Best Ear Drops for Dogs

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Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

Since pets are unable to communicate through language, it is often difficult to understand what they are going through. The following are some signs or symptoms that will let you be aware of your dog’s infection:

• Your dog might be scratching its ear a lot, including the area around the ears, more often than usual.
• One of the most obvious signs of an infection is the discharge being released from the dog’s ear. It may be brown, yellow or blood red.
• You may also notice a distinctive smell or odor coming from your pet’s ears.
• The area around the ear along with the ear itself might turn red. Swelling in that particular region may also be observed.
• You may need to search the inside of the dog’s outer ear for scabs or crust-like features.
• Another sign that may be noticed immediately would be the balding of the hair or fur around your dog’s ears.
• You may also notice a hearing loss if your pet isn’t responding or reacting to your calls often.
• Your pet’s behavior may also reveal signs of discomfort. If it’s moving around in circles repeatedly or rubbing its ear or the area around the ear on the floor or any surface, you may need to check for an infection.
• If your dog is stumbling or not stable enough to maintain its balance, it can be a sign of an ear infection.
• If your pet has an infection, it might also have unusual eye movements which would occur frequently.
• During an ear infection, your dog is more likely to be scratching and itching.

If any of these symptoms occur in your pet, you need to get on top of it as soon as possible and treat your dog as it causes it a great deal of discomfort.

The leading cause of otitis is bacteria and yeast cells. As ears are areas which have the least number of bacteria and yeast, the presence of these elements has the tendency to cause otitis. This infection takes place when the bacteria and yeast cells increase in a great amount and/or are replaced by pathogenic organisms, also known as disease-causing organisms.

It is more common to get this infection in the region of the outer ear as it is more exposed to germs, bacteria, yeast and ear mites. It may be due to your pet playing out in the field or having any contact with natural water bodies. However, if this infection is left untreated and unattended, there is a high chance that it will spread to your dog’s inner ear through the eardrum. This is due to the eardrum becoming porous over time as the infection is left untreated. There is a chance it may not show initially.

What to Do When You Find an Ear Infection in Your Dog?

Once you find an ear infection in your dog, it is necessary to act on it immediately and take care of it as soon as possible. Neglecting this would increase the spread of the infection which can have severe consequences as it is very painful for your pet.

You must refer to a veterinarian and get your dog checked as soon as possible. After that is done, you can treat your dog at home using any brand of dog ear infection medication that suits your needs the most. You must also make sure that your pet isn’t exposed to open bodies of water or any unhygienic environment. It is extremely important to keep your dog in a safe, clean space so that the infection can go away in a short amount of time.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

All dog owners are aware of one simple fact that dogs do not like to get their ears cleaned. However, it is crucial for you to take care of your pet’s hygiene, even when it is not cooperating.

For dogs to pay attention and stay still, you must use something that pleasures them in order to get them to do what you want. Offering them treats while you get to work is one way of getting them to stay. You can apply Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory by presenting your dog with treats or some sort of positive reward every time you clean its ears. This way, your dog will learn to associate ear cleaning with a positive reward and encourage it in the future.

It is immensely important that you use the proper tools for this task. You should avoid products comprising of any kind of chemicals, antibiotics, steroids, and alcohol as it might cause a negative reaction due to the sensitivity of the skin in that area.

It is not recommended to use cotton swabs as their pointed and sharp tips have the potential to hurt the dog’s ears. Cotton swabs can be used on the outer flap of the ear but not on the inside as they can push the debris further into the ear canal. You can also use an absorbent gauze to complete the task efficiently.

All the products being used during this process should be kept near you so that you are able to reach them quickly. You can work from the outside using your hands (gloves are recommended) and work your way inside until you feel a slight resistance. Do not push past that point as it can cause damage. Then, you can use a wet absorbent gauze to wipe the outer ear flap and clean the inner ear and rinse it properly.

How to Prevent Ear Infections?

You must regularly clean your pet’s ears to properly avoid infections. The pet’s ears should be cleaned at least once a week. If your dog has a great amount of hair on its ear, make sure to get it removed as hair can restrict the airflow. This can be done by taking the dog to an animal grooming salon, but make sure the groomer does not pluck the dog’s hair as that not only causes pain but is also harmful.

Additionally, it is important to keep your dog’s ears dry. After giving it a bath, use a towel to dry its ears. It is not recommended to use a paper towel or a cotton ball as it can leave fibers behind, which may cause irritation in the future. If you have a dog that is a swimmer, do not forget to dry out its ears after it takes a swim.

Ear Drops for Dogs Reviews

Zymox Ear Solution

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Zymox is one of the best brands of dog ear infection medications. It is one of the most effective medicine for otitis externa. It comprises of a combination of enzymes, which works to kill bacteria and yeast in dogs. It has ingredients comprising of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral enzymes which have shown astonishing results in cleaning dog’s ears and getting rid of infections.

Furthermore, Zymox will not cause any side effects and cause your pet more harm. This brand of dog ear infection medicine has been proven to show positive results in just seven days for milder infections and fourteen days for chronic infections. Hence, it is quick, reliable and highly effective.

It should be applied to your dog’s ear canal and gently massaged onto the affected area. You must not clean your dog’s ears before applying it as that action might interfere with the enzyme activity.

Zymox has been very popular among dog owners. It has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Many consumers have reported having a positive result, stating that it is economic, easy to apply and incredibly effective.

• Sometimes leaves oily residue

Curaseb Antiseptic Ear Flush

Curaseb is a great brand for treating dog ear infections. Its remedy does not only work on ear infections, but its specialty extends to the skin as well to solve various skin problems such as rashes, acne and salty patches on your pet’s skin.

It comprises of alcohol-free, all-natural ingredients and it has an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-yeast formula containing prescription-grade ketoconazole and Tris-EDTA, which works together in the best way to treat your dog’s infection in a short amount of time. This amazing product also works its magic in a duration of seven days.

As it comprises of natural ingredients, it is water-based with the inclusion of aloe vera which fights infections without causing any further pain. Not only this, but it also leaves behind a pleasant odor of melons and cucumbers.

Curaseb is extremely popular among its customer base. It has scored 4.6/5 stars on Amazon. It was reported to have shown great results in just three days among some customers. It is cheap and effective and does not have an oily texture which is popular when it comes to dog ear drops. The best part about this brand is that it offers a money-back warranty if the product does not show results.

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• Not enough for some infections

Pet MD Otic Clean

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Pet MD Otic Clean is a veterinary formulated, multi-functioning dog ear cleaner. It works best to remove any kind of itches, smells, discharge and debris that may have gathered on your dog’s ears. It has a unique cucumber melon smell which is pleasant to be around.

The ingredients included in this product are:

• Sticky

Mister Ben’s Ear Tonic

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Mister Ben’s is one of the most effective brands of dog ear medicine. It also works with five all-natural ingredients to provide your pet with the maximum comfort possible. It provides fast relief from itching, redness, inflammation, infections and any kind of swelling. It also comes with a dropper so that it is easy to apply.

It uses five 100% organic ingredients:

• Too strong for some dogs

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced

This product works best to keep your pet’s ears infection-free. It works by drying the dog’s ear canal and removing unnecessary cellular debris and ear wax. It removes the odor and discharge coming from the dog’s ears and is effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, and redness. It comprises of monosaccharides, which are highly effective in soothing the skin. Hence, it gets rid of irritation, providing your pet with a great level of comfort.

Furthermore, it uses glycotechnology which reduces the bonding of microorganisms on the surface of the skin along with controlling the release of inflammatory mediators. It also features a neutral pH level, so it doesn’t cause a negative reaction. Keratolytic is also used in this formula to remove dead cells and unwanted debris, and it also features a drying agent to avoid future infections.

It is well-liked by its customers and features a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It is known to be effective and quick at showing results. Not only does it work properly, but it also comes with a fresh scent which is pleasing to the nose. It is highly recommended and easy to use.

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• Does not treat infections

TrizULTRA + Keto Flush

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Are your canine’s repeated ear infections driving you nuts? Try the TrizULTRA Keto Flush. This multi-cleansing flush can be used as an anti-fungal, antibacterial, and topical remedy for pets like horses, dogs, and cats. The solution will break down debris, yeast, and wax build-up while flushing it out along with any bacteria content.

You can use this versatile cleanser on your pet every day as a preventive measure. This is especially recommended for dogs that love their daily swims and water games.

As an ear flush, firmly but gently apply it to the ear canal and gently massage the ear base. For infections on the skin, you can squeeze the flush all over the affected area. If there is any excess solution left behind, use a cotton ball to absorb it. Keep repeating it till you see some changes or apply it according to the directions of your veterinarian.

Remember to close the cap tightly and wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

• Needs several uses for it to be effective