Table of Contents
- A Quick Glance at Our Top 5 Ear Infection Treatment Recommendations
- What to Know About Otitis Externa (Before Looking at the Best Dog Ear Infection Treatments)
- How to Treat Dog Ear Infections
- Top 5 Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment Brands Over-the-counter remedies
- FAQs about Dog Ear Infection Treatments
- Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment – Final Thoughts
A dog's ears must be tip-top for proper hearing sense and general coordination.
When they're infected, the dog's overall health declines.
And as dog owners, sometimes, we just can't stop it.
One day, I noticed my dog Lily scratched her left ear non-stop until it turned bloody.
I brought her to the vet, and it turned out that there was a lot of bacteria in her ears.
It was Otitis Externa, or in layman's terms, Ear Infection.
The vet prescribed us medicines and some over-the-counter ear treatments.
A Quick Glance at Our Top 5 Ear Infection Treatment Recommendations
* Click on the best ear infection treatment for dogs for more information and prices, or scroll down below for details.
Later on, I'll share with you the best dog ear infection treatments for otitis externa that are affordable and easy to use.
However, DO NOT give these to your dog without your vet's approval.
Yes, this list's number one ear infection treatment was effective for my dog, Lily.
But that doesn't mean they will be for your dog, especially if there are counterindications to its condition.
If you use an unsafe or inappropriate treatment for your dog, his symptoms will continue to worsen, which could cause permanent hearing loss for your pet.
Now that's out of the way, here are some things you should learn about otitis externa.
What to Know About Otitis Externa (Before Looking at the Best Dog Ear Infection Treatments)
Before knowing the best dog ear infection treatment, familiarize yourself with the causes, risk factors, and symptoms.
Dog Ear Infection Causes and Risk Factors
A dog’s ear infection is usually caused by yeast, bacteria, or a combination of the two.
Puppies may also get an infection from ear mites.
Your dog may have a higher risk of ear infections if it has any of the following:
- Allergies
- Excess moisture
- Endocrine disorders
- Wax buildup
- Autoimmune disorders
- Excessive cleaning
- Ear canal injuries
- Foreign bodies in the ear
Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
Sometimes, your dog may not show any signs of an ear infection.
Other times, it may have some of the following symptoms:
- Discharge or wax buildup in the ear canal
- Itchiness
- Head shaking
- Scratching his ear
- Odor
- Swelling or redness of ear canal
- Scabs or crusting in the ears
- Pain
Dog Ear Infection Diagnosis
Your dog’s vet will examine its symptoms and ask you a few questions about its ears and overall health.
You’ll want to tell him about any symptoms that you observed.
He'll also ask about your dog’s diet, medications, allergies, recent activities (including swimming and baths), underlying medical conditions, ear infection history, and recent ear-related activities, such as trimming the hair or cleaning the ears.
Expect the vet also to give your dog a physical exam.
He’ll examine your dog’s ear with his eyes and an otoscope, a tool vets use to examine the eardrum.
He’ll also gently touch the ear to check for pain.
In addition, our vet took a swab of Lily's ear and examined it under a microscope.
Here's what we saw:
So expect your vet to recommend the same, along with some X-rays or biopsies if necessary.
How to Prevent Dog Ear Infections
The most important step to preventing ear infections is ensuring that your furry friend’s ears are thoroughly dry after bathing or swimming.
I learned this the hard way.
Cleaning the ears regularly and properly also helps prevent infections.
As with humans, you shouldn’t use cotton swabs to clean your dog’s ears, which can send debris into the ear canal.
Instead, rub the base in a circular motion for about 20 to 30 seconds.
This will help break down the ear wax and naturally flow out of your dog's ear.
Wipe that with a cotton ball or gauze pad, and that's it!
You should also be aware of any allergies that may make your dog more susceptible to ear infections.
RELATED: 6 Recipes of Homemade Dog Ear Cleaners
A Quick Glance at Our Top 5 Ear Infection Treatment Recommendations
* Click on the best ear infection treatment for dogs for more information and prices, or scroll down below for details.
How to Treat Dog Ear Infections
We now know that several factors can cause ear infections.
So obviously, the treatment will depend on whatever caused that infection.
If the cause is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria, using an over-the-counter product can be a great alternative.
On average, the most common ear infections in dogs are treated in 7 to 30 days. When cases are very complicated, the treatment can take several months.
But don't worry; the treatment itself is not very complex.
If your veterinarian has already completed the initial review, you can follow their plan and the instructions on the dog ear infection treatment label you've picked out.
If you do your research, consult your vet about the treatment product you choose.
You can keep the product on hand after you've cleared it with your vet.
This is especially beneficial for dog owners whose pet suffers from frequent ear infections.
How to Choose the Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment
Unlike many other dog supplies, there's a clear choice for the best over-the-counter dog ear infection treatment.
You'll quickly find out if you do your own research, trust me.
Studies have shown that hydrocortisone is perfect for clearing up dog ear infections.
The most popular product with this type of solution is the Zymox from Pet King Brands.
To give you a sneak peek, the first two best-selling products we've included below are the 1% hydrocortisone and the 0.5% solution.
According to vets and pet owners, this brand has a long-standing reputation as the best dog ear infection treatment since the late 1990s.
But if you're not too keen on hydrocortisone and want to use something more gentle for your Fido, we've also picked a few alternatives you can try.
What Is Hydrocortisone and How Does It Work?
There are a lot of talks about hydrocortisone above.
But what is it, exactly?
You can check out Medline's extensive page on hydrocortisone here.
To keep the long story short, this is the hormone cortisol supplied as a topical medication.
It treats infections, skin irritations, swelling, itching, and other skin conditions in humans and animals.
It also works well as a dog ear mite and ear yeast infection treatment.
Zymox has a proprietary formula that they call Zymox LP3 Enzyme System.
This formulation works specifically as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial solution for different skin conditions in dogs.
While it has no antimicrobial properties, it reduces inflammation and swelling in the dog's ear.
The proprietary antimicrobial enzyme system then restores the bacteria and clears up the ear infection.
RELATED: Hydrocortisone Cream for Dogs: What Is It and How to Use It Safely
How to Use Dog Ear Infection Treatments?
The process is quick and simple.
It's identical to most of the best dog ear infection treatment products in liquid form.
Wipes will work differently and are self-explanatory.
Here are the quick steps to follow:
- Shake the bottle well.
- Apply the solution to the uncleared ear.
- Generously fill the ear canal (see the photo).
- Massage gently to work it into affected areas.
- Remove the excess with a wipe.
The procedure doesn't take long, but many dogs will NOT allow you to drip liquid into their ears that easily.
I don't know about yours, but my Lily certainly didn't make it easy.
You may need to ask for help holding your pooch.
You may do this for regular dog ear infection cases once a day for 7 days.
Do this once daily for 14 days for chronic dog ear infection cases.
But for any severe ear infections in dogs, you better follow the vet's advice for the frequency and dosage.
That said, here are our five best dog ear infection treatments and what you should know about them.
Check with your veterinarian before using any of these, okay?
Top 5 Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment Brands
Over-the-counter remedies
1Enzymatic Ear Solution with 1% HC
by Zymox
- Ear care for dogs and cats -...
- Gentle, no-sting formula
- Solution provides a safe,...
- No pre-cleaning of painful...
- Patented LP3 Enzyme System...
Most pet owners already know the first best dog ear infection treatment solution as the most effective option, and no other brand comes close in comparison.
The Pet King Brands’ Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is vet-recommended as a great alternative to prescription antibiotic dog ear treatments.
Studies have shown that this works even more effectively against certain types of ear infections in dogs, particularly dog ear mite and dog ear yeast treatment.
This formula contains natural enzymes and 1.0% hydrocortisone, with no antibiotics.
It treats and prevents otitis externa and other infections due to viruses, yeasts, bacteria, and antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Zymox Otic is available in 1.25-oz, 4-oz, and 8-oz sizes.
- Dog ear infection treatment reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
INGREDIENTS: Hydrocortisone (1.0%), Benzyl Alcohol, Dextrose, Glucose Oxidase, Glycerin, Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, Potassium Iodide, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water.
The Zymox otic dog ear infection treatment has earned its name among pet owners and veterinarians.
Still, it may not be suitable for every case due to the harshness of the 1% hydrocortisone solution.
But I can personally attest to how this brand helped with my dog's recurrent ear infection.
Along with other owners, we've also tried countless drops, pills, and shots before.
But nothing came close to fixing my dog's ear problems.
Other owners attest that this best dog ear infection treatment costs them no vet bills, but their pets’ ears are now pink, healthy, itch-free, and odor-free.
And as pet parents, we really can’t be happier about that!
PROS:
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Zymox 1% HC reviews from pet owners: “I was hoping this drop was everything everyone said it was. Thankfully this drop has been life changing for us. My 1 yr old has had ear infection after ear infection for at least 7 months. Just like.…“
2Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% HC
by Zymox
- No.1 Best Selling and...
- Instantly starts working to...
- Easy, Daily, One Step Process...
- Easy to Use and Effective:...
- Made in the USA: Proudly...
The second-best dog ear infection treatment comes from the same company and brand, Zymox.
The only difference between this choice and the above-mentioned best dog ear infection treatment is the amount of hydrocortisone included.
This option is more gentle and has half of our first pick.
Sometimes, a dog's ear condition may not require a strong solution with 1% hydrocortisone, anyway.
- Dog ear infection treatment reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
INGREDIENTS: Hydrocortisone (0.5%), Benzyl Alcohol, Dextrose, Glucose Oxidase, Glycerin, Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, Potassium Iodide, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water.
This second-best dog ear infection treatment is alcohol-free and has a neutral pH.
The active ingredient with anti-adhesive properties has been proven to help prevent germs from attaching to the ear canal surface.
It is particularly effective for treating dog ear yeast infections and is perfect for treating dog ear mites and itching.
It’s available in several sizes, and only small doses are required.
Remember, though, that the antiseptic formula is not for everyday cleaning and should only be used to treat ear infections in dogs.
Zymox otic dog ear infection treatment works immediately to loosen gunk in the ears and eliminate bacteria and infections.
So, it helps to have a dog towel handy to wipe off debris that may be coming out of the dog’s ears.
It has a drying and antiseptic quality, which aids in the healing of an infected ear.
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Zymox 0.5% HC reviews from pet owners: “I applied the drops once a day and after three days, his ears were normal. I continued to apply for three more days, just to kill off any lingering nasties. That was about a month ago, and so far, so good. No more…“
3Curaseb Ear Infection Treatment
by Bexley Labs
- POWERFUL EAR CLEANER: Say...
- CLEANS AND DEODORIZES: Our...
- PROMOTES HEALTH EARS: Maintain...
- VET FORMULATED AND...
- MADE IN THE USA - At Curaseb,...
The third-best dog ear infection treatment is substantially less popular, mostly due to its solution.
The Curaseb ear infection treatment for dogs is formulated as a cleaner and a remedy for dog ear mites, dog ear yeast infections, and itching.
This much gentler, non-toxic solution effectively cleanses dirty ear canals to keep them healthy and smelling fresh.
The main active ingredient here is 0.1% of ketoconazole.
While the company advertises itself as a much cheaper alternative to Zymox (which is true), ketoconazole isn't always as effective as hydrocortisone for treating serious dog ear infections.
Nevertheless, some pet owners looking for a gentler solution have found this third-best dog ear infection treatment perfect.
- Dog ear infection treatment reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Dog owners and repeat buyers claim this formula works great for dogs and cats.
After all, it's a perfect alternative to the harsher and more expensive option, Zymox.
Curaseb's best dog ear infection treatment has protected their pets from ear problems, especially the elderly and frail ones.
It has helped to solve already infected areas, according to further reviews.
They were surprised at the amount of gunk, puss, wax, and filth removed by this solution on its first use.
The dirt removed on succeeding applications was noticeably less, which shows how effectively the cleanser works when used regularly.
A few drops of Curaseb, administered as directed, would be more than enough to treat current ear infections in dogs.
That said, this solution pales in comparison to Zymox, which has been proven to be the most effective treatment thus far, beating out even antibiotic dog ear treatments.
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Curaseb Ear Infection Treatment reviews from pet owners: “Product works great for my dog's ears. His ear had some much debris and gunk in it. After the first use, i could see a noticeable improvement. After 3 uses, his ear looks really clean now! Would recommend this…“
4EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula
by Vet Organics
- 💗 #1 MULTI-ACTION DOG EAR...
- 💗 ALL NATURAL | MADE...
- 💗 TOP-RATED PRODUCT -...
- 💗 FAST HELP WITH SMELL,...
- 💗 100% NO-HASSLE MONEY BACK...
Our fourth-best dog ear infection treatment is an all-natural solution for pet owners who want something gentler and less invasive.
You already know how the constant head shaking, foul smell, and ghastly ear discharge are obvious giveaways of dog ear infections.
Any of these can indicate a more serious problem, so it’s unwise to dismiss this as a minor issue.
Here’s where Vet Organics’ EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula can help you treat your dog’s condition before it progresses to a full-blown problem.
Its ingredients include essential oils and herb extracts, such as organic mullein leaf, witch hazel, and rosemary.
It contains no antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, steroids, or synthetic chemicals.
EcoEars functions both as an ear cleanser and a multi-symptom remedy.
- Dog ear infection treatment reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
INGREDIENTS: Denatured Grain Alcohol, Organic Mullein Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Rosemary Extract, Ionic Silver Solution, Boric Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Tea Tree Oil, Polysorbate 20 (food grade).
This organic best dog ear infection treatment formula relieves symptoms of dog ear problems and heals.
Tea tree oil extract within the remedy has many proven benefits for dogs.
Vet Organics EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula is advantageous over prescription drugs because, unlike the latter, it is potent even on drug-resistant microbes.
Pet owners expressed how relieved they are that they need not worry about the adverse effects of antibiotics and steroids, especially for long-term treatment with this best dog ear infection treatment.
This solution is easy to apply and can be done by pet owners in their own homes. There won’t be any need for frequent visits to the vet clinic.
And since it addresses multiple issues, it easily makes it their go-to dog ear maintenance and treatment formula.
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EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula reviews from pet owners: “This is the first time I have ever felt compelled to write a review on a product. It is not that I have never been satisfied. It is just that this journey we have been on for an answer for a ceaseless ear.…“
5Ear Wipes for Dogs – Otic Cleanser
by Pet MD
- Advanced Formulation To Clean,...
- Cucumber Melon Scent: Reduces...
- No More Squirming And Fighting...
- Convenient Ear Wipes: Each...
- Made In The USA In Federally...
The last mention on the best dog ear infection treatment list is another completely different solution, with the active ingredient being Salicylic Acid (0.2%) and wipes instead of a liquid solution.
After four ear care drops in a row, a dog ear wipe product finally makes it to our list.
This best dog ear infection treatment from Pet MD is made in the USA and is recommended as a cleanser, deodorizer, and general preventative for ear infections and wax buildup in dogs at least 12 weeks old.
A jar of Pet MD Ear Wipes contains 100 pieces of disposable wipes.
These wipes are alcohol-free and not medicated.
These wipes' cleansing, deodorizing, and healing effects come from aloe vera and eucalyptus oil.
- Dog ear infection treatment reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Red 33, Blue 1.
Not all dogs tolerate liquid medicines being flushed into their ears too well, so many dog owners were thrilled to find this last best dog ear infection treatment in the form of pet ear wipes with salicylic acid.
Pet MD Ear Wipes for Dogs—Otic Cleanser for Dogs cleans dog ears of debris and helps dogs have dry, nice-smelling ears.
Owners of water-loving dogs say this is convenient to bring along when they’re going for a swim because it easily wipes off the ears, keeping them clean and dry.
According to the ear infection treatment review, it appears that pet owners also learned that when their dog starts scratching its ear or shaking its head, they immediately put these herb-smelling wipes into action.
Thorough cleaning with the Pet MD wipes for 4 or 5 successive days effectively stops the infection from developing into full-scale episodes.
If anything they wish to improve, it would be the size they would have preferred to be bigger.
Otherwise, it’s a helpful little product as it is, and they’d surely rebuy it.
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Ear Wipes for Dogs – Otic Cleanser for Dogs reviews from pet owners: “Great stuff for cleaning my labs ears. Good price. Arrived promptly. I will buy this product again..…“
FAQs about Dog Ear Infection Treatments
Can you treat a dog ear infection at home?
Treating a dog ear infection at home is possible, but it is important to consult with a veterinarian first and follow their recommended treatment plan.
Home remedies may include cleaning the ear with a gentle solution, applying ear drops or ointment, and administering oral medication.
RELATED: Treating a Dog Ear Infection Using Home Remedies and OTC Aids
How long does it take for a dog ear infection to heal?
The time it takes for a dog ear infection to heal depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment used.
Mild infections may heal within a few days, while more severe infections may take several weeks.
Can a dog ear infection go away on its own?
A dog ear infection may not go away independently and typically requires treatment.
If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more serious health problems.
What are the complications of a dog ear infection?
Complications of a dog ear infection may include hearing loss, chronic disease, and damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
In severe cases, the infection may spread to other body parts and cause systemic illness.
How can you prevent a dog ear infection?
Keeping the ears clean and dry, especially after swimming or bathing, is important to prevent a dog ear infection.
Regular ear exams by a veterinarian can also help detect and treat infections early.
When should you take your dog to the vet for an ear infection?
If you notice signs such as ear discharge, redness or swelling, foul odor, or excessive scratching or shaking of the head, you should take your dog to the vet for an ear infection.
Early treatment can help prevent complications and promote faster healing.
Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment – Final Thoughts
It is important for all pet owners to have the best dog ear infection treatments on hand, especially if their fur baby has recurring ear problems.
While many treatments are available online, the top 5 brands we've featured above work best against ear infections.
Remember to consult your vet before using these products, or any products for that matter, on your pooch.
Interested to learn more about dog ear care?
Check out our ear-resistible articles below!
Related Articles:
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- How to Make Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infection
- Dog Ears 101: How to Care for Them and Prevent Problems
- Remarkable New Natural Dog Ear Wash Released
- What Are Dog Ear Mites and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally
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