BioTestLab OTO lotion, 30 ml is a hygiene product for cleaning the ears of dogs, cats and pet rabbits. Each 100 ml contains benzalkonium chloride 0.5 g, allantoin 0.1 g, calendula tincture 10 g and tea tree oil 0.05 g; excipients are glycerin, isopropanol, propylene glycol and purified water. According to the description, the lotion removes old dirt and bad smells, dries the ear canal, soothes and relieves itching. The bottle has a dropper.
What the manufacturer claims
The manufacturer describes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and skin-healing action: benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic against bacteria and Candida yeast, calendula and tea tree oil add antimicrobial effect, and allantoin soothes the skin and eases itching. The lotion can be used before applying medication for ear diseases.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | ear cleaning lotion |
| For | dogs, cats, pet rabbits |
| Benzalkonium chloride | 0.5 g / 100 ml |
| Allantoin | 0.1 g / 100 ml |
| Calendula tincture | 10 g / 100 ml |
| Tea tree oil | 0.05 g / 100 ml |
| Dose for heavy dirt | 1–5 ml per ear |
| Volume | 30 ml |
Pros
- Full formula with amounts. Active ingredients are given in grams.
- Antiseptic. Benzalkonium chloride against bacteria and Candida.
- Soothing ingredients. Allantoin and calendula.
- Detailed directions. Volume, massage, timing, interval before other drops.
- For three species. Dogs, cats and rabbits.
- Dropper. Easy to dose.
Cons and what to watch
- Isopropanol and tincture. Alcohol-based ingredients can sting an inflamed ear.
- Tea tree oil and cats. The concentration is low, but essential oils are undesirable for cats.
- Small bottle. At 1–5 ml per ear, it will not last long for a large dog.
- No eardrum warning. The listing says nothing about a damaged eardrum.
How to clean the ears
For routine hygiene, moisten a cotton pad with lotion and wipe the inner surface of the ear flap. For heavy dirt, instil the lotion into the outer ear canal — 1–5 ml depending on the animal's size — and massage the base of the ear for 15–30 seconds. For a stronger effect, the lotion can be left in the ear for 3–5 minutes. Then remove the mixture of lotion and wax with a cotton pad or wipe. Do not push cotton buds deep into the ear canal.
Before medicated drops
The lotion clears wax and discharge so that medicated drops make better contact with the skin. Other products are applied 15–20 minutes after cleaning. With otitis, hygienic cleaning is done 1–2 times a day for 14 days — but a vet prescribes the otitis treatment plan.
When not to instil it without a vet
If the ear is very painful, your pet shakes or tilts its head, or pus or blood comes from the ear, see a vet first. With a damaged eardrum, any liquid in the ear can cause harm, and the eardrum can only be checked during an examination. Otitis is often fungal, bacterial or caused by ear mites — and treatment depends on the cause.
For cats
According to the description the lotion suits cats, but tea tree oil is undesirable for them. The lotion contains only 0.05%, and the procedure ends with removing the product from the ear. Do not let your cat lick the lotion, and stop using it if you see restlessness, drooling or redness. Ear mites need dedicated products — see the Novertin ointment review.
For rabbits
In pet rabbits, especially lop-eared ones, wax builds up deep in the ear. The lotion can be used for hygiene, but instil it carefully and in small amounts. Crusts in a rabbit's ears call for a vet: they are a common sign of ear mites.
Storage
Keep the bottle in a dark place out of reach of children at 5 to 25 °C. Avoid getting the lotion in the eyes.
Alternatives
Other ear products include Candioli Neoxide and VetExpert Otiflush. Ear care tips are in a perfect ear for your pet.
Who it suits
The lotion suits routine ear cleaning in dogs, cats and rabbits and preparing the ear for medicated drops prescribed by a vet. With ear pain or discharge, an examination comes first. More products are in eye, ear and skin hygiene.
Verdict
BioTestLab OTO is an ear lotion with benzalkonium chloride, allantoin, calendula and tea tree oil, with a full formula and detailed directions. The downsides are alcohol-based ingredients that can sting an inflamed ear, tea tree oil that is undesirable for cats, and 30 ml being too little for a large dog.
FAQ
How much should I instil?
For heavy dirt — 1–5 ml per ear depending on the animal's size.
How long should it stay in the ear?
Massage for 15–30 seconds; optionally leave for 3–5 minutes.
Can it be used before medicated drops?
Yes, apply the drops 15–20 minutes after cleaning.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, but carefully because of the tea tree oil.
Can it be used on rabbits?
Yes, on pet rabbits — according to the description.
Does the lotion treat otitis?
It is a hygiene product; a vet prescribes otitis treatment.
How often should I clean with otitis?
1–2 times a day for up to 14 days — as the vet directs.
