Ears are where trouble starts in a great many dogs, and it starts quietly: a bit of wax, a faint yeasty smell, a dog shaking its head slightly more than usual. Wiping the visible part of the ear once or twice a week is the cheapest preventative care there is, and a pre-moistened wipe removes the last excuse for not getting round to it.

Each wipe is soft, already moistened with a mild formula and ready to use with no rinsing afterwards, which is the difference between a job that gets done and one that gets postponed indefinitely. You wrap one around a finger and clean the folds of the outer ear and the entrance to the canal, and no further than that. The mildness is deliberate, because ears cleaned aggressively turn sore, and sore ears get infected.

• Pre-moistened wipes for dogs and cats
• Mild, non-irritating formula
• Lifts wax, dirt and odour from the outer ear
• No rinsing required
• Suitable for regular use on sensitive pets
• Convenient to keep at home, in the car or in a travel bag

Two things worth knowing. Treat them as ear wipes. The second point is clinical: never push anything into the ear canal, and if you find dark discharge, a strong smell, heat or pain, stop and book a vet appointment, because that is infection or mites and a wipe will not touch either.

Who it's for: Owners of drop-eared dogs such as Spaniels and Basset Hounds, and anyone keeping on top of ear care between grooms.