My dog's ear is bothering her. Can I use an OTC remedy before the vet?

Hi Lynette! Unfortunately no, there is nothing OTC to help with Sadie's ears. It sounds like she could have an ear infection, and that can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria, and the cause of it needs to be diagnosed so the problem can be treated correctly. In addition, before using any medication, the ear drum needs to be visualized to make sure it's intact. If you use medication without checking the ear drum and the ear drum has ruptured, you make the problem much more serious. I would call your vet to ask them to call you if there is a last minute cancellation so you can have Sadie seen by the vet sooner. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Emmie! Unfortunately most ear drops that will do anything are prescription only. The most common reason, especially after grooming and ear hair plucking, for a red itchy ear is an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast and or bacteria. Emmie needs to see a Vet for an exam and for an ear cytology, this is when the vet looks at the ear discharge under the microscope to see the underlying cause. Ear flush and medicated ear drops are prescribed based on the organism seen under the microscope. If the ear is really painful and red then sometime steroids are prescribed. Below is a non-prescription ear cleaner that is antimicrobial you can try. Flush out the affected ear(s) every other day for 2 weeks. If the ear is not better or worsens she need to see a Vet. Good luck https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27361

If she will allow, use an ear cleaner, such as Epi-Otic, to clean the ear(s). Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent pawing or rubbing until she sees the doctor. Other medications, even OTC ones, cannot be legally recommended without a physical exam. They may also be the incorrect medication to treat whatever the underlying cause may be.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Hazel. Unfortunately it's illegal for us to prescribe medication without seeing her in person. You cannot get a prescription online. If she does have an ear infection, she will have to see a vet to get it treated. It's very important to take her into a vet as leaving this untreated can lead to hearing loss. Best of luck.

You can try an OTC ear infection medication from a pet store, but if Mia is already digging at the ear and causing trauma, it would be best treated by a vet to avoid it getting mistreated for a few days. She should also wear an e-collar until the itch is controlled to avoid further self-trauma.

They appear swollen and rough on the ear margins. Those are signs of an infection. You will need a prescription from the vet for medication to completely treat it. Until then the best thing is actually use an ear wash to keep it clean. I would not use Q tips anymore. But if you can get an ear cleaner from a pet store, just rinsing them daily will help dilute out the bacteria/yeast causing the problem and soften the edges to help. This will also help loosen up whatever is inside so every time he shakes, it will wash more debris out. It is best to wipe it with a clean tissue or cotton ball.

If the q-tip comes out black, then there is an excess of ear wax and likely an infection. The infection can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even mites. Ear infections in dogs are very itchy, and often require prescription medications to help clear them quickly and manage the itch. The first step in treating an ear infection is breaking down the large chunks of wax and getting them out of the way so that medications can get to the surface of the ear. I like ear cleaners like Dechra Malacetic Ultra Otic that are antibacterial and antifungal. If you clean Remington's ears twice a day for a couple of days and he is still itching, he will need to go to the vet for prescription medications.