ZYMOX Review: Ear Solution, Ear Wipes, Oratene and Funky Paws, Tested by a Vet Tech.

ZYMOX makes enzyme-based, antibiotic-free care for your pet’s ears, mouth, paws, and more. As a veterinary technician, I tested four of its most popular products on one very real patient, my foster Beagle, Debbie: the Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone, the Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes, the Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Toothpaste Gel, and Funky Paws.

Key Takeaways

• No antibiotics, no prescription: ZYMOX uses natural LP3 enzymes, and all four products are made for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

• Ear Solution (4.5/5): No pre-cleaning needed. Debbie’s ear discharge decreased each day, and her head shaking and scratching settled down.

• Ear Wipes (5/5): Gentle, alcohol-free cleanup after play, baths, and Ear Solution treatments.

• Oratene (5/5): Noticeably fresher breath in one week, with no brushing.

• Funky Paws (5/5): Debbie’s Frito feet were gone, and her paw licking dropped within a week.

Jump to: Our Verdict | Debbie’s Results at a Glance | How ZYMOX Works | Which Product Do You Need? | Ear Solution | Ear Wipes | Oratene | Funky Paws | How ZYMOX Compares | Safety | Where to Buy | FAQ

Our Verdict: One Enzyme Routine From Ears to Paws

ZYMOX is a strong pick for owners who want one gentle, enzyme-based routine from snout to tail. The Ear Solution soothes itchy ears and clears discharge with no pre-cleaning, the Ear Wipes handle daily upkeep, Oratene freshens breath without brushing, and Funky Paws targets corn-chip paw odor. None replace a vet exam for severe or worsening problems.

Product	Best for	My rating	Shop
Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone	Itchy or irritated ears, or ear discharge	4.5/5	Shop Ear Solution
Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes	Daily ear cleaning and maintenance	5/5	Shop Ear Wipes
Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel	Bad breath, plaque, and dry mouth in pets that won’t tolerate brushing	5/5	Shop Oratene
Funky Paws	Corn-chip paw odor, itchy paws, skin folds, and dry noses	5/5	Shop Funky Paws

Overall: 4.9/5. In one week, Debbie’s ears were more comfortable, her breath was fresher, and her Frito feet were gone, all with products that were easy to use on a wiggly, handling-shy Beagle.

Debbie’s Results at a Glance

Product	Problem	After one week	Rating
Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone	Waxy ears, mild yeasty odor, head shaking	Less discharge each day; no extra head shaking or scratching; odor neutralized	4.5/5
Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes	Residue and dirt around the ears after play and treatment	Cleaned away greasy residue; now part of her daily routine	5/5
Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel	Heavy plaque and tartar, doggy breath, won’t tolerate brushing	Noticeably fresher breath; easy to apply after meals	5/5
Funky Paws	Frito feet, constant paw licking, dry nose	Odor gone; much less paw licking	5/5

Meet Debbie: The Beagle Behind This Review

Debbie is a 2- to 3-year-old Beagle I’m fostering, and she has the classic Beagle trio of ear, teeth, and paw problems. At her checkup about a month ago, her veterinarian noted “waxy ears with mild yeasty odor” but found no signs of infection. In his words, they’re “typical Beagle ears.” She shakes her head, scratches at her ears, and has occasional discharge, because her heavy, floppy ears trap debris and hold moisture.

Her teeth were the bigger surprise. Her vet was struck by how much plaque and tartar she has for her age, likely from her early life as a stray, eating whatever she could find to survive. He recommended brushing. That’s easier said than done: Debbie will not hold still for a toothbrush.

She’s also a dedicated paw licker, with a “Frito feet” smell that creeps back between baths. The good news is that she’s a wiggly but cooperative patient for ear cleaning. One dog, four everyday problems: she’s exactly who these products are made for.

What Is ZYMOX, and How Do Its Enzymes Work?

ZYMOX is a line of pet care products built on the LP3 Enzyme System: three natural enzymes, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, that help break down bacteria, yeast, and fungi without antibiotics. The same enzymes occur naturally in saliva, tears, and milk, where they’re part of the body’s own defenses.

What Is an Enzyme?

An enzyme is a protein that speeds up a specific chemical reaction. Your pet’s body makes thousands of them to digest food, heal wounds, and fight germs. Enzymes are highly targeted: each one does one job, over and over, without being used up.

Why Enzymes Instead of Antibiotics?

Enzymes offer owners a gentler first line of care for everyday problems. Here’s why that matters:

• No antibiotic resistance. Enzymes don’t contribute to the antibiotic-resistant bacteria that make infections harder to treat.

• No prescription needed. Every product in this review is sold over the counter.

• Familiar to the body. These are proteins your pet already makes, not foreign drugs.

How the LP3 Enzyme System Works

Each enzyme attacks microbes in a different way:

• Lactoperoxidase produces short-lived compounds that are toxic to bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It’s powered by a fourth enzyme in the formula, glucose oxidase¹.

• Lysozyme breaks down bacterial cell walls.

• Lactoferrin binds iron, which bacteria and yeast need to grow.

Oratene adds a second system, called MD2, built for the mouth. It’s covered in the Oratene section.

What the Research Says

The main peer-reviewed study is a 2022 study in the Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences. It treated eight dogs with severe, chronic outer-ear infections with ZYMOX Otic Plus, a sister product to the Ear Solution reviewed here, for two to four weeks. Their ear scores fell by 88.2% on average, and seven of the eight dogs showed less bacterial or yeast growth. It was a small study without a control group, so it’s encouraging rather than conclusive.

Who Makes ZYMOX?

ZYMOX was created by Pamela K. Bosco after her German Shepherd, Elizabeth, struggled with chronic ear infections. Today, it’s made in the USA by Pet King Brands, Inc. in Austin, Texas, and the brand has been on the market for more than 25 years.

Which ZYMOX Product Does Your Pet Need?

Match the product to the problem: the Ear Solution for itchy or irritated ears and ear discharge; the Ear Wipes for routine cleaning and prevention; Oratene for bad breath, plaque, or dry mouth; and Funky Paws for corn-chip paw odor, itchy paws, skin folds, or a dry nose. Many pets, like Debbie, benefit from more than one.

If your pet has…	Start with	Size
Itchy or irritated ears, or ear discharge	Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone	1.25 oz
Dirty or waxy ears, or you want to help prevent infections	Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes	100 wipes
Bad breath, plaque, or dry mouth	Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel	2.5 oz (up to 4 months)
Stinky or itchy paws, irritated skin folds, or a dry nose	Funky Paws	3.2 oz

Not sure where to start? Browse the full ZYMOX line for ear, oral, and skin care.

ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Solution with 0.5% Hydrocortisone Review

ZYMOX Ear Solution helps remove ear discharge, supports healthy ears, and relieves itching from minor irritation and inflammation, using LP3 enzymes plus 0.5% hydrocortisone. Its biggest advantage: no pre-cleaning. You apply it straight into the uncleaned ear once a day for 7 days, or 14 days for chronic cases.

Do You Need to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Before Using ZYMOX?

No. ZYMOX Ear Solution goes into the uncleaned ear canal, and you shouldn’t clean the ears during treatment either. The enzymes are designed to work through wax and debris, and cleaners can disrupt them. That means you only handle your pet’s sore ear once per day, not twice.

As a vet tech, I can’t overstate how much that matters. A sore, itchy ear hurts, and many pets learn to dodge the bottle after a few days of cleaning plus medicating. One quick application a day is easier on your pet and on you, so you’re more likely to finish the full course.

How to Use ZYMOX Ear Solution, Step by Step

1. Shake the bottle well.

2. Fill the uncleaned ear canal with the solution.

3. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to work it down.

4. Let your pet shake their head, then wipe away the excess from the outer ear with a cotton ball. Never push swabs into the canal.

5. Repeat once a day for 7 days, or 14 days for chronic cases.

6. Keep water out of the ears during treatment: no baths or swimming.

7. Once the course is finished, go back to routine ear cleaning.

Debbie’s Results With ZYMOX Ear Solution

Debbie is a wiggle worm who loves to play outside and roll in the grass, something she indulged in quite a bit while at the shelter. Thanks to her friendly demeanor, she was placed in a play group with much larger dogs, which meant lots of tackling and rolling. With her big, floppy Beagle ears, dirt, debris, and moisture were inevitable. Still, I trusted the label and didn’t clean her ears before starting ZYMOX Enzymatic Ear Solution.

Debbie’s lick mat came in very handy while treating her ears. She happily licked away, stopping only to shake her head vigorously after I applied the drops and massaged them into her ear canals. She barely noticed the drops going in, so I know they didn’t sting or irritate her skin.

A surprising amount of gunk came to the surface after the first application and head shake, with less and less discharge over the following days. Her outer ears stayed a healthy pink, with no redness, swelling, or irritation. Apart from the shake right after each treatment, her ears seemed far more comfortable: no extra head shaking, scratching, or rolling on the carpet.

The formula worked great for general cleaning and comfort, and it neutralized that yeasty odor. The bottle is also a good size, with plenty left for future treatments.

My only complaint: the solution is a bit greasy and leaves residue on the fur around the ears. It’s an easy fix. A few hours after applying, wipe the area around the ear with a ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipe. Just don’t use the wipe inside the treated ear, since that may interfere with the solution. A warm, damp washcloth with a tiny drop of pet-safe dish soap or shampoo works too.

My rating: 4.5/5. Half a star off for the greasy residue around the ears.

For a wiggly dog like Debbie, the no-pre-cleaning routine is a real advantage. One quick application a day means one short handling session, not two. A few tips that help with squirmy dogs:

• Apply after a walk or play session, when your dog is calmer.

• Have a helper hold a lick mat or offer small treats while you work.

• Do one ear, reward, then do the other.

• Expect a big head shake right after. Wipe the outer ear once it settles.

Can You Use ZYMOX With Other Ear Medications?

No. Don’t use other ear cleaners, drops, or topicals during treatment, because they can interfere with the enzymes. If your pet is already on a prescription ear medication, check with your veterinarian before switching.

0.5% vs. 1% Hydrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone-Free: Which Should You Choose?

Version	Choose it if…
0.5% hydrocortisone (this review)	Your pet’s ears are itchy or mildly inflamed, and you want gentle steroid relief. A good fit for cats, kittens, and puppies, too.
1% hydrocortisone	Your pet’s ears are very red, inflamed, and itchy.
Hydrocortisone-free	Your pet is sensitive to steroids, is pregnant or nursing, or the main problem is odor and debris rather than itch.

Important: don’t use any ZYMOX product containing hydrocortisone on pregnant or nursing pets. Choose a hydrocortisone-free version and talk to your veterinarian first.

How Long Does ZYMOX Take to Work?

Follow the full course: once daily for 7 days, or 14 days for chronic cases. Many owners report less head shaking and scratching in the first few days, but stopping early can cause symptoms to return. If your pet isn’t better after 14 days, see your veterinarian.

When to See a Vet Instead

Skip at-home treatment and call your vet if your pet has a suspected ruptured eardrum, a head tilt, loss of balance, severe pain, swelling of the ear flap, or pus or blood in the ear. A vet should also check any infection that keeps coming back, since allergies are a common underlying cause.

ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes Review

ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes are pre-moistened wipes that remove dirt and wax buildup, calm temporary redness, and reduce odor, helping prevent ear infections. They combine LP3 enzymes with aloe vera and menthyl lactate, and they’re hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, dyes, and alcohol. Use them daily and after baths or swimming.

Which Dogs Need Regular Ear Cleaning?

Breeds with heavy, floppy ears, like Beagles, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Doodles, have ear canals that stay warm, dark, and damp. Debris and moisture get trapped inside, which is exactly what yeast and bacteria need to grow. Debbie’s occasional discharge and head shaking are typical. Regular cleaning keeps buildup from turning into an infection.

But floppy ears aren’t the only risk. Any dog or cat can get ear infections, and allergies, both environmental and food-related, are one of the most common causes. Dogs with hairy or narrow ear canals, like Poodles and Shih Tzus, and dogs that swim or bathe often are also prone to buildup. Even upright-eared breeds aren’t immune: ZYMOX itself was created for a German Shepherd with chronic ear infections.

For any pet with waxy, smelly, or itchy ears, regular cleaning is one of the simplest ways to prevent problems.

How to Use ZYMOX Ear Wipes

1. Hold the wipe with the smooth side facing out.

2. Gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the accessible opening of the ear. Don’t push into the canal.

3. Use a fresh wipe if the first one gets dirty. Never reuse a wipe.

4. Repeat daily for routine maintenance, and after every bath or swim.

During a 7- to 14-day Ear Solution course, don’t use the wipes inside the treated ears. You can still use them on the fur and skin around the ears to clean away residue.

How Often Should You Use ZYMOX Ear Wipes?

Once a day works for routine maintenance, especially for floppy-eared breeds and dogs that swim. Always wipe after baths or swimming, when trapped moisture is most likely.

Using ZYMOX Ear Wipes on Wiggly, Waxy Beagle Ears

For a dog like Debbie, with waxy ears and a mild yeasty odor but no infection, the Ear Wipes are the everyday product. Here’s what owners can realistically expect:

• Visible wax on the first wipe. On waxy ears, the first pass usually brings away brown, waxy buildup. Use a fresh wipe for each ear, and more if one gets dirty.

• A few days to catch up. If buildup has been sitting for a while, it can take several days of daily wiping before the wipes come away mostly clean.

• Less odor as the wax clears. A mild yeasty smell often fades as buildup is removed and the ear stays drier.

• No sting. Because the wipes are alcohol-free, they’re comfortable on ears that are already a bit irritated.

For wiggly dogs, keep sessions short, under a minute per ear, and reward after each one. If the odor gets stronger, the discharge turns dark, or your dog seems painful, stop and see your vet.

Debbie’s Results With ZYMOX Ear Wipes

Since Debbie was on the Ear Solution during her first week, I couldn’t use the wipes for their intended purpose right away. Instead, I used them to clean the greasy residue from the fur around her ears, and they were very effective.

I’ve since started using them daily, especially after she rolls around outside or has a playdate with one of her dog friends. She’s bathed every two to three weeks, and the wipes are perfect for a quick, gentle wipe-down afterward to keep her infection-prone Beagle ears clean and dry. The aloe vera and menthyl lactate help calm temporary redness and discomfort, and because the wipes are free of fragrance, dyes, and alcohol, they’re gentle even on sensitive skin.

My rating: 5/5.

Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Toothpaste Gel Review

Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel fights plaque and freshens breath without brushing. You place a half-inch strip on your pet’s gums, and the enzymes work with their saliva. It contains no xylitol, alcohol, chlorhexidine, dyes, or detergents, and it’s especially helpful for pets with dry mouth. One 2.5 oz tube lasts up to four months.

How Does Brushless Enzyme Toothpaste Work?

Oratene uses two enzyme systems. The LP3 Enzyme System targets the bacteria behind bad breath and plaque. A second system, MD2, adds the enzymes mutanase and dextranase, which break down the sticky film bacteria use to cling to teeth. Because the gel mixes with saliva, it spreads around the mouth on its own.

Do Pets Get Dry Mouth?

Yes. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when a pet doesn’t make enough saliva. Saliva rinses away food and bacteria and carries natural antibacterial enzymes, so a dry mouth is more prone to bad breath, plaque, and gum problems. Oratene helps relieve symptoms by moisturizing the mouth and restoring enzymes found in healthy saliva.

Common causes of dry mouth in pets include:

• Medications, such as antihistamines and some behavioral and heart medications

• Older age

• Dehydration

• Certain illnesses, and radiation therapy to the head or neck

Signs to watch for:

• Bad breath that doesn’t improve

• Thick, stringy, or sticky saliva

• Dry, tacky, or red gums, or a dry tongue

• Frequent lip licking

• Trouble eating dry food or drinking more than usual

• Faster plaque and tartar buildup

If your pet started a new medication and these signs appeared, mention it to your veterinarian. Oratene can be used alongside most treatments to keep the mouth comfortable.

How to Apply Oratene

• Squeeze a half-inch strip onto your fingertip.

• Rub it along the gums where they meet the teeth, on both sides of the mouth.

• Ideally, apply in the morning, at night, and after meals.

• Brushing is optional. If your pet tolerates it, brushing with Oratene adds mechanical cleaning.

There’s no need to rinse. The gel is meant to stay in the mouth and mix with saliva.

Can Oratene Replace Brushing?

For pets that won’t tolerate a toothbrush, Oratene is a practical alternative that still fights plaque and bad breath. No gel can remove tartar that has already hardened, so ask your vet whether a professional cleaning is needed.

Debbie’s vet was surprised by how much plaque and tartar she had, likely from her years as a stray, and he recommended brushing. Brushing is a battle with her, so Oratene lets us start an enzyme routine right away while we slowly work up to a toothbrush.

Tips for Pets Who Fight the Toothbrush

Treats are a great distraction, as long as you time them right. Because Oratene works by staying on the gums and mixing with saliva, give the treat before you apply the gel, not right after. Then reward with praise, a game, or a short walk instead of food.

1. Start small. Let your pet lick a tiny dab of gel off your finger so the taste and texture become familiar.

2. Use routine moments. Apply after meals, as the label directs, when your pet is already settled.

3. Go quickly. Lift the lip, swipe the gel along the gumline on one side, then the other. It takes seconds.

4. Stay consistent. Morning, night, and after meals. The goal is fresher breath and less new plaque over time, not an overnight change.

5. Build toward brushing. Once your pet is comfortable with your finger along the gums, add a finger brush, then a toothbrush.

Debbie’s Results With Oratene

Debbie is shockingly cooperative when I use Oratene. I’d first tried a sample of poultry-flavored toothpaste from my vet, but it was hard to spread across her teeth and gums before she swallowed it. Oratene is unflavored, so it’s simple to swipe across her teeth and gums after each meal.

I love that it’s free of harmful substances like xylitol, alcohol, and chlorhexidine, and that I don’t have to fumble with a brush for it to work. Debbie’s breath was noticeably better after a week, and I feel good knowing I’m helping prevent plaque buildup and starting a healthy dental routine her future adopter can continue.

My rating: 5/5.

ZYMOX Funky Paws Review: Our 7-Day Test

Funky Paws is an enzyme gel for paw odor that smells like corn chips, itchy paws, irritated skin folds, and dry noses. It uses LP3 enzymes to target odor-causing bacteria and moisturizes with vitamin D3 and oat extract. Apply it daily until the smell improves, then once a week. It’s non-toxic if your pet licks it.

Why Do My Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

That “Frito feet” smell comes from an overgrowth of bacteria, mainly Pseudomonas and Proteus, living on the skin between your dog’s toes and paw pads. Sweat, trapped moisture, and frequent licking help them multiply. A faint smell is normal, but a strong or lingering one is worth treating.

Debbie is a dedicated paw licker, and her Frito smell comes back within days of a bath. That made her a good candidate for a week-long test.

How to Apply Funky Paws

• Paws: rub a small amount between the toes and around the pads once a day until the odor improves, then once a week to keep it away.

• Skin folds: apply a thin layer to clean, dry folds.

• Nose bridge: use a dime- to quarter-sized amount on a dry, cracked nose bridge.

What If My Dog Licks Off Funky Paws?

Funky Paws is non-toxic and safe if licked. To give it time to absorb, distract your pet for a few minutes after applying, with a treat, a short walk or a puzzle toy.

Debbie’s Results With Funky Paws

Debbie does not like having her paws touched. She hates nail trims and gets very resistant and wiggly whenever her paws are handled. To apply Funky Paws, I distracted her with a lick mat slathered in dog-safe peanut butter, and it worked like a charm.

The formula was non-greasy and left no scent behind. I was even able to dab a little on her nose, which gets a bit dry as the weather turns colder. By the time she finished her lick mat, her paws were dry, and without a strong smell to pull her attention, Debbie felt no need to lick her feet.

After a week of use, I noticed much less paw licking in general. That was a big relief, since her favorite time to clean her paws is bedtime, when she’s lying right next to me! Her Frito odor was also gone, which was no small feat (no pun intended): she had just spent 10 days boarding at the shelter while I was on vacation and came home very stinky.

My rating: 5/5. Funky Paws lived up to its claims with safe ingredients. I also love that it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA.

How ZYMOX Compares

ZYMOX’s main difference from most alternatives is that it treats and prevents problems with enzymes rather than antibiotics or harsh cleansers, and it’s sold without a prescription. Prescription ear drops act faster on severe infections, while toothbrushing and paw balms do different jobs from Oratene and Funky Paws.

ZYMOX Ear Solution vs. Otomax, Mometamax, and Epi-Otic

Product	Type	Prescription?	Key ingredients	Best for
ZYMOX Ear Solution (0.5% HC)	Enzymatic ear solution	No	LP3 enzymes, 0.5% hydrocortisone	Itchy, irritated ears and ear discharge; no pre-cleaning
Otomax	Prescription ointment	Yes	Gentamicin, betamethasone, clotrimazole	Infections a vet has diagnosed
Mometamax	Prescription suspension	Yes	Gentamicin, mometasone, clotrimazole	Infections a vet has diagnosed
Epi-Otic Advanced	Ear cleanser	No	Salicylic acid, PCMX	Routine cleaning and drying; not a treatment

Otomax and Mometamax need a vet exam, partly because their antibiotic, gentamicin, can damage hearing if the eardrum is ruptured. ZYMOX suits everyday itching, discharge, and ear maintenance, and its no-pre-cleaning routine is easier on sore ears.

ZYMOX Ear Wipes vs. Other Ear Wipes

Many ear wipes rely on alcohol, fragrance, or harsh cleansers, which can sting or dry out irritated skin. ZYMOX Ear Wipes are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free, and they add LP3 enzymes, so they do more than lift dirt.

Oratene vs. Brushing & Other Enzymatic Toothpastes

Daily brushing is still the gold standard for pet dental care. Most enzymatic toothpastes are designed to be brushed on, which doesn’t help if your pet won’t allow a toothbrush. Oratene works without brushing and adds dry-mouth relief.

Funky Paws vs. Paw Balms

Paw balms protect and moisturize pads, but most don’t address the bacteria behind corn-chip odor. Funky Paws targets the odor with enzymes and moisturizes with vitamin D3 and oat extract.

Is ZYMOX Safe? When to See a Vet

All four ZYMOX products in this review are made for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. The main cautions: don’t use the Ear Solution if an eardrum may be ruptured, and don’t use any hydrocortisone product on pregnant or nursing pets. See a vet for severe, painful, or recurring problems.

Can You Use ZYMOX With a Ruptured Eardrum?

No. Don’t use ZYMOX Ear Solution if your pet has a known or suspected ruptured eardrum. Only a veterinarian can check the eardrum. Warning signs include a head tilt, loss of balance, and severe ear pain.

Is ZYMOX Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Pets?

Don’t use any ZYMOX product containing hydrocortisone, including the 0.5% Ear Solution, on pregnant or nursing pets. Ask your veterinarian about hydrocortisone-free options.

Does ZYMOX Treat Ear Mites?

No. ZYMOX isn’t designed to treat ear mites, which need an antiparasitic product from your vet. Your vet can confirm mites by looking at ear debris under a microscope.

Warning Signs That Need a Veterinarian

• A head tilt, loss of balance, or circling

• Severe pain or crying when the ear or mouth is touched

• Swelling of the ear flap, pus, or blood

• No improvement after a full 14-day ear treatment

• Loose or broken teeth, bleeding gums, or trouble eating

• Red, swollen, bleeding, or limping paws

• Infections or odor that keep coming back, which often point to allergies

Where to Buy ZYMOX

The most reliable place to buy ZYMOX is directly from zymox.com, where you get the full product line and authentic product backed by the company’s satisfaction guarantee. ZYMOX is also sold at major pet retailers such as Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, PetSmart, and Tractor Supply.

To make sure you’re getting the real thing, buy from zymox.com or a well-known retailer, check that the packaging is sealed, and look at the expiration date. Be cautious with unusually cheap listings from third-party sellers.

ZYMOX Pros and Cons

Product	Pros	Cons	Not for
Ear Solution with 0.5% HC	No pre-cleaning; once-daily dosing; antibiotic-free; gentle enough for cats, kittens, and puppies	Can’t be combined with other ear products; not a substitute for prescription drops when a vet diagnoses an infection; a bit greasy around the ears	Suspected ruptured eardrums, ear mites, pregnant or nursing pets
Ear Wipes	Quick daily routine; alcohol-, fragrance-, and dye-free; good after baths and swims	Clean only the outer ear and opening, not deep in the canal	Treating an active infection
Oratene Toothpaste Gel	No brushing needed; helps dry mouth; no xylitol; one tube lasts up to four months; unflavored, so it spreads easily	Applied several times a day; can’t remove hardened tartar	Replacing a vet dental cleaning
Funky Paws	Targets corn-chip odor, not just masks it; also treats skin folds and dry noses; safe if licked; non-greasy, with no lingering scent	Needs daily use at first; works best if your pet is distracted while it absorbs	Red, swollen, or bleeding paws, which need a vet

Final Thoughts: A Snout-to-Tail Routine That Works

In one week, four ZYMOX products tackled all of Debbie’s everyday problems. The Ear Solution cleared debris and odor from her waxy Beagle ears without a single pre-clean, while the Ear Wipes keep them clean after play and baths. Oratene freshened her breath with no brushing battles, and Funky Paws ended her Frito feet and bedtime paw licking. For a wiggly, handling-shy foster dog, that’s a routine that’s easy to keep up and easy to pass on to her future adopter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you clean ears before using ZYMOX Ear Solution? No. Apply ZYMOX Ear Solution to the uncleaned ear canal, and don’t clean the ears during treatment. Cleaners can disrupt the enzymes. Resume routine cleaning once the 7- or 14-day course is finished.

How long does ZYMOX take to work? Use ZYMOX Ear Solution once daily for 7 days, or 14 days for chronic cases. Many owners notice less head shaking and scratching within a few days. If there’s no improvement after 14 days, see your veterinarian.

Does ZYMOX work for yeast ear infections? In my testing, ZYMOX Ear Solution neutralized the mild yeasty odor in Debbie’s ears within the 7-day course. If your pet’s ears are red, painful, or have dark discharge, see your vet, since an infection needs a diagnosis. Recurring yeast infections often have an underlying cause, such as allergies, that’s worth discussing with your vet.

Do I need a prescription for ZYMOX? No. All ZYMOX products in this review are sold over the counter at zymox.com and major pet retailers.

Is there a ZYMOX discount code? Yes. New customers can use code WELCOME10 for 10% off their first purchase. Orders over $50 also ship free, no code required. Both offers are available only at zymox.com.

How often should I use ZYMOX Ear Wipes? Once a day for routine maintenance, and after every bath or swim. Floppy-eared breeds like Beagles benefit most from regular cleaning.

Can I use Oratene instead of brushing? Yes, if your pet won’t tolerate a toothbrush. Oratene fights plaque and bad breath without brushing. It can’t remove hardened tartar, though, so regular veterinary dental checkups are still important.

Does Oratene contain xylitol? No. Oratene contains no xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and no alcohol, chlorhexidine, dyes, or detergents.

Why do my dog’s paws smell like corn chips? The smell comes from an overgrowth of bacteria, mainly Pseudomonas and Proteus, on the skin between the toes and pads. Moisture and licking help them grow.

Is Funky Paws safe if my dog licks it? Yes. Funky Paws is non-toxic and safe if licked. Distract your pet for a few minutes after applying so it can absorb.

Are ZYMOX products safe for cats? Yes. All four products in this review are made for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Don’t use hydrocortisone products on pregnant or nursing pets.

Is ZYMOX Ear Solution greasy? A little. In my testing, it left a light residue on the fur around Debbie’s ears. Wiping the area with a ZYMOX Ear Wipe a few hours after applying, or using a warm, damp washcloth with a drop of pet-safe shampoo, cleans it up easily.

Can I use ZYMOX Ear Wipes during Ear Solution treatment? Only on the fur and skin around the ear. Don’t use the wipes inside treated ears during the 7- or 14-day course, since that may interfere with the solution.

How long does Funky Paws take to work? Apply it daily until the odor improves, then once a week. In my testing, Debbie’s corn-chip paw odor was gone, and her paw licking had dropped noticeably within one week.

Can ZYMOX Ear Solution be used for routine ear care? Yes. ZYMOX lists it as suitable for routine ear care, and its label says it aids in maintaining ear health. I used a 7-day course on Debbie’s waxy, yeasty-smelling ears, and it cleared debris and odor with no irritation. Because it contains hydrocortisone, don’t use it on pregnant or nursing pets.

Is Oratene safe if my dog swallows it? Oratene is designed to be applied to the gums and left in the mouth to mix with saliva, so your pet will naturally swallow some. There’s no need to rinse, and it contains no xylitol, alcohol, chlorhexidine, dyes, or detergents.

How I Tested ZYMOX Products

I’m a veterinary technician with 18 years of experience, and I tested these products on my foster Beagle, Debbie.

• Funky Paws: a 7-day test tracking odor, licking, itching, and absorption.

• Ear Wipes: used around the ears during the Ear Solution course, then daily for routine cleaning and after outdoor play.

• Oratene: applied after each meal for a week, tracking ease of use, Debbie’s acceptance, and breath.

• Ear Solution: a 7-day course on Debbie’s waxy, yeasty-smelling ears, tracking comfort, discharge, odor, and residue. She had no infection, and this review doesn’t cover treating ear infections, which need a veterinarian’s diagnosis.

• Fact-checking: ingredients, directions, and warnings were checked against current ZYMOX labels.

¹ Glucose oxidase reacts with natural glucose and oxygen in the debris, continuously generating hydrogen peroxide. Lactoperoxidase then uses this hydrogen peroxide to oxidize Potassium Thiocyanate, creating antimicrobial hypothiocyanite ions that destroy the metabolic pathways and cell membranes of harmful microorganisms.

This review isn’t a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is in pain or not improving, see your veterinarian.

This article is sponsored by ZYMOX; all opinions are our own.