My puppy licks my dog's ears with hydrocortisone. Is it safe?

This may be a vaginitis, or bacterial infection of the folds around the vagina, as it apparently itches, if she is scooting. She could also have an anal gland problem, which would also explain the scooting, especially if she cannot reach her anus and just licks her vagina instead. Condition is uncomfortable at best, if not painful. You should schedule a vet appointment ASAP, as any of the OTC ointments should not be used without a proper diagnosis. They likely will not work, if this is infection.

The amount of steroid shouldn't be harmful to Sky. Use caution with the chloramphenicol though. It can cause bone marrow suppression in some dogs and aplastic anemia in some people. A safer option would be to use a shirt or recovery wear for pets. A bitter agent, such as Bitter Apple Spray or Fooey!, can be used around the site to deter licking.

I would recommend getting this investigated by your vet before trying over the counter options as these may make diagnosis and successful treatment more difficult. There are many possible causes including mites/mange, skin infections, food sensitivities and allergies and the treatment and management of each are all very different. Bathing with an oatmeal shampoo can help to soothe the area in the meantime

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.

You can keep cleaning Louie's ear with the wipes, but do not put the hydrocortisone ear drops in his ear. He needs his ear checked by a vet before any treatment is put into them. If his ear drum isn't intact, which can happen with ear infections, putting any drops in the ear can have very serious effects. Clean his ears daily, but do not put anything in them unless it has been specifically prescribed by his vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

It is not a good idea to put hydrocortisone on a cut as it will HINDER healing and help bacteria infect the cut. Please wipe that off again. There is also no need for lidocaine (a local anesthetic). Unless the skin is cut all the way through (as I have described in your first question), you do not have to put anything on the cut, just let it scab over and heal by itself.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on the cause of the infection (bacteria or fungi) different medications may be prescribed. Steroids are typically given to reduce inflammation and pain. At times, this action is sufficient to take care of a mild infection because it prevents from further scratching and self trauma. If the Seamus is still having the same signs, he should be seen by his vet, or a different veterinarian for a second opinion. His lethargy may be unrelated, so it is important to have him evaluated for that as well. I hope all is well and that Seamus feels better soon!