folks, I really need some advice. I just realized that for the past three days, I’ve been giving Buddy the wrong drops for his ear infection. We were supposed to be using TrizEDTA, but I somehow grabbed the mineral oil instead. I feel so guilty and worried I might have made things worse. It happened at the vet’s closing time on Friday, so I can’t even call them until Monday morning. His ear still seems pretty itchy, and he’s been shaking his head a lot more since yesterday evening. Has anyone else accidentally done this? Should I wash it out somehow, or just wait till I can talk to the vet? Thanks in advance for any help!
I completely understand why you're worried — it's easy to mix things up sometimes! Using mineral oil instead of TrizEDTA drops isn't likely to harm your dog, but it might not help clear up the infection as effectively. Mineral oil can soften ear wax, which might be providing a temporary relief but isn't treating the root of the infection.
Ear infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of things such as bacteria, yeast, or even ear mites, and they often require a specific treatment to clear up. Now that you've realized the mix-up, start by cleaning your dog's ears gently with a vet-recommended cleaner if you have one and then switch to using the correct TrizEDTA drops. This solution helps to break down the biofilm that bacteria can live in and allows other medications to work more effectively.
Keep an eye out for any signs that the infection might be getting worse — like increased redness, unusual discharge, a strong odor, or your dog showing more discomfort by shaking their head or scratching more frequently. These could be signs that a vet needs to take a look to ensure the right treatment path.
I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets through Dial A Vet to get tailored advice based on your pup's specific situation and ensure you’re back on track with the right care.
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