Innovares Ozonia 10 Cream 35ml
£39.85
Ozone therapy is increasingly used in small animal practice as a complementary treatment for a range of conditions. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties make it particularly valuable for cases where conventional treatments have limitations — whether due to antibiotic resistance, patient intolerance to medications, or wounds that are slow to heal.
This guide covers the main applications of ozone therapy in dogs and cats, explains how it works, and summarises the evidence supporting its use.
If your dog or cat has a wound that isn’t healing well, or a skin condition like dermatitis or recurring infections, ozone therapy may help. Ozone kills bacteria (including antibiotic-resistant strains), reduces inflammation, and stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It’s particularly useful for:
Treatment typically involves applying ozonated oil or water directly to the wound, sometimes combined with ‘ozone bagging’ where the affected area is enclosed in a bag filled with ozone gas. Most animals tolerate this well, and improvement is often visible within a few treatments.
Clinical Detail
Ozone exerts its wound-healing effects through multiple mechanisms: direct antimicrobial action via oxidative damage to pathogen cell walls; stimulation of growth factors including PDGF and VEGF; enhanced local oxygen delivery through improved erythrocyte deformability; and modulation of the inflammatory response via cytokine regulation.
Administration routes for wound management include:
Treatment protocols typically involve 2-3 sessions per week for 2-4 weeks, with frequency reduced as healing progresses. Ozone therapy integrates well with other modalities including laser therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and platelet-rich plasma.
Multiple studies support the use of ozone in wound management:
Ozone therapy can help dogs with joint problems like arthritis, or spinal conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It works by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow to affected tissues, and supporting healing. Ozone is injected directly into joints or around the spine, or administered rectally for systemic effects.
This can be particularly helpful for:
Many owners report improved mobility and reduced pain. Ozone therapy is usually part of a broader treatment plan that may include physiotherapy, weight management, and other therapies.
Clinical Detail
Intra-articular ozone injection has demonstrated efficacy in reducing synovial inflammation and providing analgesia in osteoarthritis. The proposed mechanisms include: modulation of inflammatory mediators (reduced IL-1β, TNF-α); stimulation of chondrocyte metabolism; improved synovial fluid rheology; and activation of endogenous antioxidant systems.
For IVDD, fluoroscopic-guided intradiscal ozone injection has been evaluated as both a primary treatment and adjunct to conservative management. Ozone is thought to reduce disc volume through oxidation of proteoglycans while providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Typical protocols involve 3-6 treatments at weekly intervals, often combined with PRP or stem cell therapy for enhanced regenerative effect.
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs and cats, and ozone therapy offers a way to fight oral bacteria and support healing after dental procedures. Ozone can reach places that are difficult to clean mechanically, making it useful for:
During dental procedures, your vet may use ozonated water as a rinse or apply ozone gas directly to infected areas. Some practices also use ozonated gels for ongoing home care.
Clinical Detail
Ozone’s antimicrobial properties are well-suited to the oral environment, where biofilm-forming bacteria contribute to periodontal disease progression. Ozonated water can be used as an irrigant during scaling and root planing, while ozone gas can be applied to periodontal pockets and extraction sites.
Studies suggest ozone may also have a preventive role in reducing plaque accumulation post-prophylaxis, potentially extending intervals between dental procedures.
Recurrent ear infections (otitis) are frustrating for both pets and owners, especially when bacteria become resistant to standard treatments. Ozone therapy can help by killing the bacteria and fungi causing the infection, with significantly reduced contribution to antibiotic resistance.
Ozonated oil can be applied directly to the ear canal, providing sustained antimicrobial action. This is particularly useful for:
Clinical Detail
How to Use Ozone Therapy for Ear Infections
Treatment Protocol Example
The vet may sedate the patient if necessary and perform a thorough ear canal lavage with ozonated water to remove debris, discharge, and infectious material. Following cleaning, direct ozone gas insufflation into the ear canal may be performed. This procedure is generally non-painful, and many animals tolerate ear insufflation well, often without the need for sedation. After the initial veterinary treatment, maintenance therapy can be continued at home using ozonated oil.
Ozonated oils provide prolonged antimicrobial activity in the ear canal environment. The sustained release of reactive oxygen species from ozonated oils addresses both bacterial and fungal pathogens commonly implicated in otitis (Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Malassezia).
Ozone carries a significantly lower risk of inducing bacterial resistance compared to antibiotics, making it valuable for managing cases with multi-drug resistant organisms. It can be used as sole therapy in mild cases or as adjunct to systemic treatment in severe infections.
Beyond treating specific conditions, ozone therapy can support overall immune function and help animals fight systemic infections. It has been used as supportive care for serious conditions including:
Systemic ozone therapy is usually administered via rectal insufflation or autohemotherapy, providing whole-body effects. It’s always used alongside conventional treatment, not as a replacement.
Clinical Detail
Systemic ozone administration (rectal insufflation or autohemotherapy) produces immunomodulatory effects through activation of Nrf2 pathways, upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and cytokine modulation. This can enhance the animal’s response to infection while potentially reducing oxidative damage from inflammatory processes.
In parvovirus, ozone has been investigated as supportive therapy to reduce viral load and support recovery. In leishmaniasis, ozone may enhance conventional treatment efficacy while providing hepatoprotective effects.
Ozone therapy has also been reported in small animals for:
These represent emerging applications with limited but promising evidence.
Ozone therapy is generally very safe when administered by trained professionals. Most animals tolerate treatment well with minimal stress. You might notice:
Serious side effects are rare. Ozone should never be inhaled, and your vet will take precautions to prevent this. Treatment is typically given as a series and your vet will discuss the expected number of sessions and timeline for improvement.
For Veterinary Professionals
Key safety considerations:
Ozone therapy is not currently licensed by VMD but is legally used under veterinary discretion. Maintain appropriate records and informed consent.
