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10 Dog Ear Drops in Canada: Commonly Prescribed and Over-the-Counter Options
- Max Wu
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Ear problems are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. Whether caused by bacteria, yeast, wax buildup, or allergies, ear conditions can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for your pet. Dog Ear drops deliver treatment directly into the ear canal, providing targeted relief by reducing inflammation, clearing infections, and helping prevent recurrence.
This guide explains the most common canine ear conditions, the types of drops available, and reviews 10 prescription and over-the-counter products widely used in Canada.
Common Canine Ear Problems Treated with Ear Drops
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections thrive in warm, moist ear canals — especially in floppy-eared breeds like Golden Retrievers or Cocker Spaniels.
Signs of bacterial infections:
Yellow or brown discharge
Strong odor
Red, irritated ear canals
Persistent scratching or head shaking
Dogs who swim frequently or suffer from allergies are more prone to bacterial ear infections.
Yeast infections
Caused most often by Malassezia pachydermatis, yeast infections produce dark brown or black waxy discharge with a musty smell. They are more common in humid weather, allergy-prone dogs, or those with weaker immune systems.
Wax Buildup and Debris
Some dogs naturally produce more earwax. Narrow ear canals or ear hair can trap wax and debris, creating an environment for bacteria or yeast to grow.
Signs include:
Dark, sticky earwax
Visible clumps of wax
Reduced hearing or discomfort
Understanding Ear Drops for Dogs
Types of Ear Drops Available for Dogs
Antibiotic drops - Target bacterial infections (e.g., gentamicin, enrofloxacin).
Antifungal drops - Treat yeast or fungal overgrowth (e.g., miconazole, clotrimazole).
Anti-inflammatory drops - Reduce swelling, redness, and itching (often corticosteroids).
Cleaning solutions – Help maintain healthy ears and prevent recurrence.
⚠️ Important: Never use home remedies such as tea tree oil. Even small amounts can be toxic for dogs. Always choose products formulated for pets.
10 Best Ear Drops for Dogs
Prescription Dog Ear Drops Products (Veterinarian-Only)
Surolan and Otizole packs three active ingredients to hit different causes at once. It’s prescription-only and contains miconazole nitrate (antifungal), polymyxin B sulfate (antibiotic), and prednisolone acetate (anti-inflammatory).
Price Range: Surolan: $30-55 CAD per bottle (15m - 30ml); Otizole $25-113 CAD per bottle (15 - 100ml)
Main Use: Mixed ear infections (bacteria and yeast) with inflammation
Pros: Broad-spectrum, reduces inflammation quickly
Cons: Prescription needed, higher cost, steroids can cause side effects with prolonged use, do not use if tympanic membrane is ruptured
Aurizon offers triple-action treatment with marbofloxacin, clotrimazole, and dexamethasone. It’s also prescription-only and goes after bacteria, fungi, and inflammation all at once.
Price Range: $35-65 CAD per bottle (10m - 20ml)
Main Use: Mixed ear infections (bacterial and yeast) with inflammation
Pros: Effective against hard-to-treat bacteria, strong anti-inflammatory action, once-daily dosing can be more convenient
Cons: Prescription required, not safe with ruptured eardrums
Canaural blends fusidic acid, framycetin sulfate, nystatin, and prednisolone to tackle ear infections from several angles. It’s a prescription-only that goes after a whole mix of bacteria, yeast, and fungi at once.
Price Range: $27-42 CAD per bottle (15ml - 25ml)
Main Use: Mixed bacterial and yeast infections with inflammation
Pros: Multi-action formula, broad antibacterial and antifungal coverage, moderate anti-inflammatory effect
Cons: Possible allergens, prescription required, risk of ototoxicity if eardrum is damaged
Baytril Ear Solution combines enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine for a strong antibacterial punch.
Price Range: $30-40 CAD per 15mL bottle
Main Use: Bacterial infections, especially Pseudomonas
Pros: Good for resistant bacteria, penetrates well
Cons: Prescription only, primarily antibacterial, might irritate the ear canal for some dogs
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Dog Ear Drops Products
Pro-Otic HC gives anti-inflammatory relief with hydrocortisone 1%. It’s available over the counter and works gently for those minor ear flare-ups.
Price Range: $23 CAD per 60ml bottle
Main Use: Mild inflammation, itching
Pros: No prescription needed, gentle formula
Cons: No antimicrobial effect
EpiOtic Advanced cleans ears without harsh stuff. It helps stop bacteria from sticking around in the ear canal. This alcohol-free and chlorhexidine-free formula is gentle but still gets the job done for regular ear care.
Price Range: $12 - 22 CAD per bottle (118ml / 237ml)
Main Use: Regular ear maintenance and infection prevention
Pros: Gentle, safe for long-term use, glycotechnology reduces bacterial adhesion
Cons: Not suitable for active infections
Oti-Scrub uses a foaming action that gets down into ear canals and helps lift out stubborn debris. The foam gives better coverage and hangs around longer than those typical liquid cleaners.
Price Range: $12-20 CAD per bottle (237ml / 473ml)
Main Use: Deep cleaning and stubborn wax removal
Pros: Superior penetrating power, foam stays in place longer, effective for heavy buildup
Cons: Can be messier than liquid cleaners
MalAcetic combines acetic acid and boric acid for effective ear cleaning. Acetic acid helps to control bacteria and yeast. Boric acid helps to dry out the ear and reduce excess moisture. These acids create an environment that discourages bacterial and yeast growth while effectively dissolving wax and debris. It is recommended for dogs prone to ear infections or with chronic ear problems.
Price Range: $17-28 CAD per bottle (118ml / 237ml)
Main Use: Cleansing/drying, routine cleaning with mild antimicrobial support
Pros: Balances pH, mild antimicrobial action, good for yeast-prone ears
Cons: May sting if ears are irritated
Vetoquinol contains denatured alcohol to dry out the external ear canal and evaporate excess moisture. Lactic acid helps to lower the pH of the ear and prevent bacteria and fungi growth. It's designed for routine use in healthy ears.
Price Range: $10-15 CAD per bottle (120ml / 237ml)
Main Use: Routine cleaning
Pros: Gentle, affordable, easy to use
Cons: Cleansing/drying only; not a prescription antimicrobial treatment
Ubasan is an alcohol-free ear cleaning solution with salicylic acid plus lactic and D-Malic acids. It is designed to gently remove wax and debris, soothe the ear canal, and help prevent external ear infections.
Price Range: $8-18 CAD per bottle (120ml/ 250ml/ 500ml)
Main Use: Everyday ear hygiene and wax removal
Pros: Budget-friendly, suitable for regular maintenance, widely available, helps maintain healthy ears and reduce buildup
Cons: Not for active infections
Treating and Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs
6 Steps How to Apply Ear Drops
Clean the ear first
If recommended by your veterinarian, gently clean the ear with a vet-approved cleansing solution to remove wax, debris, or discharge.
Cleaning before applying medication allows the drops to reach the ear canal more effectively.
Always follow your vet’s guidance on which cleanser to use and how often.
Warm the medication
Bring the bottle to room temperature for comfort.
Position your dog
Gently lift the ear flap to straighten the canal.
Apply the drops
Squeeze in the prescribed number of drops without touching the ear with the applicator tip.
Massage
Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to distribute the medication.
Let your dog shake
Allow your dog to shake their head to help remove loosened debris and spread the medication.
Preventative Ear Care Tips
Keeping your dog’s ears healthy is just as important as treating infections when they occur. Regular care can reduce the risk of ear problems:
Check weekly: Look for redness, unusual odor, or discharge.
Use a vet-approved cleansing solution:
For dogs prone to wax buildup, allergies, or frequent swimming, gentle cleaning 1–2 times per week can help.
Only clean if there is visible wax or debris—avoid over-cleaning, as it can dry out or irritate the ear canal.
After baths or swimming: Always dry the ears thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
Trim excess hair: Long hair around the ear opening can trap dirt and moisture.
Avoid cotton swabs inside the canal: They can push debris deeper and damage the eardrum.
Schedule regular veterinary checkups: Routine ear exams help detect issues early, before they become painful or chronic.
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