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My dog has an ear infection & head tilt. How to comfort before vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 70 lbs

Wrigley appears to have an ear infection. We noticed it last night and applied a one part water, one part vinegar solution. He woke up today and it looks a bit worse than the pictures attached. They are a bit more red and dry. He is constantly shaking his head and walking with a head tilt. He cannot be seen until Monday morning. What can I do to make him more comfortable in the meantime before being seen tomorrow morning by a vet? He won't let us near his ears, even when using treats.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2017

Unfortunately if he won't let you near his ears you may have to wait until tomorrow when you can get Wrigley in to see your veterinarian. If you can pick up an ear cleaner from a pet store you can try flushing them out between now and tomorrow morning. If he is walking with a head tilt I would be worried that his inner or middle ear may also be affected, if this is truly the case, I wouldn't recommend putting anything more in his ears until you see your vet. If you feel he is really uncomfortable and you don't want to wait, an emergency vet should be able to evaluate him today.

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    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there. Poor Wrigley! That certainly looks like an ear infection and is probably pretty severe if he has a head tilt accompanying it. If that is the case-I urge you not to put anything else in the ear even if he would let you until you've seen your vet. He may have a ruptured tympanic membrane (eardrum) causing the head tilt, in which case nothing over the counter should be put in there. You could try using Benadryl at home until tomorrow-it may make him a bit sleepy and decrease the itch but should make him a wee bit more comfortable until your appointment. You can find dosing online based on weight or call your local veterinary ER (we cannot legally give you a dose based on the nature of Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and having not seen your pet in person). If he will allow a cool compress over the ear may help as well-but do not stress him with it if he protests. Your vet will do an ear exam and decide the best course of treatment upon seeing him tomorrow (they will likely prescribe antibiotics and antifungal prep to be administered in the ear if the membrane is intact). Hope this helps!

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