OTC Dog Ear Remedy by Dr. Andrew Jones

 Recognizing the Symptoms

Recently, my dog Tula began showing signs of discomfort with her right ear. She was shaking her head frequently and scratching at her ear. The ear looked red and inflamed, and when a swab was taken, dark debris appeared inside the ear canal. Along with this, there was a slightly sweet odor—classic signs of a yeast ear infection. In most cases, when you notice black debris along with this type of smell, it is almost always caused by yeast (Malassezia).

An Effective and Low-Cost Solution

Many pet owners assume that treating yeast ear infections requires expensive veterinary medication. The truth is, there is a much simpler and inexpensive alternative: Clotrimazole Cream. This antifungal cream, commonly used in humans for yeast infections, costs around five dollars. Surprisingly, this very ingredient is also the primary antifungal used in many veterinary ear treatments, which often cost upwards of fifty dollars. By choosing this affordable cream, you can achieve the same results at a fraction of the price.

Proven Through Experience

This remedy was first introduced to me by a client who worked as a nurse. Her Golden Retriever suffered from recurring yeast infections in the ears, and she became frustrated with the constant need for expensive prescriptions. After realizing that the condition was yeast-based, she purchased Clotrimazole over-the-counter and used it successfully. Not only was it far less expensive, but it also targeted the yeast directly, unlike many veterinary products that combine antifungals with anti-inflammatories or antibiotics.

How to Apply the Cream

Applying the cream is simple. For every 20 pounds of your dog’s weight, use about ¼ inch of cream. Place a small amount on your fingertip, gently pull back the ear flap, and insert the cream into the external ear canal. Massage the base of the ear well so that the cream spreads throughout. If you hear a light squishing sound, that means the medication is being worked into the canal properly.

Recommended Treatment Duration

For best results, apply the cream twice daily for 7–10 days. In many cases, dogs show improvement within just 2–3 days, and itching often subsides completely within five days. In Tula’s case, even a single dose brought noticeable relief.