Ear infections in dogs: treatments compared
Checked against FDA labels and veterinary references: October 2026
Short answer
Most ear infections in dogs are caused by yeast, bacteria or both, usually on top of an underlying problem such as allergies. Your vet identifies the cause with a quick swab, then treats with medicated drops at home for one to two weeks or a single vet-applied treatment such as Claro or Osurnia. Infections that keep coming back need the underlying cause treated, most often allergies.
Ear infection treatments for dogs at a glance
- ClaroSingle dose applied by the vetHow it is given: One dose in each affected ear at the clinicHow long: Up to 30 days from one doseWhat to watch for: Dogs only; the vet checks the eardrum firstWhere to get it: Given at the vet
- OsurniaGel applied by the vetHow it is given: One tube per affected ear, repeated 7 days laterHow long: About two weeks of treatmentWhat to watch for: Dogs only; can irritate human eyesWhere to get it: Given at the vet
- Ear drops at homeAntibiotic, antifungal and steroid combinationsHow it is given: Once or twice a dayHow long: Usually 7 to 14 daysWhat to watch for: Finish the full course; technique mattersWhere to get it: Vet or veterinary pharmacy
- Ear cleanerVet-recommended productHow it is given: Before treatment and for maintenanceHow long: Ongoing, as advisedWhat to watch for: Not into an ear with a ruptured eardrumWhere to get it: Vet or pet store
- Such as prednisoneHow it is given: Short course for very swollen, painful canalsHow long: Days to a couple of weeksWhat to watch for: Thirst, urination, hungerWhere to get it: Regular pharmacy
- Oral antibioticsChosen by cultureHow it is given: For middle ear or resistant infectionsHow long: Several weeks for deep infectionsWhat to watch for: Stomach upset; follow the culture resultWhere to get it: Vet or regular pharmacy
| Treatment | How it is given | How long | What to watch for | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClaroSingle dose applied by the vet | One dose in each affected ear at the clinic | Up to 30 days from one dose | Dogs only; the vet checks the eardrum first | Given at the vet |
| OsurniaGel applied by the vet | One tube per affected ear, repeated 7 days later | About two weeks of treatment | Dogs only; can irritate human eyes | Given at the vet |
| Ear drops at homeAntibiotic, antifungal and steroid combinations | Once or twice a day | Usually 7 to 14 days | Finish the full course; technique matters | Vet or veterinary pharmacy |
| Ear cleanerVet-recommended product | Before treatment and for maintenance | Ongoing, as advised | Not into an ear with a ruptured eardrum | Vet or pet store |
| Oral steroidSuch as prednisone | Short course for very swollen, painful canals | Days to a couple of weeks | Thirst, urination, hunger | Regular pharmacy |
| Oral antibioticsChosen by culture | For middle ear or resistant infections | Several weeks for deep infections | Stomach upset; follow the culture result | Vet or regular pharmacy |
Signs of an ear infection
- Head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ears.
- Odor, discharge, redness or swelling in the ear.
- Pain when the ears are touched.
- A head tilt, loss of balance or unusual eye movements can mean the middle or inner ear is involved and need a prompt vet visit.
Why ear infections keep coming back
Allergies, to food or the environment, are the most common reason dogs get repeated ear infections, because they inflame the ear canal and let yeast and bacteria overgrow. Ear shape, swimming, excess hair and foreign bodies such as grass seeds also contribute. Treating the allergy is often what finally stops the cycle; see allergy and itch medicine for dogs.
How your vet chooses treatment
Your vet looks down the ear canal to check the eardrum, then examines a swab under the microscope to see whether yeast, bacteria or both are present. For infections that keep returning or do not respond, a culture shows which antibiotics will work. Single-dose treatments such as Claro and Osurnia are applied at the clinic only after the eardrum is confirmed intact.
Giving ear drops well
- Clean the ear first if your vet advises, and let it dry.
- Lift the ear flap, fill the canal with the prescribed number of drops, then massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Let your dog shake, then wipe away what comes out with cotton balls, not cotton swabs deep in the canal.
- Give every dose for the full course, and go back for the recheck before stopping, even if the ear looks better.
What not to put in your dog’s ears
Avoid hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar and human ear drops unless your vet recommends them. They can irritate an inflamed canal, and some ingredients can damage the inner ear if the eardrum is ruptured.
Long-standing infections
Years of repeated infection can thicken and narrow the ear canal until medicine can no longer reach it. Early, complete treatment and control of the underlying cause prevent this; in the most severe cases, surgery to remove the diseased canal relieves the pain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat my dog’s ear infection at home?
Not reliably without a diagnosis. Your vet needs to check the eardrum and identify yeast or bacteria; the wrong product can delay healing or harm an ear with a damaged eardrum.
What is Claro for dogs?
An FDA-approved ear treatment applied once by your vet, with effects lasting up to 30 days, so there are no drops to give at home. It is for dogs only.
How long does a dog ear infection take to clear?
Most simple infections improve within days and clear in one to two weeks with treatment. Long-standing or middle ear infections take longer.
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Most often because of an underlying allergy. Ear shape, swimming and foreign bodies also play a part. Treating the cause is the key to preventing new infections.