Best Dog Ear Infection Remedies Without Antibiotics

Some of the best dog ear infection remedies don’t contain antibiotics. Ear infections are one of the top five reasons dogs see a veterinarian.

Millions of dogs suffer from ear infections, especially those with floppy ears. Most of those dogs are treated with antibiotics on a short-term or long-term basis, but it’s not always necessary.

Zymox makes some of our favorite dog ear infection remedies that don’t contain any antibiotics. As a dog mom to a Cocker Spaniel with floppy, long ears, I’ve tried dozens of ear cleaners, veterinarian-prescribed products, and finally discovered Zymox’s enzyme-based products.

Amazingly, many veterinarians sell and recommend Zymox solutions so dogs don’t have to use repeated antibiotics in their ears.

To help you decide which product to use for your dog, we will discuss in this article each Zymox dog ear infection solution and cleaner.

Each one is different with specific indications, so we’ll break each one down so you can decide which ones to have on hand for your dog.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.

Disclosure: I am being compensated by ZYMOX to share our real-life experiences with their products. Fidose of Reality only shares information we believe is of interest to our readers. ZYMOX is not responsible for the contents of this article.

At A Glance: 7 Best Dog Ear Infection Remedies Without Antibiotics

These links are shoppable:

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution Hydrocortisone-Free

Zymox Ear Cleanser Solution (to keep ears clean)

Zymox PLUS Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

Zymox Plus Otic Enzymatic Solution

Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution without Hydrocortisone

Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has An Ear Infection

First and foremost, a veterinarian should always determine if your dog has an ear infection. Ear infections present in a variety of ways in dogs from debris on the outer canal to an odor deep inside and even a waxy brown substance that won’t go away on its own.

Dogs will often paw at their ears, rub their head against furniture or the floor, and may even snap or bite from pain in their ears.

Some dogs stop eat, don’t want to be touched, and wind up getting sad and depressed. Ear pain can be deep within the canal, so a proper diagnosis is necessary.

Once the veterinarian has determined your dog has an ear infection, you can incorporate Zymox products into your dog’s routine.

Since many veterinarians use, sell, and recommend Zymox products, your dog might come home with one or more of the seven products we will discuss in this article.

Keeping a dog’s ears clean is the best way to prevent an ear infection.

Symptoms of Canine Ear Infections

Some common symptoms of ear infection in your dog include:

* Ear discomfort

* Ear odor

* Ear discharge

* Loss of balance

* Hearing loss or diminished hearing

​* Ear scratching ​

Recurrent ear infections can happen

What Are Causes of Ear Infections In Dogs?

Your dog’s ear infection may be caused by any number of things, including but not limited to:

Fungal infections: One of the most common type of ear infections is fungal. Types of yeast and mods cause them. One of the most common is Malassezia species or yeast-like fungi.

Excess moisture: This affects dogs who swim or have poor air circulation in their floppy ears. Bacterial ear infections: Bacterial infections occur when bacteria invade your dog’s ear canals.

Yeast: Yeasty ears have a very distinct smell. All dogs have some degree of yeast in their ears, but it can wreak havoc when it overgrows from something like the Malassezia species.

Trauma or accident: An untreated cut, scratch, or bite can cause an ear infection.

Ear hematomas: Common in floppy-eared breeds like Cockers, blood accumulates on the flap between the skin and cartilage of the ear canal. A veterinarian should drain it, as it can burst and/or cause infection.

Foreign objects: You’d be surprised how many pet owners have no idea their dog has a foreign object embedded in his ear. Never try to remove it yourself, as you can damage the ear.

Ear mites: Parasites that cause itching, irritation, and secondary ear infections. Humidity: A humid, moist environment is ripe for infection to surface.

Autoimmune conditions: Certain conditions such as IMHA and IMT, can cause ear infections.

Improper cleaning or over-cleaning: Too much of a good thing can be bad. If you disturb your dog’s ear pH and over-clean with harsh products, there can be an infection.

Thyroid problems: Dogs with low thyroid may have ear infections. Have your veterinarian screen your dog’s thyroid through specialized blood work.

Tumors, masses, or polyps: If your dog has a growth, lump, plasmacytoma, or any type of cancer in the ear, an ear infection can occur.

Environmental allergies: Get to the root of your dog’s allergies to the outside world, as they can cause infections.

​Food allergies or sensitivities: If a dog has a sensitivity to one or more ingredients, it can cause infection. The underlying cause of your dog’s ear problems or infections may not be obvious.

A veterinarian, veterinary dermatologist, or internal medicine veterinarian may work together or separately to help you figure it out.

Types of Dog Ear Infections

There are three types of ear infections that affect dogs. These include:

• Otitis externa infections, pertaining to the outside of your dog’s ears.
• Otitis media infections, which affect the middle ears
• Otitis interna, which are infections of your dog’s inner ear

With dogs, the shape of their ear canals makes them more prone to ear infections, especially floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds.

A dog’s ear canal is shaped like the letter ‘L’, making it easier to trap debris, water, gunk, and anything else that makes its way down the canal.

Some dogs have one type of ear infection or may have multiple types discovered in one visit. It is a common condition, but it is always a good idea to have your veterinarian determine what treatment options he or she recommends.

FUN FACT: Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a normal part of a dog’s healthy ear. Wax buildup isn’t a health problem unless it becomes excessive.

Treating Your Dog’s Ear Infection at Home

Once the type of infection is identified, you can begin treating your dog’s infected ear(s) at home following veterinarian orders.

I am not a fan of nor do I recommend using things like cotton swabs deep in your dog’s ear canal. Do not pour products into your dog ears that may do more harm than good.

This includes, but is not limited to, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, coconut oil, or green tea.

I am a fan of veterinarian-recommended products targeting the exact source of your dog’s ear infections.

Keeping ears clean is key, and I will highlight the ear cleaning product I’ve used with success on my Cocker Spaniels below.

Dog Ear Infection Remedies That Don’t Contain Antibiotics

The following Zymox ear solutions and cleaning products for dogs are ones we have used, researched, and talked to other dog moms and dads about.

When my second Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, was hospitalized for IMT, an immune system disorder, he had an ear infection. He was discharged with instructions to use Zymox products.

Zymox products for dog ear infections and ear cleaning treat acute and chronic inflammation caused by yeast, bacterial, and fungal infections.

We chose these products for their efficacy, ease of use, Zymox’s reputation, pet parent reviews, long-term usage features, nicely priced, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and the Zymox LP3 patented enzyme system, which is non-stinging and non-irritating.

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone

The Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone helps keep dog ears healthy, remove any waxy junk, and uses 0.5% hydrocortisone to relieve itching, minor skin irritation, and dermatitis.

It is helpful for dogs with bacterial, fungal, and yeasty ears caused by Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteu,s and Malassezia.

Used primarily for:

• Itch Relief
• Irritated or inflamed ears
• Removal of ear exudate
• Promotes healthy ears
• For dogs and cats
• For pets who swim
• Pets who live in moist or hot environments

It is soothing, non-toxic and requires no pre-cleaning of the dog’s ear. You apply it once a day into the ear, and like all the products on this list, it contains no antibiotics.

The patented LP3 enzyme solution means no pre-cleaning or digging around in a dog’s delicate ear or ear canal to use the solution.

How to Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Use once a day for seven days, but up to 14 days for chronic infections.

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution Hydrocortisone-Free

The Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution Hydrocortisone-Free is very similar to the above product but without the hydrocortisone. For dogs who are sensitive to hydrocortisone, this ear solution provides all the benefits with none of the worries.

Used primarily for:

• Promoting healthy ears
• For pets who swim
• To remove ear exudate
• Pets who live in moist or hot environments

It is free of antibiotics, hydrocortisone, and contains no corticosteroids. For dogs with sensitive ears, this is something we love, use, and recommend in conjunction with your vet’s approval.

How To Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Use once a day for seven days, but up to 14 days for chronic infections.

Pro Tip: We use this at the first sign of any ear issues, especially in the warmer months. My dog tends to have sensitive ear folds, so I love the hydrocortisone-free Zymox solution for his ears.

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Cleanser

For gentle cleansing of dirty ears, the Zymox Enzymatic Ear Cleanser gets the job done without harsh ingredients or detergents. It is gentle, nontoxic, and leaves ears smelling clean and fresh.

It may be used after your dog has completed a course of Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution with or without hydrocortisone. Since it is gentle, it can be used long-term for overall maintenance to keep dog ears clean.

Used for the gentle cleansing of dirty ears. I use this once a week when I brush my dog, perform 10 touches to keep him healthy, and check his nails.

Zymox Ear Products Veterinary Line

In addition to their consumer line, Zymox also makes a separate veterinary line. This line is just as effective as the consumer products but is more specifically targeted for certain issues.

Here’s a detailed chart and information about each of these Zymox products:

Zymox PLUS Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

Designed for the toughest chronic otitis externa cases that are due to resistant to organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The results are antifungal, anti-yeast, and antibacterial for dogs who are having a tough time getting rid of an ear infection.

This Zymox formula also contains four additional biofilm-reducing enzymes to get to work on hard-to-penetrate biofilm in a dog’s ears.

Used primarily for:

• Resistant otitis
• Irritated or inflamed ears
• Dogs who swim
• Dogs who live in moist environments
• Itch relief

Thanks to the 1% hydrocortisone, dogs with minor inflammation or dermatitis will benefit, too. Do not use in pets with suspected ear drum rupture or known suspected sensitivity to corticosteroids.

How To Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Use once a day for seven days

Zymox Plus Otic Enzymatic Solution

The Zymox Plus Otic Enzymatic Solution is very similar to the above product but without the hydrocortisone. For dogs who are sensitive to hydrocortisone, this ear solution provides all the same benefits with none of the worries.

Used primarily for:

• Resistant otitis
• Irritated or inflamed ears
• Dogs who swim
• Dogs who live in moist environments
• Promotes healthy ears
• Removal of ear exudate

How To Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Use once a day for seven days.

Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution without Hydrocortisone

For both acute and chronic otitis due to bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections with antibiotics. Safe for extended use to manage or prevent the problem. Contains NO hydrocortisone.

Used primarily for:

• Acute and chronic otitis (ear infection)
• Irritated or inflamed ears
• Pregnant or lactating female dogs
• Pets who swim
• Pets in hot or moist environments
• Removal of ear exudate
• Promotes healthy ears

How To Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Apply once a day for up to 14 days.

Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone

The Zymox Plus Otic Enzymatic Solution is very similar to the above product but WITH hydrocortisone. For dogs who are sensitive to hydrocortisone, this ear solution provides all the same benefits with none of the worries.

Used primarily for:

• Acute and chronic otitis (ear infection)
• Itch relief
• Irritated or inflamed ears
• Dogs who swim
• Dogs who live in moist environments
• Promotes healthy ears
• Removal of ear exudate

How To Use: Apply liberally to the uncleaned ear, filling the ear canal. Gently massage and work into the infected area, wiping the excess. Apply once a day for seven days.

Of note, we recommend you purchase Zymox products direct from the Zymox website, your favorite pet supplier (click to find a retailer near you), or directly from your dog’s veterinarian.

Zymox or Antibiotics?

Here’s how Zymox stands up to antibiotic products for ear infections (note, antibiotics are sometimes needed and you should always talk to your veterinarian first.)

Disclaimer: Dogs are my life and career, but I am not your dog’s veterinarian. This blog is a balance of well-researched and hands-on tips and advice coupled with expert feedback and facts. Always check with your dog’s veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s regimen.