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Dog's red, itchy, scabby ear: Is it infected or can I use Neosporin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 11 lbs

Hello, I have been out of town and I just got back and My dog has been itching and rubbing his ear against the carpet and when my sister bathed him Monday she noticed his ear really red and the following day the scap started to form now it is yellow. I’m not sure if this is a rug burn or if now it has turned into an infection. Am I allowed to put Neosporin ? Or something else ? Thank you

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2 Answers

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2018

I would suspect that Augie has an ear infection leading him to itching and rub his eat against the carpet, thus causing the scab you now see. I would take him into the vet today for this problem. Ear infections are caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria in dogs, and the cause of the ear infection needs to be diagnosed so he can be prescribed the correct medication. While at the vet, they can treat the scab as well. I would refrain from putting Neosprin on it, you don't want any to get into his ear, it's starting to heal if there is a scab, and it won't do anything to help him if he does have an ear infection. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 11th, 2017

    Redness in ears can occur with ear infections, but can also occur due to stress or excitement that cause dilation of the blood vessels in the ears. Augie's ear redness alone would not make me inclined to treat with medication. There is a chance that he may have an ear infection that was either a result of incomplete resolution of the first infection or is a new infection. Different ear infections can be caused by different species of bacteria and/or yeast, which can require different medications. Long story short, don't start the medications tonight. Call your vet in the morning if Augie's ear is still red and if it is itchy. I hope that all goes well! :-)

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