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My dog's ear has a pus-filled ant bite blister. Can I pop it if no vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 2 months old | 60 lbs

My pitbull was bitten by a fire ant on the inside skin of her ear and it is full of puss looming like a gigantic blister. It isnt in the canal. I want to pop it and drain it. I dont have the money to take her to the vet

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2017

I would not pop and drain this yourself. If it's filled with pus, it's infected and Sugar needs antibiotics from the vet to treat it. In addition, popping it yourself can lead to additional infection in the area. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. 
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information. 
Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay.

Please take Sugar into the vet to have this treated.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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