Iv San Bernard Clean Ear, 250 ml is a hygiene lotion for cleaning the ears of dogs and cats. The manufacturer recommends it for weekly cleaning: the lotion helps remove wax and, according to the description, works as a preventive against inflammation of the ear flap. It is easy to use: moisten a cotton pad, wipe the visible part of the ear and gently massage the ear from the outside. One or two drops getting inside the ear is acceptable. It is a gentle care product, not a medicine, and should be seen that way.
Ingredients
Water, propylene glycol, polysorbate 20, jojoba seed oil, cotton seed extract, PEG-10 olive glycerides, mountain pine oil, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and imidazolidinyl urea.
Polysorbate 20 and propylene glycol help dissolve ear wax and grease, jojoba oil and olive glycerides soften the skin, and mountain pine oil gives a fresh pine scent. There is no alcohol, acid or antibacterial agent: this is a hygiene lotion.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | ear hygiene lotion |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Ingredients | jojoba oil, cotton extract, olive glycerides, pine oil |
| How often | weekly |
| Method | wipe the ear with a cotton pad |
| Inside the ear | 1–2 drops acceptable |
| Volume | 250 ml |
Pros
- Gentle formula. No alcohol or acids.
- Dissolves wax. Makes it easier to remove from the ear.
- Softening oils. Jojoba and olive care for the skin of the ear.
- For dogs and cats.
- Large size. 250 ml lasts a long time with weekly cleaning.
- Full ingredient list. Every component is listed.
Cons and what to watch
- Not for flushing the ear canal. Only 1–2 drops may go inside, which is not enough for heavy build-up.
- Does not treat otitis. There are no antibacterial or antifungal agents.
- "Prevents inflammation" is a promise. The lotion simply helps keep ears clean.
- Pine scent. Some animals dislike strong smells near the ear.
- No dropper nozzle. The lotion goes on a pad rather than being dripped in.
How to clean the ears
Moisten a cotton pad with the lotion and wipe the visible part of the ear — the folds and the entrance to the ear canal — without going deep. Gently massage the base of the ear from the outside to soften the wax. If a drop or two gets inside, that is fine: let your pet shake its head. Do not push cotton buds deep into the ear, as they push wax further in. More in how to clean a dog's and cat's ears and eyes.
How often
The manufacturer recommends weekly cleaning. Dogs with floppy ears and dense hair in the ears, and those that swim often, may need cleaning more frequently. Cats with clean ears and no build-up, on the other hand, only need checking and cleaning when dirty.
When to see a vet
If the ear smells bad, has a lot of dark wax or discharge, looks red and feels hot, or your pet shakes its head, scratches the ear or tilts its head, an examination is needed. It could be otitis, ear mites or a foreign body, and a hygiene lotion will not help. Treatment is prescribed by a vet.
If the ear canal needs flushing
There are separate solutions for flushing the ear canal that are poured into the ear. For example, VetExpert OtiFlush is an ear flush for dogs and cats. Other ear hygiene lotions are available too — see Aurikap lotion.
Cats
Cats usually look after their ears themselves, and not all of them need regular cleaning. Wipe the ear with the lotion if there is build-up, gently and without pressure. Dark debris that looks like coffee grounds is a common sign of ear mites; in that case see a vet.
Storage
Keep the bottle closed at room temperature, away from sunlight and out of reach of children. In winter, warm the lotion in your hands before use, as cold liquid near the ear is unpleasant for the animal.
Who it suits
Clean Ear suits weekly hygiene of healthy ears in dogs and cats, especially breeds with floppy ears and plenty of wax. Other products are in the eye, ear and skin hygiene section and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Clean Ear is a gentle alcohol-free lotion with jojoba oil, olive glycerides and pine oil for weekly cleaning of the ear flap in dogs and cats with a cotton pad. The downsides are that it is not meant for flushing the ear canal (only 1–2 drops may go inside), it does not treat otitis, and "preventing inflammation" is more a promise than a proven effect.
FAQ
How is the lotion used?
Moisten a pad, wipe the visible part of the ear, then massage the ear from the outside.
Can it be poured into the ear?
No, only 1–2 drops getting inside is acceptable.
How often should ears be cleaned?
The manufacturer recommends weekly.
Does it contain alcohol?
No.
Does it treat otitis?
No, it is a hygiene product.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes.
What volume is it?
250 ml.
