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2025 Canadian Guide: Top 5 Prescription Topical Antimicrobial Treatments for Dog Skin & Ears — Evidence-Based Options (Surolan, Otomax, Mometamax, Malaseb, Douxo S3 PYO)

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Prescription topical antimicrobials for canine skin and ear infections include antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and combination otic or dermatologic formulations in sprays, creams, rinses and mousses. These products are popular in Canada because they target pathogens locally to reduce systemic antibiotic exposure, support restoration of the skin barrier, and are formulated to improve owner compliance through easy-to-use delivery forms. Veterinarians and pet owners increasingly choose pathogen-directed topical therapy after culture or cytology, prefer formulations that reduce irritation and residue, and value options that integrate with routine grooming and ear care. This category covers first-line prescription ointments, suspensions and medicated shampoos used to manage bacterial otitis externa, Malassezia dermatitis, superficial pyoderma and mixed infections while supporting overall skin health.

Quick Menu

1. Top Ear Suspension - Broad Coverage

2. Top Ear Ointment - Anti-inflammatory

3. Top Otic Suspension - Corticosteroid Combo

4. Top Antifungal Shampoo - Skin

5. Top Leave-on Antimicrobial Mousse

1
TOP EAR SUSPENSION - BROAD COVERAGE

Surolan Otic Suspension

Surolan Otic Suspension

Surolan is a long-established prescription otic formulation that combines antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in a single suspension, making it a go-to for mixed bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. It holds its position by offering a broad spectrum of coverage with a polymyxin-based antibacterial component that clinicians often prefer for gram-negative pathogens, and it is frequently seen as a cost-effective alternative to some proprietary gentamicin-based ear ointments on the market.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Triple-action relief

  • Yeast-bacteria bouncer

  • Triple-action relief

  • Yeast-bacteria bouncer

Review Summary

86%

"Most long-term users say Surolan rapidly clears bacterial and yeast ear infections and reduces inflammation, with many reporting improvement within a few days; a minority note mild stinging on application or recurrence requiring repeat treatment."

  • Fast itch stopper

  • Combination otic suspension with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone).

  • Fast itch stopper

  • Combination otic suspension with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone).

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Surolan is a long-established prescription otic formulation that combines antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in a single suspension, making it a go-to for mixed bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. It holds its position by offering a broad spectrum of coverage with a polymyxin-based antibacterial component that clinicians often prefer for gram-negative pathogens, and it is frequently seen as a cost-effective alternative to some proprietary gentamicin-based ear ointments on the market.

  • Triple-action relief

  • Yeast-bacteria bouncer

  • Fast itch stopper

  • Combination otic suspension with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone).

  • Used for bacterial and yeast otitis externa in dogs under veterinary prescription and diagnosis.

  • Triple-action relief

  • Yeast-bacteria bouncer

  • Fast itch stopper

  • Combination otic suspension with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone).

  • Used for bacterial and yeast otitis externa in dogs under veterinary prescription and diagnosis.

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$40-80 CAD

2
TOP EAR OINTMENT - ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Otomax Ointment

Otomax Ointment

Otomax is a market-leading prescription ear ointment known for its potent gentamicin + clotrimazole + corticosteroid combination and an ointment vehicle that adheres well in the ear canal, useful for stubborn otitis externa. As a Zoetis product it is often priced at a premium relative to some competitors, but many clinicians select it for its proven clinical track record and strong antibacterial potency where aggressive therapy is indicated; compared with Surolan and Mometamax, practitioners weigh its efficacy against potential ototoxicity concerns if the tympanic membrane is compromised.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Ointment stays put

  • Potent germ fighter

  • Ointment stays put

  • Potent germ fighter

Review Summary

80%

"Otomax is frequently praised for effective control of bacterial and fungal ear infections and inflammation, though some users report occasional sensitivity reactions or concerns about cost and availability."

  • Inflammation zapper

  • Ointment formulation combining an antibiotic, a potent corticosteroid and an antifungal to treat mixed infections and inflammation.

  • Inflammation zapper

  • Ointment formulation combining an antibiotic, a potent corticosteroid and an antifungal to treat mixed infections and inflammation.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Otomax is a market-leading prescription ear ointment known for its potent gentamicin + clotrimazole + corticosteroid combination and an ointment vehicle that adheres well in the ear canal, useful for stubborn otitis externa. As a Zoetis product it is often priced at a premium relative to some competitors, but many clinicians select it for its proven clinical track record and strong antibacterial potency where aggressive therapy is indicated; compared with Surolan and Mometamax, practitioners weigh its efficacy against potential ototoxicity concerns if the tympanic membrane is compromised.

  • Ointment stays put

  • Potent germ fighter

  • Inflammation zapper

  • Ointment formulation combining an antibiotic, a potent corticosteroid and an antifungal to treat mixed infections and inflammation.

  • Effective for otitis externa with moderate to severe inflammation; prescription-only product requiring veterinary oversight.

  • Ointment stays put

  • Potent germ fighter

  • Inflammation zapper

  • Ointment formulation combining an antibiotic, a potent corticosteroid and an antifungal to treat mixed infections and inflammation.

  • Effective for otitis externa with moderate to severe inflammation; prescription-only product requiring veterinary oversight.

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$50-90 CAD

3
TOP OTIC SUSPENSION - CORTICOSTEROID COMBO

Mometamax Otic Suspension

Mometamax Otic Suspension

Mometamax is a prescription otic suspension combining antibacterial and antifungal agents with mometasone, a potent topical steroid, delivering strong anti-inflammatory control for severe or highly inflamed ear disease. It occupies a clinical niche similar to Otomax but with a different steroid profile—many veterinarians favor mometasone for its potency and dosing characteristics—offering a technically distinct option that can be cost-competitive depending on regional availability.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Steroid-calmed comfort

  • Broad germ guard

  • Steroid-calmed comfort

  • Broad germ guard

Review Summary

82%

"Mometamax is commonly described as effective and generally well tolerated for otic infections, with users appreciating its potency and fewer reports of irritation compared with older formulations; availability and price are occasional complaints."

  • Quick pain relief

  • Prescription otic suspension containing a corticosteroid plus antibiotic and antifungal agents to control infection and inflammation.

  • Quick pain relief

  • Prescription otic suspension containing a corticosteroid plus antibiotic and antifungal agents to control infection and inflammation.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Mometamax is a prescription otic suspension combining antibacterial and antifungal agents with mometasone, a potent topical steroid, delivering strong anti-inflammatory control for severe or highly inflamed ear disease. It occupies a clinical niche similar to Otomax but with a different steroid profile—many veterinarians favor mometasone for its potency and dosing characteristics—offering a technically distinct option that can be cost-competitive depending on regional availability.

  • Steroid-calmed comfort

  • Broad germ guard

  • Quick pain relief

  • Prescription otic suspension containing a corticosteroid plus antibiotic and antifungal agents to control infection and inflammation.

  • Formulated for canine ear infections where rapid reduction of inflammation and microbial control are needed.

  • Steroid-calmed comfort

  • Broad germ guard

  • Quick pain relief

  • Prescription otic suspension containing a corticosteroid plus antibiotic and antifungal agents to control infection and inflammation.

  • Formulated for canine ear infections where rapid reduction of inflammation and microbial control are needed.

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$45-85 CAD

4
TOP ANTIFUNGAL SHAMPOO - SKIN

Malaseb Shampoo

Malaseb Shampoo

Malaseb is a prescription therapeutic shampoo designed for generalized canine skin infections, combining broad-spectrum antiseptic and antifungal activity to manage bacterial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis over large body areas. Its financial and practical advantages come from treating widespread disease with a single topical product rather than multiple localized therapies; compared with mousse or otic products on this list, Malaseb is best suited for whole-body therapy and maintenance baths rather than targeted ear or fold applications.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Whole-body cleanse

  • Dandruff vanisher

  • Whole-body cleanse

  • Dandruff vanisher

Review Summary

89%

"Malaseb shampoo is widely regarded as a reliable, effective treatment for fungal and bacterial skin conditions (Malassezia) that reduces itching and odor with repeated use, though it requires frequent baths and can dry the coat if overused."

  • Antifungal powerwash

  • Medicated shampoo with antiseptic and antifungal actives (chlorhexidine plus an azole) for bacterial and yeast skin infections.

  • Antifungal powerwash

  • Medicated shampoo with antiseptic and antifungal actives (chlorhexidine plus an azole) for bacterial and yeast skin infections.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Malaseb is a prescription therapeutic shampoo designed for generalized canine skin infections, combining broad-spectrum antiseptic and antifungal activity to manage bacterial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis over large body areas. Its financial and practical advantages come from treating widespread disease with a single topical product rather than multiple localized therapies; compared with mousse or otic products on this list, Malaseb is best suited for whole-body therapy and maintenance baths rather than targeted ear or fold applications.

  • Whole-body cleanse

  • Dandruff vanisher

  • Antifungal powerwash

  • Medicated shampoo with antiseptic and antifungal actives (chlorhexidine plus an azole) for bacterial and yeast skin infections.

  • Used as a rinse-on treatment for superficial pyoderma and malassezia dermatitis under veterinary guidance.

  • Whole-body cleanse

  • Dandruff vanisher

  • Antifungal powerwash

  • Medicated shampoo with antiseptic and antifungal actives (chlorhexidine plus an azole) for bacterial and yeast skin infections.

  • Used as a rinse-on treatment for superficial pyoderma and malassezia dermatitis under veterinary guidance.

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$25-55 CAD

5
TOP LEAVE-ON ANTIMICROBIAL MOUSSE

Douxo S3 PYO Mousse

Douxo S3 PYO Mousse

Douxo S3 PYO Mousse is a prescription topical mousse that targets pyoderma with antibacterial actives plus a skin-barrier supporting ingredient (Ophytrium), providing a convenient, low-mess option for focal skin infections and difficult-to-treat skin folds. It stands out for its user-friendly vehicle and emphasis on barrier repair and owner compliance, often commanding a higher unit price than traditional shampoos but offering technical advantages in ease of application and reduced treatment time for localized disease compared with whole-body shampoos or ear-specific suspensions.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Light mousse application

  • 3% chlorhexidine punch

  • Light mousse application

  • 3% chlorhexidine punch

Review Summary

84%

"Douxo S3 PYO mousse is popular for easy application and good control of bacterial and yeast skin flares, with many users noting faster improvement and convenient dosing, while some cite cost and need for repeated applications as downsides."

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Leave-on mousse combining antiseptic and antifungal actives with skin barrier-support ingredients such as phytosphingosine.

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Leave-on mousse combining antiseptic and antifungal actives with skin barrier-support ingredients such as phytosphingosine.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Douxo S3 PYO Mousse is a prescription topical mousse that targets pyoderma with antibacterial actives plus a skin-barrier supporting ingredient (Ophytrium), providing a convenient, low-mess option for focal skin infections and difficult-to-treat skin folds. It stands out for its user-friendly vehicle and emphasis on barrier repair and owner compliance, often commanding a higher unit price than traditional shampoos but offering technical advantages in ease of application and reduced treatment time for localized disease compared with whole-body shampoos or ear-specific suspensions.

  • Light mousse application

  • 3% chlorhexidine punch

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Leave-on mousse combining antiseptic and antifungal actives with skin barrier-support ingredients such as phytosphingosine.

  • Designed for targeted, easy application to localized pyoderma or yeast-prone areas as part of a vet-directed treatment plan.

  • Light mousse application

  • 3% chlorhexidine punch

  • No-rinse convenience

  • Leave-on mousse combining antiseptic and antifungal actives with skin barrier-support ingredients such as phytosphingosine.

  • Designed for targeted, easy application to localized pyoderma or yeast-prone areas as part of a vet-directed treatment plan.

Order Now

$25-50 CAD

What the Research Shows: Practical Evidence Behind Topical Antimicrobials

Clinical and laboratory studies support the targeted use of topical antimicrobials to control common canine skin and ear pathogens while minimizing systemic drug exposure. Evidence highlights benefits for reducing pathogen load, improving local inflammation, and complementing systemic therapy when needed. Best practice combines diagnostic testing (cytology, culture/sensitivity) with product selection based on the likely organisms and the drug formulation's spectrum and vehicle.

Topical combination otic preparations (antifungal + antibacterial + anti-inflammatory) have demonstrated rapid clinical improvement in many cases of canine otitis externa, shortening time to symptom relief in controlled trials.

Antifungal shampoos and rinses containing azoles or chlorhexidine have shown consistent reductions in Malassezia populations and improvement in dermatitis signs when used as directed in randomized or controlled studies.

Topical antiseptics and antimicrobial cleansers can lower microbial burden and improve skin barrier metrics; their adjunctive use reduces the need for prolonged systemic antibiotics in selected cases.

In vitro susceptibility testing and culture-guided therapy improve clinical outcomes by aligning topical choices with pathogen sensitivity and reducing inappropriate antibiotic exposure.

Studies on owner adherence indicate formulations with convenient dosing and low residue increase compliance and treatment success, especially for chronic or recurrent conditions.

In Canada, prescription topical antimicrobials offer targeted options for common canine skin and ear infections while prioritizing safer systemic use and improved owner adherence. The top five options covered here — Surolan Otic Suspension, Otomax Ointment, Mometamax Otic Suspension, Malaseb Shampoo, and Douxo S3 PYO Mousse — represent frequently prescribed, evidence-backed choices for otitis and superficial dermatoses. For most cases of bacterial or mixed otitis externa, Surolan Otic Suspension is often the preferred ear-focused choice because of its combined antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action and established clinical use; for diffuse skin infections Malaseb Shampoo or Douxo S3 PYO Mousse may be more appropriate depending on the diagnostic picture. I hope you found the guidance you were looking for — refine or expand your search using the site search to compare dosing, availability in Canada, or to find product-specific safety and administration details.

Discover More
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  • Antiparasitic Agents for Dogs (Prescription)

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