In this video, I’m breaking down dog ear infections and the over-the-counter treatments that actually help—starting with my biggest reminder: talk to your veterinarian before you put anything in your dog’s ears. Ear infections are commonly caused by yeast, bacteria, or both, and puppies can also get them from ear mites. I also cover the big risk factors I see all the time, like allergies, excess moisture, wax buildup, ear canal injuries, foreign bodies, and even excessive ear cleaning. I walk you through the symptoms to watch for—discharge, wax buildup, itching, head shaking, odor, redness, swelling, scabs, and obvious pain—and what to expect at the vet (otoscope exam, gentle palpation, and sometimes swabs, X-rays, or biopsies). Then I share my top OTC picks: Zymox enzymatic ear solutions (1% hydrocortisone and the gentler 0.5% option), Curaseb as a cleaner/remedy option, Vet Organics EcoEars for an all-natural approach, and Pet MD ear wipes for dogs that won’t tolerate liquid flushes. I also show you the simple step-by-step way to apply ear solutions and finish with prevention tips—especially drying ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing and cleaning properly without cotton swabs.