Best Medication for Dogs with Discharging Ears in Home

Doggy ears oozing pus are often signs of otitis externa or otitis media, which are among the most common infections in canines. Dogs often shake their heads and scratch at their ears frequently to alleviate the itching and discomfort, leading to red and swollen ears with an unpleasant odor. There may also be dark, yellow, or watery discharge.

Left untreated for a prolonged period, canine otitis can develop into chronic inflammatory lesions, resulting in thickened ears, scab formation, narrowed ear canals, and decreased hearing.

Part One: Common Causes of Dogs' Ears Oozing Pus

1. Primary Causes

● Ear parasites, such as ear mites

● Allergies, such as food allergies, atopic dermatitis, contact allergies, and environmental allergies

● Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism

● Ear tumors or foreign objects

2. Triggers

Various factors in daily life can alter the ear canal environment, increasing the risk of developing otitis externa. These include:

● Excessive ear hair

● Narrow ear canals

● Earwax buildup

● Overcleaning that disrupts the ear canal's temperature, humidity, and flora, leading to imbalances

Part Two: How to Treat Dogs' Ears Oozing Pus

It's important to note that there is no onesizefitsall treatment for dogs' ears oozing pus, as different causes and varying degrees of infection require different treatment plans. Additionally, when administering antibiotics, a drug sensitivity test is necessary to prevent adverse reactions due to allergies. Therefore, if you notice your dog's ears oozing pus, it's best to seek veterinary care.

In cases where symptoms are mild and immediate veterinary attention is not possible, consider home treatment and observation for 7 to 10 days. The focus of treatment is to control infection and inflammation (regardless of the cause of the otitis, antiinflammatory treatment can help alleviate symptoms.)

For mild cases of otitis, local treatment is generally recommended, which includes:

① Using a petspecific antibacterial ear cleaning solution to wash the ears and reduce inflammatory secretions.

② Applying antiinflammatory ear drops, such as ErDike (Fluoroquinolone Metronidazole Ear Drops) or XinErNing (Miconazole Nitrate Ointment).

③ Wearing an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from scratching its ears.

④ If the dog experiences significant itching, redness, and pain, consult your veterinarian for guidance on using corticosteroids and antiinflammatory pain relievers, such as prednisone and meloxicam.

PS: The normal ear canal structure of dogs has an inherent cleaning mechanism, making ear infections less likely. Breeds with large, droopy ears, like Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles, are more prone to otitis due to poor ventilation in the ear canals.

Therefore, these breeds should be kept dry and clean, and ear secretions should be cleaned regularly every 1 to 2 weeks with a product like ErFen (Pet Ear Care Solution) to prevent bacterial growth.