Epi-Otic is an OTC (over-the-counter) ear cleaner for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It is most commonly given to pet owners when their pet has an ear infections, because when used as a routine ear cleaner, tends to over-clean and over-dry the ear canal which can lead to ear infections. However, if you have a pet that gets chronic ear infections, this cleaner might be best for you.

What it is and What it Does
Epi-Otic is good at getting out the "chunks" of ear "goo" that a lot of pets can get. It quickly loosens it and helps to thoroughly cleanse the entire ear canal. It is alcohol free, so it won't burn. It is especially good for cleaning out an animal's ears when they have ear mites, which cause a large build-up of a black crusty substance (which is actually ear mite feces). Epi-otic has a drying agent which help with ear infections.

How to Use
Your veterinarian should advise you about ear cleaning if you've never done it before.  Never use Q-tips, as it is very easy to damage the eardrum of a cat or dog, especially when they squirm.

You can either pour the cleaner directly in the ear, or put some on a cotton ball.  Pouring it in the ear allows you to massage the ear to loosen the dirt and gunk.  Beware, your pet will want to shake their head causing the liquid and whatever it pulled out to fly everywhere!

Use cotton balls to gently wipe away the areas of the ear you can see that are dirty.

Cons
The bad parts about this particular ear cleaner are...
...it advertises a "apple blossom scent" which I find to be kind of offensive. Everyone that I have talked to that uses/used it says it smells nothing like an apple blossom, and I agree.  It's a bitter fruit scent which isn't something I'd go for.
...it also has an oily sort of texture and residue that doesn't easily rinse off of your fingers, and when you finally do get it off, leaves behind an almost foul odor. Also, if your pet's ears have an odor, it is almost like the product traps the bad ear odor in with it onto your fingers. Weird.
...Epi-otic will leave a greasy residue on clothes and furniture, so use caution.  I recommend using this product outdoors or in a room where surfaces can be easily wiped off when done (like bathroom).

Pros Outweigh the Cons!
Despite the bad parts, it is probably the best ear cleansers for dogs and cats with ear infections, especially when used before administering ear medications because it does clean so well. A helpful hint is to allow about an hour after cleaning the ears to put any ear meds in the ears to allow the ear to dry and the meds to work better.

My experiences have been numerous, but positive.  While this product is greasy and doesn't have the most pleasant odor, it never seems to cause the dog or cat any additional discomfort during ear cleaning.  I've even seen some instances where it seems to soothe their ear.  You don't need much of Epi-Otic ear cleaner, a little goes a long way.

The cost for a 4 oz bottle is about $7-10 and there is a 16 oz bottle available at some places for around $20.00.  Check with your veterinarian, or grooming salon.

Recommended: Yes