I'm trying to avoid a vet bill everytime this happens. My Chocolate Lab gets an ear infection (yeast) a few times a year. I ran out of the medication cream I was prescribed 2 years ago. So I have been cleaning and using Monistat cream for 4 days now with little results. Does anybody use over the counter remedies for this? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi , and welcome to the forum . I got a very effective ear wash from my Vet , and use this when necessary . However , I wouldn't use any over the counter medications on ears or eyes , infections usually need an antibiotic based cream or lotion , from the Vets . Maybe I`m a worry wart, but ears and eyes are too precious to our dogs, sorry !
I would go to the vet and get correct treatment. You won't be saving money in the long run and run the risk of damanaging your dogs hearing permanently if you don't . Depending were in the world you live you could also end up getting prosecuted by the relevant animal welfare organisations for lacking to provide adequate veterinary care.
EAr infection can be yeast or bacteria and you need the Vet to culture it to find out which. Some yeast and bacteria are resistant to usual Vet treatments. Your Vet might try the usual first to see if it will work as the new one most are not yet resistant to is much more expensive. Then when all is cleared up you can ask your Vet about a preventative treatment. As per our Vet my boy gets Burroughs once week, less often in winter. Oh, and once my boy had yeast AND bacteria at the same time. Monistat is for yeast, I think?
I agree. Your vet MAY be happy to treat without a consultation if this is a reoccurring issue but you will need to discuss that with him or her..
My last Lab had recurring ear infections (and itchy skin). Once infection is there you've just got to bite the bullet and go to the vet. When the infection has cleared up, I'd suggest looking at making dietary changes to see if that helps prevent recurrence.
If you're not happy with the treatment you're getting from your vet, I would seek a second opinion or a referral to a specialist. Ears can be problematic and you really want to get it properly treated so it's not a recurring problem.
Thanks for the replies. I think I will go to the vet. This looks like the same thing she has always had, and maybe I am wrong thinking it is yeast. I do know that it does not ever stink when she gets it. It's just redish black tiny things that look like dirt particles. I have a pond and she jumps in it about three times a week. So, I need to just start doing an ear wash after each swim. This is my first lab, so this ear issue is new to me. I've had her about 3 years. I did do some research on home remedies and Monistat vaginal cream is for yeast infections. I read instructions on a few websites. And also a guy at Petsmart told me that he wasn't supposed to tell me this, but he knows people who do use those yeast infection creams. But I'll go to the vet and have her checked. I am curious if maybe it's not yeast...
My Brogan had very infection-prone ears as a younger dog. I definitely made it worse with "DIY" cleaning. Most important - no cotton swabs. Poor Brogan. If the ears are already infected, the only thing for it is to see a vet immediately and get it sorted. Delaying or messing about with them yourself, from my experience can make things much worse. Then once under control and back to normal health, you can figure out what to do to KEEP them healthy. For me, I was able to use cotton pads on the outer part of the ear plus a gentle massage with a natural ear solution. I can't remember what it was called, but it smelled of peppermint and was very gentle. But that was only AFTER the infection was sorted. Also changing his diet helped enormously. Good luck and hope your pup is feeling better soon!
My Axel gets yeast infected ears often. My vet knows this and will let me just pick up extra meds when I run out so I'm not always spending money on a vet visit. Maybe ask your vet if they can leave a few refills on file
My old boys ear infectings were an early manifestation of his progressive auto immune disease. It best to check
We have to treat Tilly's ears with an ear cleaner on a fairly regular basis. We get it from the vet, but it may be over the counter also. It is a vet med formulated for Dogs and Horses. I think salicylic acid is the main active ingredient. Tilly has ears that hang tight to her head so they don't dry out well. Coopers ears are more forward and seem to dry out better. Anyway she has not had a problem with yeast infections in her ears.
