The Best Ear Drops for Dogs: Treat Infection, Fungus, Mites, & More

Here’s Exactly Why Dog Ear Care Matters

Before we talk about solutions, let’s make sure the stakes are crystal clear.

When a dog’s ears get unclean on a regular basis, they can risk complications that include:

To make sure that your dog isn’t dealing with any of these conditions, you might invest in ear drops for dogs.

Your veterinarian can help you determine which drops are best for your goals and challenges, but it’s best to go into that consultation informed so you can make the best decision possible for your dog.

What to Look for in the Best Ear Drops for Dogs

When you’re sourcing the best possible ear drops for your dog or dogs, these are the factors you should consider.

Antibiotic Ear Drops for Dogs: Treating Bacterial Infections

If your dog’s ear issues stem from a bacterial ear infection, your best bet is to select antibiotic ear drops.

Antibiotics, or anti-bacterial meds, target bacteria to reduce pain and inflammation while eradicating the main source of your dog’s problems.

Some of the top options for canine antibiotic ear drops include the following.

Otomax

Otomax is a good ear drop option for treating issues caused by bacterial infections and yeast. It leverages key active ingredients including both gentamicin, which is an antibiotic, and betamethasone, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. If your dog’s malady is traced to several different causes (or causes of unknown origin), Otomax may be worth a try.

Baytril Otic

Baytril Otic can help treat recurring ear infections that are caused by returning, particularly stubborn bacteria.

It does so by targeting bacteria and fungus with enrofloxacin (an antibiotic) and silver sulfadiazine (which is antifungal).

You can buy Baytril Otic through NorthWestPharmacy.com starting at $17.50 for 15mL.

Polysporin Otic Solution

Polysporin Otic Solution is an antibacterial treatment that’s a good match for early-stage infections.

Its key ingredients are polymyxin B and bacitracin, which are broad-spectrum antibiotics or antibiotics that treat a wide range of problem-causing bacteria. In some cases, this treatment might even work as a preventative measure, if your dog gets infections on a regular basis.

Antifungal Ear Drops for Dogs: Fighting Yeast and Fungus

Does your dog battle yeast infections regularly? What about fungal overgrowth?

Stocking your medicine cabinet with antifungal ear drops can make it easier for you and your dog alike. Some options for high-quality canine antifungal ear drops include the following.

Surolan

Surolan, an antifungal treatment leveraging active ingredients miconazole and polymyxin B, treats both fungal and bacterial infections. It’s versatile, it’s effective, and if you buy it through an international and Canada pharmacy online, it can be affordable, too.

You can buy Surolan through NorthWestPharmacy.com starting at $42.00 for 15mL.

Mometamax

Mometamax, a brand-name antifungal treatment that contains both mometasone (an anti-inflammatory agent) and clotrimazole (an antifungal agent), can reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for quick relief for your dog’s itchy or irritated ears.

Ear Mite Drops for Dogs: Eliminating Pesky Parasites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that burrow into dog ears, make themselves comfortable, and then breed. This causes redness, irritation, and itching for dogs.

Ear mites are very common in multi-pet households, or in puppies. Unfortunately, when these ear mite infestations go unchecked and untreated, your dog could be at risk for serious ear issues.

For that reason, it’s very common for vets to recommend puppies take one of the following treatments.

Revolution

Revolution is an ear mite medication that leverages selamectin, an active ingredient that targets both immature and adult mites.

After one or two treatments of Revolution, your dog’s ear mites should be eliminated. It’s a broad-spectrum solution, which makes it very popular among new dog owners.

You can buy Revolution through NorthWestPharmacy.com starting at $50.00 for three doses.

Milbemite Otic Solution

Milbemite Otic Solution treats ear mites in both dogs and cats—so if you’re a multi-pet household, this solution (if it works for all of your animals) could simplify your treatment regimen.

This treatment contains milbemycin oxime, an antiparasitic agent. It targets adult mites, which helps break up the cycle of infestation.

And, if your pets are skittish, good news: Milbemite Otic Solution comes in easy-to-use single-dose application vials.

Trezaderm

Trezaderm, an ear drop treatment that contains an antifungal agent (thiabendazole) and an antibiotic active ingredient (neomycin) is a good choice if your dog is dealing with mixed ear issues. It can treat ear mites as well as fungal and bacterial issues.

Other Anti-Infection Ear Drops for Dogs

If your dog needs a solution outside of the options discussed above, there are other antifungal, anti-mite, and antibacterial options available.

Some products to talk through with your veterinarian include:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Ear Drops for Dogs: Convenient and Accessible

Over-the-counter ear drops can be a nice thing to have on hand if you’re going for a preventative approach or if your dog suffers from chronic but mild ear infections.

They’re widely available and usually quite affordable. Some of the top options out there include the following.

NaturPet Ear Drops

NaturPet Ear Drops can treat mild ear itching and ear irritation. It can also help clear up wax build-up, which may not be as serious as an infestation or infection but can certainly be just as frustrating.

These ear drops contain natural oils, including tea tree, calendula, and echinacea. They tend to be a good all-natural remedy for dogs who have sensitive ears.

Zymox Otic Solution

Zymox Otic Solution is an ear drop treatment that can treat infections or inflammatory responses at their earlier stages.

This solution contains enzymes that can naturally break down pain-causing fungi and bacteria.

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse can help gently treat minor ear irritation and provide a thorough cleansing for irritated ears.

It contains hypochlorous acid, which, despite its risky-sounding name, is non-toxic and safe for regular use.

Ear Cleansers for Routine Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep possible ear infections or mites at bay is to keep your dog’s ears clean at all times.

Regularly using an effective ear cleaner can help you accomplish this with as little stress as possible.

Here are a few of the top options you may come across.

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser is an ear cleaner and deodorizer. It reduces both bacteria and yeast; it’s alcohol-free; and it’s safe for use on sensitive canine ears.

Vetnique Oticbliss Medicated Dog Ear Cleaner

Vetnique Oticbliss Medicated Dog Ear Cleaner offers dogs and their owners a two-in-one product.

It combines a cleansing agent with a soothing aloe treatment to help remove any debris or build-up and assist with reducing any mild irritation.

Verbac Cerulytic Wax Breakdown Solution

Verbac Cerulytic Wax Breakdown Solution is a cleansing treatment that can help soften and remove even very stubborn ear wax.

If possible, it’s a good idea to use an ear cleanser, first, before applying these wax-targeting ear drops, just to make this treatment as effective as possible.

Other Cleaning Solutions to Consider

If the above cleaning products don’t work for your dog, there are more that you could try.

A few others to discuss with your vet might include:

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Drops

If your dog experiences chronic ear issues or gets severe infections often, they may be no stranger to constant pain and swelling.

That doesn’t make it easy to watch them suffer!

These pain relief and anti-inflammatory ear drops for dogs can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort.

Zymox Plus

Zymox Plus contains hydrocortisone to assist with pain relief and a blend of enzymes to help with any necessary antibacterial action.

When taken appropriately, Zymox Plus can help reduce pain, inflammation, and even mild infections.

Synotic

Synotic contains an anti-inflammatory agent (fluocinolone acetonide) and a pain reliever (dimethyl sulfoxide) in one handy treatment. This can help reduce chronic inflammation in dogs who have recurring ear irritation.

Depo-Medrol

Depo-Medrol is a corticosteroid treatment that can help treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases.

It’s usually administered by a healthcare professional, as it’s an injection, but it works quickly and is very effective once the procedure is complete.

Other Pain Medications to Consider

In need of further options?

Talk to your vet about these pain medications if your dog needs other ways of finding reliable relief:

Administering Ear Drops: A Step-by-Step Guide

To get the full benefit of these ear drops, you’ll need to administer them properly.

Here’s a quick procedure to follow:

Step 1: Clean the Ears

Even if you feel that your dog’s ears are generally clean, any subsequent treatments you apply will work better in a completely clean environment.

Use an ear cleanser to remove excess debris, oil, and wax. Use a soft cotton ball or cloth to wipe their ear flap clean.

Step 2: Apply the Ear Drops

Uncap your ear drops of choice, then hold the dropper just above your dog’s ear canal. Squeeze the appropriate number of drops into the ear.

Step 3: Massage the Ear

Sometimes, the directions on your eye drop treatment may recommend a quick ear massage, just to distribute the liquid evenly and help it reach deeper into your dog’s ear canal.

With clean hands, gently massage the treatment into your dog’s ear for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Reward Your Dog

Hopefully, this was not a traumatic experience for either you or your dog; but if it was, now’s a good time to offer your pet praise and treats to help encourage cooperation during any necessary future treatments.

Your Trusted Online Pharmacy Solution for Dog Ear Drops

Time to find the best ear drops for your dog?

At NorthWestPharmacy.com, we offer reliably low prices on high quality, brand-name medications for both humans and dogs. If you have any questions at all about your order, just reach out to our team of friendly representatives or talk to an on-staff pharmacist.

The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you and your dog as you both work toward optimal health.