About ZYMOX
Every ZYMOX product traces its origins to a single German Shepherd named Elizabeth, who battled persistent ear infections that conventional treatments simply could not resolve. Her owner, Pamela K. Bosco, turned to her brother Michael Pellico, a bioscientist who had previously developed the enzyme technology behind Biotene, a leading dry mouth product for humans. Together, they adapted that same enzyme science for use in pets, launching Pet King Brands in 1998 with just three products. Over 25 years later, the brand's patented LP3 Enzyme System now powers an entire family of ear, skin, and oral care solutions that veterinarians across the world actively recommend to their clients.
ZYMOX Product Range
Ear Care: ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution is the brand's most well-known product, available with 1% Hydrocortisone for active infections involving inflammation, or without hydrocortisone for pets that are pregnant, lactating, or require long-term maintenance care. Both versions use the LP3 Enzyme System to address bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections in the ear canal, and neither requires pre-cleaning before application. Cleaning the ear before use actually disrupts the enzyme activity, so the solution functions as both a cleanser and a treatment in a single daily dose. For pets dealing with infections that keep returning despite standard treatment, ZYMOX PLUS Advanced Otic adds four biofilm-targeting enzymes, mutanase, dextranase, cellulase, and beta-glucanase, to break down the protective biofilms that make chronic infections so difficult to clear. ZYMOX Advanced Ear Wipes round out the ear range with a convenient daily maintenance option.
Skin and Dermatology: ZYMOX Topical Cream and Topical Spray, both available with 0.5% Hydrocortisone, bring LP3 enzyme activity to the skin surface, helping calm hot spots, wounds, and ringworm without relying on harsh chemical agents. The ZYMOX medicated shampoo and leave-on conditioner support routine skin and coat health, with an advanced version incorporating Avena Sativa oat extract for pets with particularly sensitive or reactive skin.
Oral Care (Oratene): Oratene Brushless Oral Care is built on a dual enzyme system, combining the LP3 complex with the MD2 system of mutanase and dextranase enzymes, to clean teeth, freshen breath, and support gum health without any brushing required. The range includes a Toothpaste Gel for direct application, an Oral Gel for more serious conditions including gingivitis and early periodontal disease, a Breath Freshening Spray, and a Water Additive that simply goes into the pet's drinking bowl each day. Every Oratene product is formulated without xylitol, alcohol, chlorhexidine, or detergents, making it safe and appropriate for pets of all ages.
Why Buy ZYMOX from HardyPaw?
- Genuine, Authentic Products: Every ZYMOX product at HardyPaw is fully authentic, so your pet receives the same enzyme-powered formula that veterinary clinics have relied on for over two decades.
- Licensed Pet Pharmacy: HardyPaw holds a licensed pet pharmacy status, ensuring that all products are properly stored, handled, and dispatched with the care that pet health demands.
- Competitive Pricing and Value: The full ZYMOX ear, skin, and Oratene oral care range is available at competitive prices at HardyPaw, with multi-pack options for ongoing treatment needs.
- Expert Pet Health Support: Our team can walk you through the ZYMOX range and help you identify the right product, whether the concern is a recurring ear infection, irritated skin, or dental hygiene.
Vet and Expert Trust Signals
- Over 25 Years of Continuous Veterinary Use: Since its launch in 1998, ZYMOX has built a track record of consistent results across veterinary clinics, groomers, and pet specialty retailers worldwide, with the LP3 Enzyme System at the heart of every product the brand has ever released.
- Patented LP3 Enzyme System: The LP3 system brings together three naturally derived enzymes, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, that work as a group to disrupt harmful microbes while leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike antibiotic treatments, enzymes carry no risk of contributing to bacterial resistance over time.
- Antibiotic-Free by Design: Pet King Brands was built on the conviction that antibiotic resistance was a growing problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Every ZYMOX formula offers a clinically effective alternative that works without putting antibiotic efficacy at risk.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All Pet King Brands products are produced in the United States, meeting the quality and safety standards expected of veterinary-grade pet care.
- Pet Age Magazine Recognition: In 2019, Pet Age Magazine named Pamela K. Bosco among its Women of Influence, specifically acknowledging her contribution to developing enzymatic solutions that actively reduce bacterial resistance in ear, skin, and oral conditions in pets.
Frequently Asked Questions About ZYMOX
Q1: What is ZYMOX and what makes it different from other pet care brands?
Ans: ZYMOX is a veterinary-trusted brand from Pet King Brands, built entirely around enzyme-based technology rather than antibiotics or harsh chemical agents. The LP3 Enzyme System that powers every product was originally developed by a bioscientist who had worked on enzyme technology for human healthcare and was adapted for safe, effective use in pets. This approach has set ZYMOX apart from conventional ear, skin, and dental products since 1998.
Q2: How does ZYMOX Otic Ear Solution work for ear infections?
Ans: The three enzymes in the LP3 system, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, react with the infectious material present in the ear canal to generate antimicrobial activity exactly where it is needed. Because this reaction relies on that infectious material, pre-cleaning the ear before application would actually remove the substrates the enzymes need to work, which is why ZYMOX Otic is used without any prior cleaning. A single daily application treats both the infection and the inflammation when the hydrocortisone version is chosen.
Q3: Are ZYMOX products safe for cats?
Ans: Most ZYMOX products, including the Otic Ear Solutions, topical skin care, and the full Oratene oral care range, are suitable for use in cats. The LP3 Enzyme System is non-toxic by nature, and the Oratene formulas are additionally free from xylitol, alcohol, and chlorhexidine, which makes them appropriate for cats of any age. Always check the individual product label and confirm suitability with your vet for any cat with a known health condition.
Q4: Do I need a prescription to buy ZYMOX products?
Ans: The majority of the ZYMOX range, including the Otic Ear Solutions, topical skin care, shampoos, and the Oratene oral care products, is available over the counter. No prescription is required. While these products were originally introduced through veterinary clinics, they are now widely accessible through licensed pet pharmacies such as HardyPaw.
Q5: What is the difference between ZYMOX Otic with Hydrocortisone and the version without?
Ans: The hydrocortisone-free version carries no restrictions based on age or reproductive status, making it a safe choice for pregnant and lactating animals as well. It also works well as a preventative for pets with a history of recurring ear trouble or those regularly exposed to water, such as dogs that swim frequently. The version containing 1% Hydrocortisone adds targeted relief from itching and swelling, making it the better choice when there is visible inflammation, but it should not be used on pregnant or lactating females.
Q6: What is Oratene and how does it support dental health in pets?
Ans: Oratene is ZYMOX's brushless oral care line, using a combination of the LP3 and MD2 enzyme systems to address odour-causing bacteria and prevent plaque from attaching to tooth surfaces. The Water Additive format is the simplest approach, requiring just two pumps added to the pet's daily drinking water. The toothpaste gel and oral gel formats allow for more direct application when a pet has an active concern such as early gum disease or persistent bad breath.
Q7: Can ZYMOX be used on puppies and kittens?
Ans: Yes. The antibiotic-free formulation of ZYMOX Otic and the Oratene oral care range are both safe for very young animals. The hydrocortisone-free Otic version carries no age restrictions, and Oratene products are specifically noted as appropriate for puppies and kittens because they contain none of the ingredients, such as xylitol or chlorhexidine, that require age-related caution.
Q8: What is ZYMOX PLUS and when is it the better choice?
Ans: ZYMOX PLUS is designed for pets whose ear infections keep coming back despite treatment, or where standard formulas have not produced the expected results. It takes the standard LP3 base and adds four additional enzymes specifically chosen for their ability to break down biofilms, which are the sticky bacterial structures that shield chronic infections from antimicrobial action and contribute to resistance. If a pet has tried the original Otic formula without full resolution, ZYMOX PLUS is the logical next step.
