Canine Ear Infection

by Sherry
(Chicago, Illinois)

How to treat dog ear infection

My dog, Deftone who is deaf, is 11 years old. She has black moist ooze in her right ear. I used peroxide to clean the infected area which seemed to help, and is also on amoxicillin. She is losing weight and very agitated. She goes from chair to chair to bed, back to chair. She eats and drinks water and still has her appetite. Her nose is wet and cold. Am I doing the right thing by cleaning it with peroxide?

I'm just trying to keep her comfortable through this time. She's a good old pal.

Thank you,

Sherry & Deftone

Vet suggestions for treating dog ear infection

Hi Sherry,

Peroxide is not the best option for Deftone’s ear problems. It can be quite irritating to the delicate tissues in and around the ear and may not be effective in any case. A dilute vinegar solution is safer. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water then, wash and gently wipe the area.

Have you had Deftone in to the veterinarian? The best way to know what is going on with her ear is to take a swab of the discharge and take a look at it under the microscope. Your vet can then determine whether bacteria, yeast, or mites are associated with her symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment.

The doctor will probably also want to thoroughly clean out the ear and evaluate its deeper structures. Options for treatment vary depending on what parts of the ear are involved.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM