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My dog has an ear infection. Can I use eye drops? Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 7 lbs

My dog has unilateral ear infection since last night. He is playful, but he keeps scratching his ear. I noticed lots of exudates this morning, and I cleaned them. I wanted to make an appointment but was told that they are not available until tuesday. I have terramycin (oxytetracycline HCl with polymyxin B sulfate) ophthalmic ointment, and put some in his ear. is that okay? also, should I take him to ER?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 31st, 2017

Poor DDuang! Ear infections are very uncomfortable. I would not recommend using ophthalmic ointment in the ear, as these medications are not designed for this and could damage his eardrum or the nerves in his middle ear. It's fine to use a regular ear cleaner labeled for dogs to help clean the discharge out of the ear - this won't treat the underlying infection, but may make Dduang a bit more comfortable until he can get treatment. An ear infection is not an emergency, per se, but it's certainly uncomfortable and unpleasant for both of you! Personally, I would probably go ahead and take your pup to the emergency clinic tonight or tomorrow rather than waiting until next week for treatment. You could also call some other vets locally to see if they have any appointments available tomorrow, since this would probably be cheaper than an emergency visit. The vet will take a sample of the discharge for analysis under the microscope and prescribe appropriate medication to treat the infection depending on what is found.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further scratching or rubbing. Use an approved ear cleaner to clean his ears daily. The medication you applied may work if it is a bacterial infection. Dogs can develops yeast infections in their ears as well as bacterial infections. If this is the case, the medication will likely be ineffective. If you want him examined and diagnosed sooner, you can take him to the veterinary ER. If he is extremely painful, bleeding from the ear, lethargic, develops a wobbly gait or if his ear flap swells, then he should be seen at the ER rather than waiting for your veterinarian.

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