My dog has a red, crusty ear. Is it safe to treat before the vet?

Sorry to hear that Chance is so uncomfortable. It is difficult to tell you what to treat the ear with without knowing what is wrong. If you are unable to get a traditional muzzle on him, you might consider getting chance a basket style muzzle. Most dogs tend to like these and tolerate them much better as they are not so constraining. You can also train dogs to enjoy muzzle. Putting them on can be made in to a game. The best way to accomplish this is by first just holding the muzzle while giving your dog treats. Eventually, you want to stick your hand through the muzzle and give him the treats. Slowly, you want to move your hand back out the muzzle getting your dog's head close and closer to inside of it. Eventually, place the treat on top of the muzzle. I am sure you see where I am going with this. It can take some time, but I find this to be the most effective way to get dogs to not mind the muzzle. Back to the ear. I can not tell you for sure whether or not there is a bacterial infection, fungal infection, inflammatory reaction, or some sort of allergic reaction occurring. As a result, you'd have to just throw the whole kitchen sink at it. You would also have to know that by putting a wash or drug inside the ear without a vet looking at it, you will not be sure if the ear drum is in tact. If you choose to go this route, the best stuff you can get without a prescription would be the following: https://www.amazon.com/Mal-Ket-TrizEDTA-Flush-Dechra/dp/B019WY40FK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 https://www.amazon.com/Pet-King-Enzymatic-Solution-Ounces/dp/B0025YOJXS/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1496193046&sr=1-1&keywords=mometamax+ear+drops+for+dogs The ear wash and the medication should be placed inside the ear pretty deeply and massaged around. The ear can also be cleaned out with gauze and q-tips. You do not have to worry about damaging the ear drum manually unless you start bending the q tip (don't do that!) Best of luck!

You are right that there are different causes of ear infections, typically yeast and bacteria (there are many types). Ear medications prescribed are based on which of these is the problem. It is also important for their ear drum to be assessed prior to starting medications. As well, some dogs need oral medications in addition to topical if the infection is severe. Being so young is also a consideration with certain drugs. The best plan is to have your vet perform an ear cytology and assess for an intact ear drum prior to picking the best medication that is safe for Nola. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Fill Reggie's ear canal to over flowing and massage the base of the ear. Allow him to shake his head. I agree not to stick q-tips down in the ear where you can't see it. Just get out what you can with the cotton ball. This link will also help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/ear-infections-otitis-externa-ear-cleaning-in-dogs/ I recommend to call you vet and ask about when Reggie can be examined. The reddness is likely indicating an infection that needs medication. An untreated infection can get worse and spread to the inner ear and it can be painful as well. I hope this helps!

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.

Yes, it can hurt. You don't know if the dog's ear drum is intact, and putting medication into an ear with a ruptured ear drum is bad. In addition, ear infections can be caused by ear mites and bacteria as well as yeast, so this prescription medication may not work anyway. Do not give it to Ben. I can give some resources that may help him afford a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, 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/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if they can help him. In honesty, if he cannot afford a vet visit for an ear infection, then maybe keeping her isn't a good idea. I hope this helps.

This looks like it could have an early infection. I would recommend having your veterinarian do an exam to make sure there isn't anything going on like a middle ear infection. Since you've caught it early hopefully only a short course of topical medication will be needed.

You should definitely not use hydrogen peroxide as it can cause serious damage to the ear, Benadryl will not help. It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in dogs, it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take her to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.