Looking for Zymox Otic in Chicago

[<-Steve->]

Can anyone point me in the direction of a retail source of 'Zymox Otic' ear medication for dogs in the Chicagoland/NW Indiana Area. I have read many good things about the product, but have had absolutely no luck in finding it locally. I contacted the manufacturer and was told that it is generally available only through vets (and to a certain extent, via the internet). None of the pet stores I called had even heard of it. I am trying to avoid the high shipping costs associated with ordering online as well as having to put my dog through the "trauma" of having to make a trip back to the vet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am new to this forum, but it looks like a great "place" to visit.

<-Steve->

[Scarlette]

The only place I have ever found it was online. I go through Amazon.com and I didn't think their shipping was too outrageous.
Amazon.com: Zymox Otic With 1.0% Hydrocortisone 1.25 Oz Bottle: Kitchen & Housewares

Sorry, I know that wasn't much help.

[Padfoot]

I would reccomend that you take the dog to the vet before getting the antibiotic. Not all ear infections are caused by a bacteria, some are viral and some are fungal and this antibiotic won't work against those. Also, you can't use cortisone if the timpanus is broken, because it doesn't heal properly, so the vet has to look into the ear and make sure the timpanus is intact before prescribing the drug.

[<-Steve->]

Scarlette and Padfoot, thanks for your replies. First of all, Scarlette, please don't be sorry. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I'm new here and haven't even introduced myself or my animals properly...so I'm just glad someone responded!
Padfoot, I would never use prescription antibiotics without a vets approval. Zymox doesn't contain any antibiotics at all. It's just a matter of me trying to find a non-clinical/non-mail-order source. Nevertheless, everything you mentioned is important to keep in mind. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses all require different treatments and a thorough analysis to see "what's what" (identification of pathogen) should always be a primary concern when trying to diagnose a problem. So thanks for making that point. Anyway, I'm really glad to find an on-line community as helpful as this one. This is a great place to learn new things and "meet" new people. I hope to "talk" again soon. <-Steve->

[Scarlette]

My one dog has bad allergies and gets frequent ear infections. I normally order at least 2 bottles at a time because I know I'm going to be using it! I use the kind with hydrocortisone when she has a flare up and use the kind without the hydrocortisone when she starts showing signs of a flare up. As long as we keep on top of things we can normally stop a full blown flare up with that stuff.

If you use it often and order online you might want to get 2 bottles at once. Sometimes having 2 bottles shipped is a little cheaper in the long run.

I think Denise lives in the Chicago area and I know she uses Zymox Otic (she's the one that gave me the heads up on it). I'll send her a pm and see if she can help you find it in your area, though I *think* she orders it online also.

[<-Steve->]

Thank You Scarlette.
<-Steve->

[Scarlette]

No problem.