The Best Dog Ear Infection Treatment
If your dog is itching and pawing at its ears, there's a good chance that they have an ear infection. Some pups are prone to them, and it can be scary. And while a veterinarian is the only way to get a diagnosis or prescription, there are a few at-home treatments that can help ease your furry friend's pain and suffering.
What to Look For
We love our pets, and we’d do anything to keep them healthy and safe. That’s why we recommend paying close attention to the safety, effectiveness, and convenience of the different dog ear infection treatments. One great example is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy. It’s alcohol-free to prevent dryness while using powerful anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help control pain and itch. On the other hand, Mister Ben’s Original Ear Cleaning Kit is just as effective and uses all-natural ingredients. If you’d like more details, you can check out the rest of our list below.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy
Affordable and effective
The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy is a gentle liquid that helps clear your pet’s ears. It removes debris, fungus, icky odors, and more while working hard to ease the pain. And because there’s no alcohol, it doesn’t sting or dry the skin. You can use it twice a day until your dog feels better and then a couple of times a week for prevention.
Pros:
- Many dogs find relief within just a few days of starting this treatment.
- Unlike most other treatments, this liquid isn’t sticky and doesn’t make a mess.
Cons:
- If there’s a thick build-up, you will need to scrub it out. This solution helps but won’t dissolve a ton of gunk on its own.
VetWell Ear Cleaner
You can help your furry friend feel better in a flash when you use this ear cleaner from VetWell. It’s formulated to clear out build-up, dry fluid, and ease itching. It also removes funky odors and soothes irritation so you can cuddle up with your pup again. In fact, you can choose from two lovely scents, including cucumber melon and sweet pea vanilla.
Pros:
- This ear cleaning works for cats and dogs, allowing you to save money while keeping all of your pets healthy.
- It’s an excellent choice for dogs with ongoing allergies and yeast infections because it fights the associated odors and discharge.
Cons:
- The perfumes that help this liquid smell good can irritate pets with extra sensitive skin.
Curaseb Antiseptic Ear Flush
Fight inflammation
Getting your pet into the vet can take time and cost a pretty penny, which is why we recommend Curased antiseptic ear flush. While it doesn’t replace a prescription completely, it can help relieve your dog’s pain, itching, and irritation until you can get one. In the best-case scenario, it can clear a minor infection and prevent long-term damage to their ears.
Pros:
- This ear wash gives your dog fast relief. Within just a couple of days, most have a massive reduction in head shaking, scratching, and redness.
- Non-irritating ingredients make it easier to use this wash in your pup’s ears. Since it doesn’t hurt going in, they don’t fight as much as they would with other options.
Cons:
- You will still need a vet if your pet has a deep infection. While this is an excellent choice for most minor conditions, it isn’t a prescription.
Mister Ben’s Original Dog Ear Cleaner Kit
Naturally effective
Whether your dog responds poorly to medication or you simply prefer to keep things natural in your home, you may want to try Mister Ben’s Original Dog Ear Cleaner Kit. It uses vinegar, witch hazel, pure aloe, mullein, marshmallow root, and other healing herbs to soothe and clear out irritations and infections. And it includes a wash, tonic, and wipes to give you as many cleaning options as possible.
Pros:
- The products in this kit work together to help dogs with chronic infections and built-up gunk find relief and prevent flare-ups.
- We like that there are several products you can use. For example, if you have a pet who hates liquid flushes, you can use the wipes for the same results.
Cons:
- It can sting any open wounds, so you shouldn’t use it if your puppy has any cuts or scratches inside its ears.
Pet MD Tris Ear Flush
Effective yet gentle
Some dogs have recurring ear infections and yeast build-up, leading to long-term damage and hearing loss. That’s when we turn to Pet MD Tris Ear Flush. The gentle formula is safe for frequent use, while the active ingredient helps stop and prevent infections caused by yeast and bacteria. It’s ideal for keeping the ears clean and dry.
Pros:
- This ear flush gets rid of odors and discharge without damaging chemicals.
- You can use this liquid frequently for ongoing treatment and prevention. The gentle formula won’t cause them any pain.
Cons:
- The scents can be intense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an over-the-counter dog ear infection treatment replace a prescription?
There is no replacement for a veterinarian-prescribed treatment. Over-the-counter treatments can work for mild infections caused by yeast or bacteria. However, if the condition isn’t gone within a few days or you don’t see any improvement, it’s best to see a professional.
How do I use an ear flush?
Flushing out your dog’s ears requires a little preparation, but overall, it’s pretty easy. You just get your liquid treatment, a towel, and cotton balls. Squeeze some of the medicine into the ear and move the ear around to allow it to penetrate deeper. Then wipe out as much gunk as you can with the cotton balls. Once you’re done, clean the mess with the towel.
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