dog Shake

Allow your dog to shake their head.

This helps move loosened wax and debris towards the outside of the ear.

5. Wipe the Outer Ear

Use a clean cotton pad, gauze or soft cloth to remove visible debris.

Never push cotton buds down into the ear canal.

PDSA also advises against using cotton buds inside dogs' ears. PDSA

When Should You See a Vet?

Contact your vet if your dog has:

• Persistent scratching
• Repeated head shaking
• Red or swollen ears
• Pain when the ear is touched
• Yellow, green or bloody discharge
• A strong or unusual smell
• Balance problems
• A head tilt
• Recurring ear infections

A head tilt or loss of balance can indicate a deeper ear problem and should be assessed promptly. PDSA

Ear Stuff or Otodine: Which Should You Choose?

For routine ear cleaning, sensitive ears, mild wax build-up or dogs that dislike liquid cleaners, Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff provides a gentle, oil-based option.

Shop Ear Stuff

For more problem-prone ears, significant debris or where a stronger cleansing product has been recommended, Otodine may be more appropriate.

And if you suspect an actual yeast or bacterial infection, the most important step is getting the ear properly diagnosed by your vet.

Ear cleaners can support good ear hygiene, but they are not a substitute for treatment when an infection is present.

Read More About Dog Ear Care

If you're trying to work out which ear cleaner is right for your dog, read our:

5 Best Dog Ear Cleaners UK

You can also read our complete guide:

Dog Ear Wax Removal: A Complete Guide to Safe Ear Care

FAQs

Is Ear Stuff good for waxy dog ears?

Yes. Ear Stuff's oil-based formula is designed to soften wax and debris so it can work towards the outer ear and be gently wiped away.

Can Ear Stuff treat a dog ear infection?

Ear Stuff is an ear-care product rather than a prescription medicine.

If your dog has signs of an infection, including pain, significant redness, discharge or a strong smell, they should be examined by a vet.

Is Otodine an ear cleaner?

Yes. Otodine is a veterinary ear-cleaning solution containing chlorhexidine and Tris-EDTA.

Which is better for sensitive ears?

Dogs that dislike having liquid poured into their ears may find a small amount of oil-based Ear Stuff easier to tolerate.

What causes yeast infections in dogs' ears?

Yeast naturally exists on the skin, but an overgrowth can develop when conditions in the ear change. Allergies, excess wax, moisture and other underlying skin problems can contribute to recurring ear disease. PDSA

Why does my dog's ear infection keep coming back?

Recurring ear infections often have an underlying cause. PDSA lists issues such as allergic skin disease, mites and excess earwax among the possible triggers.