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Many dog ear cleaning solutions on the market come with a veterinary stamp of approval or were formulated by veterinarians specifically. Generally, this means clinical trials have been performed and that the products are free of potentially harmful ingredients. Still, it’s important research about any solution you invest in, and in the best-case scenario, you should also discuss your choice with your vet after they’ve inspected your pup’s ears. Then they can be sure that you are making an investment that suits your dog’s specific needs. While they’re not an equal alternative to liquid solutions, powder formulas, like this one from Miracle Care, are a great option for preventing issues before they happen. This particular formula keeps the ear canal clear of wax and debris, namely hair, to help prevent infections from forming. It is formulated without harsh ingredients, so it’s a great gentle option. For general ear health day-to-day, the powder is a reliable go-to, but if your pup is suffering from some serious discomfort due to bacteria and fungus, reach for a stronger and more heavily medicated product.
Antifungal agents are used in cases of otitis caused by Malassezia or Candida species. Ingredients that are active against yeast include nystatin (Panolog), thiabendazole (Tresaderm), miconazole (generics, Surolan, easOtic), ketoconazole (TrizUltra, T8 Keto), posaconazole (Posatex), clotrimazole (Otomax, Mometamax), and terbinafine (Claro, Osurnia). With a scent often described as “fishy,” anal gland smell is not one you’ll want hanging around your dog or house. Whether your dog has persistently leaky glands or is dealing with the aftereffects of a recent anal gland expression, you’ll want the scent gone fast. Here’s how to get rid of dog anal gland smell in 5 easy steps, both from your pet’s body and surfaces in your home.However, pet cleaning wipes are less effective on dogs with long hair near their anal glands. For these dogs, wipes may be insufficient to remove the smell and liquid clogging the long hair thoroughly. So how do you decide which topical products to choose? Start with the chronicity of the otitis, the results of your otic examination, and your otic cytology results. The results of cytologic examination of otic exudate are the basis for your selection of the active ingredient. Keep in mind that ointment- or suspension-based otic preparations may not be as effective as those that are solution- or emulsion-based if the ears are stenotic or hyperplastic, as may be the case in those patients with chronic otitis externa, but they can be used if the ears aren't stenotic or hyperplastic or in patients with acute otitis externa. No commercially available topical otic treatments are labeled for use with a non-intact tympanic membrane, but most of them have been used to treat otic infections in dogs with otitis media. Warn clients to watch for neurological signs of ototoxicity while administering topical medications when the tympanic membrane is not intact.
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser provides fast-acting and powerful protection against infection while also serving as an effective day-to-day cleaner. It is frequently recommended by veterinarians. Designed with a keratolytic formula, the liquid solution removes proprietary wax and debris, preventing buildup that can lead to discomfort or infection. Tris-EDTA is a topical product that enhances the activity of topical antibiotics against otic pathogens by decreasing stability and increasing the permeability of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. There are numerous products containing Tris-EDTA: TrizEDTA (Dechra), TrizUltra + Keto (with ketoconazole) (Dechra), TrizChlor (with chlorhexidine) (Dechra), Mal-A-Ket Plus TrizEDTA Flush (with ketoconazole and chlorhexidine) (Dechra), and T8 Keto (with ketoconazole) (Bayer).The formula is housed in a 1.25-ounce or 4-ounce bottle that has an applicator top for easy application. It’s manufactured in the United States and can easily be found in local pet stores and online retailers. If there’s any downside to the product, it is that it may be a stronger solution than some dog owners need for everyday use. But for dogs with allergies or other chronic conditions or who are prone to irritation or unwanted buildup in the ears, it’s the ideal product among the widely available options on the market. After extensive research, we decided on the Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser as the best choice for a default cleanser. Its formula keeps ears clean, assuages irritation, and both suppresses and battles infection. For dogs with chronic issues or dealing with a serious ailment, however, ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone may be an even better choice because it includes extra potent ingredients like hydrocortisone and a patented enzyme formula. What to Look for in a Dog Ear Cleaning Solution Application
Some veterinarians discourage using wipes over liquid cleansers because they do not provide coverage of the entire ear canal. But while wipes won’t handle the depths and difficult angle of your pup’s inner ear, they can be an excellent solution for maintaining consistent ear health for dogs who struggle during full-on flushings. It is definitely a worthwhile supplement when used in conjunction with other heavy-duty cleaning products—ones that may not need to be used outside of emergencies. Formulated by veterinarians, this alcohol-free solution is another great cleanser that uses organic ingredients to cleanse your dog’s ears. It promises to reduce itching and irritation while also absorbing odors that can often appear during infections. Since it has such a gentle formula, it’s great for day-to-day cleanings after swimming, bathing, playtime, etc., but note that it may not be strong enough for an aggressive ear infection. However, it’s been proven to be a favorite among most breeds and sizes of dogs when it comes to a cleanser that goes down easy and without adverse side effects.Make sure to store the bottle upright and twist the cap tight to prevent the bottle from leaking. Also, while the smell of Virbac Epi-Otic ear cleanser isn't unpleasant, it is a little strong. Gentle & Soothing – A neutral pH, along with being alcohol and fragrance free, means EpiOtic is gentle on skin and has soothing effects EpiOtic is a soothing, pH neutral and antibacterial ear cleanser which can be used routinely in dogs and cats to maintain healthy ears.
