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Do you think your dog has an ear infection? Visit Petco for information about dog ear infection signs, symptoms, causes and treatment options.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Are your dog's ears dirty? The brown gunk buildup you see is actually earwax. Read on for some common mistakes owners make, and some dog ear cleaning tips.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Do you think your dog has an eye infection? Visit Petco to learn about dog eye infection symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Cleaning your dog's ears is an essential part of a great grooming routine. Click here for the step-by-step Petco guide on how to clean your dog's ears.
Updated on June 19th, 2026

Discover how to choose the best supplements for your pet’s health, from essential vitamins to joint support and digestion aids. Learn age-specific and seasonal supplement tips for cats and dogs.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
I really like Virbac's line of dermatologic products, and their Epi-Otic is a great all-purpose ear cleanser for dogs. It is available over the counter, and you can order it from DrsFosterandSmith.com or Amazon.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. I would not recommend formulating your own ear cleaner and instead purchase a commercial ear cleaner. I would recommend using Zymox otic cleanser or Epi Otic ear cleanser. Both of these can be found online quite easily. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I really like the Douxo Micellar Solution. It is great at breaking up waxy debris in the ears, it is gentle, and safe if the eardrum is not intact. Here is the link to purchase it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G3DN3ZW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515718924&sr=8-1&keywords=douxo+micellar+solution&dpPl=1&dpID=318m8cDzvCL&ref=plSrch Thank you for using PetCoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Poor DDuang! Ear infections are very uncomfortable. I would not recommend using ophthalmic ointment in the ear, as these medications are not designed for this and could damage his eardrum or the nerves in his middle ear. It's fine to use a regular ear cleaner labeled for dogs to help clean the discharge out of the ear - this won't treat the underlying infection, but may make Dduang a bit more comfortable until he can get treatment. An ear infection is not an emergency, per se, but it's certainly uncomfortable and unpleasant for both of you! Personally, I would probably go ahead and take your pup to the emergency clinic tonight or tomorrow rather than waiting until next week for treatment. You could also call some other vets locally to see if they have any appointments available tomorrow, since this would probably be cheaper than an emergency visit. The vet will take a sample of the discharge for analysis under the microscope and prescribe appropriate medication to treat the infection depending on what is found.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If she will allow, use an ear cleaner, such as Epi-Otic, to clean the ear(s). Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent pawing or rubbing until she sees the doctor. Other medications, even OTC ones, cannot be legally recommended without a physical exam. They may also be the incorrect medication to treat whatever the underlying cause may be.
Updated on September 24th, 2025