Veterinary services can be expensive. However, healthcare is part of owning a dog. Ear problems are unfortunately common in our canine companions and the average cost to diagnose and treat an ear infection is roughly $149. That’s a good chunk of change if you weren’t expecting it. You may wonder if you can relieve your pup’s discomfort and save a few bucks by using human ear drops. The short answer is no, you shouldn’t use human ear drops on your dog unless your veterinarian has specifically prescribed them.
Human ear drops may either be ineffective and prolong your pet’s discomfort or they can be harmful. Although some human products may be safe to use on dogs, a veterinarian must diagnose what’s wrong to treat the problem properly. Remember that most over-the-counter (OTC) drops for humans treat wax build-up and pain. The chances are you’ll need a prescription for an infection. It’s the same with dogs. Problems may be bacterial or fungal in origin. Ear infections are also often secondary to an underlying condition that needs identifying and addressing such as foreign bodies in the ear canal or skin allergies.
The Issues With Using Human Ear Drops on Dogs
Testing human medical products for FDA approval requires rigorous testing in a five-step process. Animal testing is usually part of the procedure before clinical trials on people. The agency also monitors them after approval. The goal is a product safe for humans with specific directions for use. It doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredients of medications are safe for animals, though. The process focuses on people and not pets.
Using human ear drops for canines is an off-label application and not a guarantee of safety. Remember that dosages may exceed what a dog should get. That may cause minor irritation, or it may cause worse problems. Dogs aren’t little humans, despite sharing 84% of our DNA. Many things that are harmless or efficacious for us are toxic to our pets.
Types of OTC Human Ear Drops
A common ingredient in products for humans that are used for pain is lidocaine. Topical lidocaine can be used on dogs in some situations under veterinary instruction, for example to numb the skin prior to blood sampling or intravenous cannula placement. However, the question still goes back to dosage for using human products on animals. Also although drops may relieve aural discomfort for a short period, it will do nothing to address the cause of the ear problem.
We also found several drops addressing itching and dry skin. Many contained essential oils, including tea tree oil. One study identified serious repercussions from using it in its concentrated form, including tremors, lethargy, and ataxia or loss of muscle coordination. The researchers also listed drooling, a common sign of poisoning.
Another class of products included homeopathic items. Despite their presence in national drugstore chains, there is no scientific evidence supporting their efficacy or effectiveness. It is simply pseudoscience that you shouldn’t use yourself or on your dog. We strongly urge you to avoid these preparations, with the primary risk usually being a failure to treat the cause of your pup’s discomfort.
Prescription Ear Drops
This group of drugs is another can of worms. Canine ear infections are usually a sign of many other conditions, such as allergies, parasites, endocrine disorders and aural foreign bodies. Your meds may do nothing to treat what’s plaguing your pup. One valid argument against purported products like homeopathy is the delay of proper treatment. Ear infections can worsen if left untreated leading to more irritation and pain for your pup, and making them more difficult to treat effectively.
You may have noticed a warning on your prescription drugs about sharing your meds with others. It exists for a good reason. Sometimes, it can do more harm than good, putting your pet at risk for complications. We may suffer from similar afflictions like wax build-up, but some are canine in nature and require medications specific to their needs.
Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs
Again, if you notice something off with your dog’s ear, it is best to get them in to see a vet so that they can diagnose and treat the issue properly. One of the most common causes of ear issues in dogs is an infection. The signs include the following:
- Scratching at the affected ear(s)
- Head shaking
- Odor
- Dark discharge
- Pain
- Redness and swelling
- Itchiness
- Crusting or scabs
Final Thoughts
If your dog is scratching or shaking their head a lot, the chances are that your pup has an ear infection. It may be confined to the external ear canal. However, it can be a sign of other issues that drops alone won’t remedy. Therefore, we recommend getting your pet to the vet. The condition may require additional tests to determine the problem. Ear canals are sensitive and many human ear drops, including over the counter ones, may contain ingredients that do more harm than good.
Featured Image Credit: Jarva Jar, Shutterstock