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Zymox Otic Plus Advanced Formula

Bestie Paws, May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
👂🔬
PKB Animal Health · LP3 Enzyme System · Patented · Made in USA · Antibiotic-Free · Vet-Recommended

The definitive breakdown of Zymox Otic Plus with 1% Hydrocortisone — what makes it different from regular Zymox, what each enzyme actually does, the critical no-pre-cleaning rule, and exactly when to choose Plus over standard Zymox.

🔬 The Golden Rule for Every Zymox Otic Application

Do not clean the ear before or during use. This single rule is the most important thing to understand about the entire Zymox line — and the most commonly broken instruction that leads to poor results. The LP3 Enzyme System is a biological mechanism that requires the presence of ear debris, exudate, and the infectious environment itself to activate fully. Cleaning the ear removes the substrate the enzymes need to generate their antimicrobial compounds. The enzymes quite literally work best in a dirty ear. Fill the canal liberally once daily, massage the base, let the head shake, and wipe only the outer ear with a soft cloth. That’s it. If you already cleaned the ear before reading this — wait 24 hours, then begin. Zymox Otic Plus adds a second layer to this process: four biofilm-dissolving enzymes that break through the protective slime layer that chronic, resistant bacteria hide behind — the barrier that makes recurring infections feel impossible to beat.

📋 10 Key Facts — Zymox Otic Plus Advanced Formula

Ear infections are one of the most common conditions in dogs, affecting between 7.5% and 20% of all dogs seen in veterinary practice at some point in their lives — and they are among the most frequently recurring problems pet owners face. For chronic and resistant cases, standard antibiotic treatments often fail because bacteria and yeast form protective biofilm structures that shield them from medication. Zymox Otic Plus was specifically engineered for that scenario. Here are the 10 most important facts every dog owner should know before choosing and using this product.

  • 1
    Is Zymox Otic Plus good for dog ear infections? Yes — highly effective, particularly for chronic and recurring infections standard treatments fail · Published in the Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences: Zymox Otic Plus was found “effective and beneficial” for canine otitis externa management and biofilm removal in both in-vivo and in-vitro conditions · Treats bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections simultaneously without antibiotics · Once-daily application; no ear cleaning required; no reported side effects · Particularly valuable when standard Zymox or prescription antibiotics have not resolved the infection
    Veterinary research published in peer-reviewed scientific literature has confirmed what many pet owners with chronically ear-infected dogs have discovered through experience: Zymox Otic Plus delivers meaningful, clinically verified results for canine otitis externa — including the chronic, resistant cases that fail to respond to conventional antibiotic ear drops. The study specifically evaluated both the in-vivo effectiveness (in living animals) and in-vitro biofilm-disruption capacity of the formula, confirming that the biofilm-reducing enzymes in the Plus formulation actually break down the protective slime matrix that bacteria and yeast use to shelter themselves from treatment. This is significant because antibiotic resistance in canine ear infections is a growing clinical challenge — biofilm-producing strains of Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Malassezia yeast can become up to 100 times more resistant to conventional antimicrobials when protected by biofilm. By dissolving the biofilm first and then applying antimicrobial enzymatic action through the LP3 system, Zymox Plus attacks the infection in a sequence that traditional topical antibiotics cannot replicate. For dogs whose ear infections have returned repeatedly despite multiple rounds of prescription ear medications, Zymox Plus offers a genuinely different mechanism of action rather than simply another antibiotic variation.
  • 2
    Will Zymox Plus get rid of an ear infection? For most acute infections: yes, within 7 days of once-daily use · For chronic or recurring infections: yes, typically within 14 days — longer courses directed by vet · For infections with ruptured eardrum: do NOT use without veterinary evaluation · Results depend on strict adherence to the no-pre-cleaning rule, full filling of the ear canal, and completing the full 7–14 day course · If no improvement after 7 days of correct use: consult a veterinarian — the infection may involve deeper structures (otitis media) or require prescription systemic treatment
    Zymox Otic Plus resolves the majority of standard outer ear infections (otitis externa) when used correctly and consistently for the full recommended course. The key word is “correctly” — the single most common cause of treatment failure is not product inadequacy but user error in the application protocol. Two mistakes account for nearly all poor outcomes: pre-cleaning the ear (which deactivates the enzyme system by removing the substrate needed for enzyme activation), and applying an insufficient quantity (a few drops in a large ear canal will not contact all infected surfaces — the ear canal must be genuinely filled). When these errors are avoided and the full 7-day course for acute infections or 14-day course for chronic infections is completed, the LP3 enzyme system paired with the biofilm-reducing complex consistently eliminates the infection and restores normal ear environment. An important limitation: Zymox Otic Plus treats otitis externa — infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal. Dogs with otitis media (middle ear infection, often signaled by extreme pain, head tilt, or neurological signs like walking in circles) require veterinary diagnosis and often systemic oral antibiotics. Additionally, the product must not be used in dogs with a ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) without veterinary evaluation, as introducing liquid solutions through a perforated eardrum into the middle ear can cause serious complications.
  • 3
    Does Zymox Otic really work? Yes — supported by peer-reviewed veterinary research, published in scientific journals, and endorsed by veterinarians worldwide · The LP3 Enzyme System is a patented, clinically validated antimicrobial technology that mimics the body’s own natural defense mechanism against microorganisms · Covers the full spectrum of common ear pathogens: Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Malassezia yeast, and mixed infections · Antibiotic-free — no risk of antibiotic resistance development through repeated use · PKB Animal Health earned the TICA (The International Cat Association) endorsement — one of few pet product companies to receive this honor for safety and non-toxic formulation
    The effectiveness of Zymox Otic is grounded in the genuine biochemistry of the LP3 Enzyme System — a patented combination of naturally occurring enzymes derived from mammalian milk proteins. The three core enzymes in the LP3 system are lactoperoxidase, glucose oxidase, and lactoferrin, each playing a distinct antimicrobial role. Lactoperoxidase, when combined with hydrogen peroxide generated by glucose oxidase acting on glucose (dextrose) in the formula, produces hypothiocyanate and hypoiodite ions — reactive oxygen species that oxidize and disrupt the metabolic pathways of bacteria, fungi, and yeast on contact. This is not a novel or speculative mechanism: the lactoperoxidase-thiocyanate-peroxide system is a naturally occurring antimicrobial component of saliva, tears, and breast milk in mammals, and its effectiveness against oral and mucosal bacteria has been studied in human and veterinary medicine for decades. Lactoferrin adds iron-deprivation action — bacteria require iron for growth, and lactoferrin’s extremely high iron-binding affinity denies microorganisms the iron they need to replicate and survive. Lysozyme, the fourth enzyme, directly attacks bacterial cell walls by cleaving the peptidoglycan structure that holds the cell wall together. Together, these four enzymes create a multi-front antimicrobial attack using no synthetic antibiotics — meaning the microorganisms have no established resistance pathways against this mechanism the way they do against fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides.
  • 4
    What is the difference between Zymox Otic and Zymox Plus? Both contain the LP3 Enzyme System (lactoperoxidase + glucose oxidase + lactoferrin + lysozyme) — the core antimicrobial mechanism · Zymox Plus ADDS four biofilm-reducing enzymes not present in standard Zymox: Mutanase, Dextranase, Cellulase, and Beta-Glucanase · These four additional enzymes dissolve the polysaccharide matrix of biofilm — the protective slime layer that bacteria and yeast build to resist treatment · Standard Zymox: best for first-time or straightforward acute infections · Zymox Plus: best for chronic, recurring, or antibiotic-resistant infections where biofilm is present · Both come with hydrocortisone (1%) and hydrocortisone-free versions · Zymox Plus is also known as the “Advanced Formula”
    Biofilm is the key concept that explains why Zymox Plus was developed as a distinct product from the original Zymox Otic. When bacteria colonize the ear canal, they don’t simply float freely in the ear fluid — within hours to days, many species begin secreting a complex matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids called biofilm. This slimy matrix serves as a structural shelter: it anchors the bacterial colony to the ear canal surface, prevents antibiotics and even the enzymes in standard Zymox from penetrating effectively, and creates an environment where bacteria can survive in metabolically dormant states that make them extraordinarily resistant to treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most clinically challenging bacteria in chronic canine otitis, is particularly prolific in biofilm production — and studies confirm that biofilm-protected Pseudomonas can be up to 100 times more resistant to antibiotics than the same strain growing freely. The four additional enzymes in Zymox Plus specifically target different structural components of biofilm: mutanase and dextranase break down the polysaccharide matrix (the scaffolding of the biofilm), cellulase attacks cellulose-containing structural elements, and beta-glucanase dissolves beta-glucan polymers found in yeast cell walls and fungal biofilm components. Once these enzymes physically dissolve the biofilm structure, the exposed bacteria and yeast become vulnerable to the LP3 enzyme system’s antimicrobial action — creating a sequential two-step attack that neither standard Zymox nor conventional antibiotics alone can replicate.
  • 5
    Why should you not clean a dog’s ear before using Zymox? The LP3 Enzyme System is a biological reaction that requires the infectious ear environment as its substrate — ear debris, pus, and exudate are what the enzymes react with to generate their antimicrobial compounds · Cleaning removes this substrate and disrupts the enzymatic activity · The enzymes work best in a dirty, infected environment — the product is designed to work with the infection material, not after it’s removed · Using an ear cleaner or antiseptic before Zymox can inactivate the enzyme system entirely · If ear was recently cleaned: wait 24 hours before beginning Zymox treatment · Only external wipe with soft cloth is appropriate during the treatment course
    The no-pre-cleaning rule is counterintuitive for most pet owners — cleaning infected ears before applying medication seems like it would help the medicine work better. For virtually every other topical ear medication, this is correct: pre-cleaning removes debris and discharge so the active ingredient can reach the infected tissue directly. The LP3 Enzyme System works fundamentally differently. Rather than being a pre-formed antimicrobial agent that simply needs to contact infected tissue, it is a biological reaction system that uses the components of the infectious environment itself as reactants. Glucose oxidase in the formula converts glucose (dextrose, also in the formula) to hydrogen peroxide. Lactoperoxidase then uses this hydrogen peroxide, combined with potassium iodide (also in the formula), to generate hypoiodite and hypothiocyanate ions — the actual antimicrobial agents. The presence of ear exudate, protein-rich pus, and microbial debris in the ear canal provides additional substrates and cofactors that amplify this reaction. When these materials are removed by pre-cleaning, the enzymatic cascade is weakened — there is less substrate for the reaction, fewer cofactors present, and in some cases, cleaning agents (particularly antiseptics like chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide) directly inactivate the enzymes by denaturing their protein structures. PKB Animal Health’s own published guidance confirms that the enzymes work best in a dirty environment, and that failure to follow the no-pre-cleaning protocol is the most common reason pet owners fail to see results in the expected timeframe.
  • 6
    What does the 1% Hydrocortisone in Zymox Otic Plus do? Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that reduces ear canal inflammation, redness, swelling, and the intense itch that drives the head-shaking and ear-scratching that worsens infections · It does not treat the infection itself — the LP3 enzyme system and biofilm complex do that · Why it matters: untreated inflammation causes structural damage to the ear canal over time (skin thickening, canal narrowing) that makes future infections harder to treat · Hydrocortisone-free version is available for: pregnant or lactating dogs, dogs sensitive to steroids, dogs with a known steroid sensitivity, exotics, rabbits · Use the HC-free version if steroid use is contraindicated — the antimicrobial effectiveness is identical
    The inclusion of 1% hydrocortisone in Zymox Otic Plus addresses one of the most significant complications of ear infections that is often overlooked: the inflammatory damage that accumulates in the ear canal while an infection is active. When the ear canal is inflamed, the skin lining the canal becomes swollen, red, and hypersensitive — dogs respond by shaking their heads, pawing at their ears, and rubbing their faces on surfaces, all of which further traumatize the already irritated tissue and can introduce secondary infections. Over time, chronic inflammation of the ear canal causes permanent structural changes: hyperplasia (thickening) of the canal skin, proliferation of sebaceous and apocrine glands, calcification of the ear cartilage, and progressive narrowing of the canal opening. These changes are collectively called end-stage otitis — a point at which the canal is so structurally compromised that medical management becomes ineffective and surgical intervention (total ear canal ablation) may be the only remaining option. Topical hydrocortisone interrupts this inflammatory cascade by suppressing the immune signaling molecules (cytokines and prostaglandins) responsible for swelling, redness, and pain — providing immediate comfort to the dog and protecting the long-term structural integrity of the ear canal. Importantly, any product containing hydrocortisone should not be used on pregnant or lactating female dogs, as topical corticosteroids can have systemic hormonal effects. For these animals, the hydrocortisone-free versions of both Zymox and Zymox Plus provide the identical antimicrobial LP3 and biofilm enzyme action without the steroid component.
  • 7
    How long does it take Zymox Otic Plus to work? Symptom relief (reduced itch, less head shaking) typically begins within 24–48 hours of first application due to the hydrocortisone component · Visible improvement in discharge and odor usually within 3–5 days · Full treatment course: 7 days once daily for acute infections; 14 days for chronic infections (or as directed by veterinarian) · Do not stop early when symptoms improve — completing the full course prevents relapse · If no improvement after 7 full days of correct application: discontinue and consult a veterinarian · After completing treatment: use ZYMOX Ear Cleanser for maintenance if needed (the cleanser is used AFTER treatment, not during)
    The timeline of relief with Zymox Otic Plus follows two parallel tracks. The first is symptomatic relief from the hydrocortisone: as a topical corticosteroid, hydrocortisone begins reducing inflammatory activity within hours of application, with meaningful reductions in swelling, redness, and itch beginning within 24 to 48 hours. This is why dogs treated with the hydrocortisone-containing formulas typically stop shaking their heads and scratching their ears relatively quickly — the pain and discomfort signal is being suppressed even before the infection itself is fully resolved. The second track is the enzymatic antimicrobial action: the LP3 and biofilm enzyme systems reduce the microbial population and dissolve protective biofilm structures progressively over the treatment course, with the infection clearing measurably by days 3 to 5 in most acute cases. This distinction is important because it means the absence of head shaking by day 2 does not mean the infection is gone — it means the inflammation is being managed while the underlying infection is still being addressed. Stopping the treatment early because the dog seems comfortable is the primary cause of rapid relapse. Dogs with chronic, deep-seated, or biofilm-heavy infections that have been present for weeks to months may require 14 days or longer under veterinary guidance, as the biofilm must be progressively broken down before the antimicrobial enzymes can reach the embedded bacteria throughout the canal.
  • 8
    Which dog breeds are most prone to ear infections requiring Zymox Plus? Highest-risk breeds for otitis externa based on veterinary and scientific literature: · Cocker Spaniels (floppy ears trap moisture; heavy wax production; predisposed to seborrhea) · Basset Hounds (extremely long, heavy pendulous ears; poor ventilation) · Poodles and Labradoodles (hair grows inside the ear canal, trapping debris; moisture retention) · Labrador and Golden Retrievers (love swimming; water trapped in L-shaped canal) · Shar-Peis (narrow, stenotic ear canals that restrict airflow) · Beagles, French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers · Also high-risk: any dog with allergies (environmental or food) — allergic inflammation of the ear canal creates the warm, moist microenvironment where bacteria and yeast thrive · Swimming dogs of any breed: water trapped in the horizontal section of the L-shaped canal is a primary infection trigger
    The anatomy of the dog’s ear canal is fundamentally different from the human ear and creates a natural vulnerability to infection. Unlike the human ear canal, which runs nearly horizontally from the outer ear to the eardrum, the canine ear canal forms an L-shape — a long vertical section that turns sharply horizontal before reaching the tympanic membrane. This architecture creates a natural pocket where moisture, wax, and debris accumulate at the bend, far from the ear opening where air circulation occurs. Breeds with additional anatomical features that compound this vulnerability — heavy floppy pinnae that cover the ear opening (Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels), dense hair growth in the canal (Poodles, Labradoodles), or naturally narrow canal conformation (Shar-Peis) — have dramatically higher rates of otitis. Veterinary epidemiological data consistently shows that up to 1 in 7 dogs seen in general practice will experience otitis externa at some point, but in predisposed breeds this rate is substantially higher. Environmental allergies (atopy) are the single largest primary cause of chronic recurrent otitis in dogs — allergic inflammation of the ear canal skin disrupts the normal acid mantle, increases secretion from ceruminous glands, and creates a perpetually warm, moist, nutrient-rich environment that bacteria and Malassezia yeast find ideal for colonization. For atopic dogs, treating each infection with antibiotics without addressing the underlying allergy is why the infections keep returning — Zymox Plus’s antibiotic-free, enzyme-based approach is particularly appropriate for these dogs because it can be used repeatedly without building antibiotic resistance or suppressing beneficial commensal bacteria.
  • 9
    Can I use Zymox Plus with other ear medications or cleaners? No — do not use Zymox Plus in conjunction with any other topical ear product during the treatment course · Other ear preparations (prescription antibiotic drops, antifungal drops, ear cleaners, antiseptic solutions) can interrupt the enzyme activity and prevent the LP3 system from working · Do not allow water in or near the ear during the treatment course — water dilutes the enzymes and can wash them away; advise reapplication after 24 hours if water entered · Oral antibiotics and oral medications are safe to use simultaneously — the restriction is topical only · After completing the full Zymox Plus course: ZYMOX Ear Cleanser may then be used for maintenance cleaning if needed · Sensitivity reactions are rare but possible — discontinue and consult vet if irritation develops
    The restriction against combining Zymox Plus with other topical ear products is not a manufacturer preference — it is a biochemical necessity. The LP3 Enzyme System’s effectiveness depends on maintaining specific conditions within the ear canal: appropriate pH, the presence of enzymatic cofactors (potassium iodide, glucose), and the absence of compounds that denature proteins. Many conventional ear medications and cleaners contain ingredients that directly interfere with these conditions. Chlorhexidine gluconate, a common antibacterial ingredient in ear cleaners and wipes, is highly effective at denaturing proteins — which is how it kills bacteria, but it will also denature the lactoperoxidase, glucose oxidase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme enzymes in the Zymox formula. Acetic acid-based ear cleaners alter the pH environment that the enzyme reactions require. Hydrogen peroxide, used in some ear preparations, can degrade the enzyme proteins before they reach the target microorganisms. Even plain water — if introduced into the ear canal from bathing or swimming during the treatment course — dilutes the enzyme concentration and can physically wash the product out of the ear canal before it has completed its antimicrobial work. If a dog swims or gets bathed during the treatment period, it is important to reapply after 24 hours. The no-combination rule does not extend to oral antibiotics or other systemic medications — these are administered differently and do not contact the enzyme system. A dog simultaneously receiving oral amoxicillin for a systemic condition can safely use Zymox Otic Plus topically for an ear infection.
  • 10
    Is Zymox Otic Plus available without a prescription? Yes — available over the counter without a prescription · Available at: PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, Amazon, 1800PetMeds, and the ZYMOX direct website (shop.zymox.com) · Price range: approximately $20–$35 for the 1.25 oz size; larger sizes available · No prescription required despite containing pharmaceutical-grade 1% hydrocortisone as an active ingredient · Veterinary recommendation still valuable: a vet can confirm the infection involves only the outer ear canal (otitis externa) rather than the middle or inner ear, perform cytology to identify the specific organism, and rule out underlying conditions (allergies, hypothyroidism) that require additional treatment · Use Plus when standard Zymox has not worked or when the infection is chronic — use standard Zymox for first-time straightforward infections
    The over-the-counter availability of Zymox Otic Plus makes it one of the most accessible clinical-strength ear infection treatments available without a veterinary visit. This accessibility is practically important because ear infections in dogs often flare rapidly — what begins as mild head shaking on a Friday evening can progress to significant discomfort and tissue damage by the time a Monday veterinary appointment becomes available. Having Zymox Plus at home, particularly for dog owners whose pets have a documented history of chronic ear infections, allows treatment to begin promptly without the delay, cost, and stress of an emergency veterinary visit for a condition whose presentation is familiar and well-established. The important caveats of OTC availability remain: the owner cannot perform cytology (microscopic examination of ear discharge) to confirm whether the infection is bacterial, fungal, or mixed — and while the LP3 enzyme system is broadly effective against all three categories, a veterinarian’s diagnosis also catches complications that Zymox cannot address. These include otitis media (middle ear infection requiring systemic antibiotics), foreign bodies in the ear canal (grass awns, polyps), ear mites (which require specific antiparasitic treatment), and the underlying primary conditions like atopy or food allergy that perpetuate chronic infections regardless of how effectively each individual flare-up is treated. For first-time ear infections or any case with severe pain, neurological signs, or bloody discharge, a veterinary evaluation before or alongside OTC treatment is the responsible approach.
📊 Key Numbers — Dog Ear Infections & Zymox Plus at a Glance
🐕 Otitis Prevalence
1 in 7 dogs
Research cited by Merck Animal Health indicates up to 1 in 7 dogs seen in veterinary practice will develop otitis externa at some point in their lives — making it one of the most common conditions in small animal medicine. Allergic dogs and floppy-eared breeds face significantly higher rates.
🦠 Biofilm Resistance Factor
Up to 100× more resistant
Biofilm-protected bacteria can be up to 100 times more resistant to conventional antibiotics than the same bacteria growing freely. This is why recurring ear infections fail to respond to repeated antibiotic courses — and why Zymox Plus targets the biofilm directly before the LP3 system eliminates exposed microbes.
🧬 LP3 Enzyme System
4 + 4 enzymes (Plus)
Standard Zymox uses 4 core LP3 enzymes (Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme). Zymox Plus adds 4 biofilm-reducing enzymes (Mutanase, Dextranase, Cellulase, Beta-Glucanase) for a total of 8 synergistic enzymes targeting both the microbe and its protective shield.
⏱️ Treatment Duration
7 days (acute) · 14 days (chronic)
Once-daily application for 7 days covers most acute otitis externa cases. Chronic infections require 14 days or longer under veterinary guidance. The once-daily dosing schedule — dramatically simpler than most prescription ear medications requiring cleaning and twice-daily application — significantly improves treatment completion rates.
🧴 Complete Zymox Otic Product Guide — Which Version Is Right for Your Dog?
📋 How to Choose the Right Zymox Product

First infection or straightforward acute case → Standard Zymox Otic (with or without HC). Recurring, resistant, or chronic infection → Zymox Plus Advanced Formula (with or without HC). Pregnant or lactating dog → Hydrocortisone-free version of whichever formula is appropriate. Maintenance after treatment → ZYMOX Ear Cleanser (used only after completing a full treatment course, not during). Preventive use in swimmers → Hydrocortisone-free Zymox or Zymox Plus (weekly use after swimming).

  • 1
    🏆 Zymox Plus Advanced Formula Otic with 1% Hydrocortisone — Best for Chronic & Resistant Ear Infections
    Category: Enzymatic otic solution with anti-inflammatory · Best for: Chronic, recurring, or antibiotic-resistant ear infections; biofilm-producing bacterial infections; cases where standard Zymox has not resolved the infection; dogs with persistent Malassezia yeast, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, or Proteus infections · Active ingredient: Hydrocortisone 1.0% (anti-inflammatory + anti-itch) · Inactive / Enzymatic ingredients: Glucose Oxidase, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme (LP3 System) + Beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Dextranase, Mutanase (Biofilm Reducing Complex) + Benzyl Alcohol, Deionized Water, Dextrose, D-Mannose, Glycerine, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Pectinex, Potassium Iodide, Propylene Glycol · Do NOT pre-clean · Do NOT combine with other ear topicals · Fill ear canal liberally · Once daily · 7 days acute / 14 days chronic · Not for: Pregnant or lactating dogs; animals with sensitivity to corticosteroids; ruptured eardrum · Species: Dogs and cats · Sizes: 1.25 oz · Made in USA
    🔬 LP3 + 4 Biofilm Enzymes = 8 total💊 1% Hydrocortisone — itch + inflammation🚫 Antibiotic-free — no resistance risk⚡ Once daily — no pre-cleaning⚠️ Not for pregnant/lactating dogs🇺🇸 Made in USA · PKB Animal Health
  • 2
    Zymox Plus Advanced Formula Otic — Hydrocortisone-Free Version
    Category: Enzymatic otic solution (steroid-free) · Best for: Chronic and resistant ear infections in pregnant, lactating, or steroid-sensitive dogs; all pets where hydrocortisone is contraindicated (rabbits, exotics, small animals); dogs of any age including puppies; preventive use in swimming dogs · Enzymatic ingredients: Same complete 8-enzyme system as the HC version — LP3 (Glucose Oxidase, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme) + Biofilm Complex (Mutanase, Dextranase, Cellulase, Beta-Glucanase) · Identical antimicrobial effectiveness to the HC version — hydrocortisone’s only function is inflammation/itch control, not antimicrobial · Safe for all pet types including pregnant females, lactating females, rabbits, exotics, and small animals · Same no-pre-cleaning rule applies · Once daily · 7 days acute / 14 days chronic · Species: Dogs, cats, small animals, exotics
    🔬 Full 8-enzyme system — identical antimicrobial🤰 Safe for pregnant + lactating dogs🐇 Safe for rabbits + exotics🚫 No steroids — steroid-sensitive safe🏊 Preventive use for swimmers
  • 3
    Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone — Best for First-Time or Acute Ear Infections
    Category: Enzymatic otic solution (standard formula) with anti-inflammatory · Best for: First-time or clearly acute ear infections; dogs who haven’t had recurring infections; straightforward bacterial, fungal, or yeast otitis externa without documented treatment resistance · Active ingredient: Hydrocortisone 1.0% · Enzymatic ingredients: Core LP3 System only — Glucose Oxidase, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme · No biofilm-reducing complex — use PLUS if the infection is chronic, resistant, or recurring · Highly effective against: Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Malassezia yeast, mixed bacterial-fungal infections · Same application protocol: No pre-cleaning; fill ear canal once daily; 7 days acute / 14 days chronic · Sizes: 1.25 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz · Not for: Pregnant or lactating dogs
    🔬 LP3 Enzyme System (4 enzymes)💊 1% Hydrocortisone🥇 Best for first-time infections📦 Available in 1.25 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz🔄 Upgrade to Plus if recurring
  • 4
    Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution — Hydrocortisone-Free (Standard)
    Category: Enzymatic otic solution (standard formula, steroid-free) · Best for: Acute otitis in pregnant or lactating dogs; steroid-sensitive animals; preventive maintenance in dogs prone to frequent infections; use for all life stages including puppies with first ear infections · Enzymatic ingredients: Core LP3 System — Glucose Oxidase, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme · Safe for all pets: Dogs, cats, small animals, exotics, pregnant and lactating females, rabbits · Maintenance use: Can be used weekly (1–2 times) as ongoing maintenance for dogs with chronic ear disease between acute episodes · No side effects reported · Preventive application: After swimming or bathing in infection-prone breeds · Also available with 0.5% Hydrocortisone for a lower-steroid option between the fully steroid-free and the 1% HC formulas
    🐕 All ages including puppies🤰 Safe for pregnant + lactating🏊 Post-swim preventive application🔄 Weekly maintenance use supported🐇 Safe for rabbits + all exotics
  • 5
    Zymox Enzymatic Ear Cleanser — For Post-Treatment Maintenance Only
    Category: Enzymatic ear cleanser (NOT for use during infection treatment) · Best for: Ear cleaning and maintenance AFTER completing a full Zymox Otic or Otic Plus treatment course; routine cleaning of waxy, dirty non-infected ears; ongoing ear hygiene in infection-prone breeds; dogs who swim regularly · Critical rule: Do NOT use during an active Zymox Otic treatment course — the cleanser can disrupt enzyme activity of the therapeutic Otic formulas · LP3 Enzyme System included — gentler formulation for maintenance rather than treatment · Detergent-free · Non-irritating · No-sting formula · Leaves ears fresh · Use after treatment is complete to remove any remaining wax or debris that accumulated during the healing process · Available: 4 oz bottle, 1 gallon (professional/multi-pet)
    🚿 Post-treatment maintenance ONLY🔬 LP3 Enzyme System — gentle maintenance🏊 Regular use for swimming dogs🚫 NOT during active Zymox treatment📦 4 oz + 1 gallon sizes available
📍 Find Zymox Otic Plus Near You

Use these buttons to find Zymox Otic Plus at a store near you. Also available at Chewy, Amazon, 1800PetMeds, and shop.zymox.com — often with subscribe-and-save discounts.

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✅ 5-Step Application Guide — Get the Best Results from Zymox Plus
  • Step 1 — Choose the right version. If this is the first ear infection or a simple acute case: start with standard Zymox Otic (with or without HC depending on the dog’s steroid history). If the infection is chronic, recurring, or has not responded to antibiotics or standard Zymox: choose Zymox Plus Advanced Formula. If the dog is pregnant, lactating, or steroid-sensitive: choose the hydrocortisone-free version of whichever formula is appropriate.
  • Step 2 — Do not clean the ear. This is the most important instruction in the entire guide. No ear cleaner, no antiseptic wipe, no hydrogen peroxide, no chlorhexidine — nothing should go into the ear canal before or during the Zymox Plus course. If you cleaned the ear before reading this: wait 24 hours, then begin. Only external ear flap wiping with a soft damp cloth is appropriate during treatment.
  • Step 3 — Apply correctly and generously. Shake the bottle well. Fill the ear canal liberally — the canal must be genuinely flooded for all infected surfaces to make contact with the product. A few drops will not be sufficient, particularly in a large breed’s deep ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear for 30–60 seconds to help the solution penetrate the horizontal section. Let the dog shake its head naturally. Wipe away only the outer excess with a soft cloth.
  • Step 4 — Complete the full course. Acute infections: once daily for 7 consecutive days. Chronic infections: once daily for 14 days (or as directed by your veterinarian). Do not stop early when symptoms improve — head shaking may stop within 1–2 days due to the hydrocortisone’s anti-inflammatory action, but the infection itself requires the full enzymatic treatment course to fully resolve. Stopping early is the primary cause of rapid relapse.
  • Step 5 — Keep water out during treatment and follow up correctly. Keep the ear dry during the treatment course — no swimming and be careful during baths to prevent water entering the ear canal. If water gets in: reapply after 24 hours. After completing the full treatment course, the ZYMOX Ear Cleanser (not the Otic) may be used to clean any remaining wax or debris. For dogs with a history of recurring infections, discuss maintenance protocols with your veterinarian — weekly preventive application of the hydrocortisone-free Zymox after swimming or bathing can significantly reduce infection frequency in high-risk breeds.
📋 Quick Reference — Zymox Product Line: 1. Zymox Plus + 1% HC 🏆 2. Zymox Plus HC-Free 3. Zymox Otic + 1% HC 4. Zymox Otic HC-Free 5. Zymox Ear Cleanser (post-treatment) 🔬 LP3 = Lactoperoxidase + Glucose Oxidase + Lactoferrin + Lysozyme 🧬 Biofilm Complex = Mutanase + Dextranase + Cellulase + Beta-Glucanase ☎️ ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 🌐 zymox.com · shop.zymox.com

This guide is for educational purposes only. Individual dogs respond differently to ear treatments. If your dog’s ear infection is severe, painful, bleeding, or not improving after 7 days of correct Zymox use, consult a veterinarian promptly — middle ear infections and ruptured eardrums require professional diagnosis and treatment. Do not use any hydrocortisone-containing product on pregnant or lactating animals. This guide is not affiliated with, compensated by, or endorsed by PKB Animal Health, ZYMOX, or any retailer mentioned. Information reflects current published product specifications and veterinary research at the time of writing.

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