Otodex Ear Drops are ear drops for use in both dogs and cats when ears are itchy, waxy or mildly infected. If your pet is shaking their head, scratching at the ear, or you have noticed an unpleasant smell or a build-up of dark, sticky debris, it can be a sign that the outer ear canal is irritated. Clinically, this is often described as otitis externa, which means inflammation of the external ear canal.
Otodex Drops can be used to help manage ear irritation and mild otitis externa that is caused by infection, or made worse by infection, and they can be a practical option for short, targeted treatment at home when symptoms are mild and your pet is otherwise well.
Warmth, moisture, narrow ear canals, allergies and excess cerumen (ear wax) can all create the conditions in which bacteria or yeasts multiply, leading to redness, soreness and discharge. Sometimes, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are involved, especially in cats and in multi-pet households, and the resu...
Otodex Ear Drops are ear drops for use in both dogs and cats when ears are itchy, waxy or mildly infected. If your pet is shaking their head, scratching at the ear, or you have noticed an unpleasant smell or a build-up of dark, sticky debris, it can be a sign that the outer ear canal is irritated. Clinically, this is often described as otitis externa, which means inflammation of the external ear canal.
Otodex Drops can be used to help manage ear irritation and mild otitis externa that is caused by infection, or made worse by infection, and they can be a practical option for short, targeted treatment at home when symptoms are mild and your pet is otherwise well.
Warmth, moisture, narrow ear canals, allergies and excess cerumen (ear wax) can all create the conditions in which bacteria or yeasts multiply, leading to redness, soreness and discharge. Sometimes, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are involved, especially in cats and in multi-pet households, and the resulting irritation can trigger secondary infection. You might notice one or more of the following signs, which are all good reasons to consider ear care and, where appropriate, treatment with Otodex Ear Drops:
If your pet seems in pain, the ear is very swollen, there is bleeding, a head tilt, loss of balance or deafness, you should seek veterinary advice promptly rather than relying on Otodex Ear Drops alone.
Otodex Drops work by combining anti-infective activity with a base that helps loosen and remove waxy debris. Otodex contains chlorbutanol hemihydrate, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and phenoxyethanol, a bactericide that is particularly effective against organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium associated with stubborn ear infections. Otodex Ear Drops are carried in a non-aqueous propylene glycol base; this helps dissolve cerumen and has additional anti-fungal qualities, making it easier to clear exudate and reduce the microbial load within the external ear canal. The solution also has a light pine fragrance, which can help you keep track of which ear has been treated. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Otodex Ear Drops are effective in the treatment of the ear mite Otodectes cynotis in dogs and cats, although this product is not described as a classic acaricide, so persistent itchiness may still need a broader parasite plan from your vet.
Otodex Drops are used when ears are irritated and there is evidence of infection or a high risk of infection developing alongside wax build-up. They can be helpful for mild otitis externa, for ears that repeatedly become greasy or smelly, and for situations where scratching and head shaking are linked to wax and microbial overgrowth rather than a foreign body. Otodex Ear Drops are not a substitute for a proper ear examination if symptoms are severe or recurrent. A veterinary surgeon may need to look deep into the ear canal with an otoscope, check whether the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is intact, and perform cytology to identify bacteria or Malassezia yeast. Do not use Otodex Ear Drops if you suspect the eardrum is perforated, and do not delay veterinary care if your pet is lethargic, has marked pain, or the ear canal is so swollen that drops cannot enter. If you have multiple pets and suspect ear mites, it is sensible to discuss treating in-contact animals and bedding hygiene as well as using Otodex Ear Drops.
Before applying, carefully remove any excess exudate, hair or debris from the outer ear (never push cotton buds down the ear canal). Hold your pet’s head steady and squeeze 3 or 4 drops of Otodex Ear Drops into the affected ear once daily. Keep the head still for a few moments to allow thorough penetration, then gently massage the base of the ear to help distribute the solution through the canal. Treatment is typically repeated daily until the condition clears, usually within 4 to 5 days, and if necessary you can continue a little longer to clear waxy debris as advised on the product information. Use each container for only one animal to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and do not exceed the recommended dosage. After the ear looks settled, check at regular intervals for any sign of reinfection so you can respond early if irritation returns.
Discontinue treatment if you notice signs of hypersensitivity, such as worsening redness, swelling, or increased discomfort after application. There are no known interactions listed with other medicines, but if your pet is already on prescribed ear drops, it is worth checking with your veterinary practice before combining products.
What are Otodex Ear Drops used for?
Otodex Ear Drops are used in dogs and cats to help manage ear irritation and otitis externa when infection is present or complicating the problem. They are suited to mild cases with wax build-up, odour, discharge or itching. If there is significant pain, swelling or recurrent disease, a vet exam is needed.
Do Otodex Ear Drops kill ear mites?
Otodex Ear Drops have been shown in clinical trials to be effective against the ear mite Otodectes cynotis in dogs and cats. If you suspect mites, it is still wise to speak to your vet about treating all in-contact pets and addressing wider parasite control, because reinfestation can occur.
How long should I use Otodex Ear Drops for?
The usual course is 3–4 drops into the affected ear once daily until the condition clears, typically 4–5 days. Some pets may need a little longer to shift stubborn waxy debris. If symptoms persist beyond this, or return quickly, stop self-treating and ask your veterinary surgeon to investigate the underlying cause.
Can I use Otodex Ear Drops if my pet has a ruptured eardrum?
No. Otodex Ear Drops should not be used if the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is perforated. A ruptured eardrum is not always obvious at home, so if your pet has severe pain, sudden hearing change, head tilt, balance problems, or discharge after trauma, seek veterinary assessment before using any ear drops.
Why does my pet’s ear infection keep coming back?
Recurring otitis externa often has an underlying driver, such as allergy (atopy or food sensitivity), a foreign body like a grass seed, endocrine disease, or anatomical narrowing of the canal. Otodex Ear Drops can help with flare-ups, but repeated episodes need veterinary work-up, such as otoscopy, cytology and sometimes culture, to guide long-term management.
