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Will ear mite drops hurt my dog if he doesn't actually have mites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Will it harm my Chihuahua if I give him ear mite drops if he doesn't have them?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2018

If you gave the medication according to label instructions, and used the correct size for your dog, then no. It won't harm him to have given the medicine even if he didn't have era mites. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry to hear about your Chihuahua. More information on what ear mite drops you are planning to use can help us to better answer your question, so if you can provide us with the brand name/active ingredient or a photo of the label we can better answer your question. In most cases of dogs with itchy ears we actually have a problem with an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the ears. For this reason I would suggest a vet exam to check and see if mites are the cause of Chewy's ear issues as you wouldn't want to delay getting him the appropriate medication by treating for the wrong issue. You can read more about ear mites at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951535 and ear infections at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951507 .

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