You may recognize hydrocortisone as an ingredient on tablets or ointments in your medicine cabinet. Commonly used in medications for humans, hydrocortisone is also helpful for your furry friend’s ears.
Hydrocortisone for dogs’ ears should be pet-friendly and vet-approved (not what you and your family use). It works wonders as a topical anti-inflammatory and anti-itch treatment, providing soothing relief for symptoms associated with various conditions, including itchiness from ear infections.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to incorporating hydrocortisone into your dog’s ear care routine.
What is Hydrocortisone?
In short, hydrocortisone is a steroid. That may sound intense, but all it means is that hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory compound. It helps reduce swelling, itching, and irritation, supporting ear health in pets.
Hydrocortisone is often given to dogs in the following forms:
- Cream
- Ointment
- Spray
- Shampoo
- Ear drops
For stronger treatments, you’ll need a prescription from your veterinarian. But for mild ear irritation, over-the-counter hydrocortisone may just do the trick. Try our Triple-Action Ear Treatment, conveniently available over the counter at local pet stores.
Benefits of Hydrocortisone
If you notice your pup seems to have a case of “itchy ears,” hydrocortisone can work as both an itch-relief remedy and a deterrent.
The science behind it is relatively straightforward: Irritants like dirt, moisture, or allergies can provoke a dog’s immune system to overreact and go into overdrive. This overreaction causes inflammation in the affected ear. Hydrocortisone steps in and blocks the resulting inflammation, helping to reduce itching and swelling.1
Hydrocortisone’s main uses are to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Minimize irritation
- Soothe itching
- Decrease redness
- Diminish allergy symptoms
You can’t predict when your pup is going to feel under the weather, so it’s best to be prepared with hydrocortisone ahead of time. At just 1.5 fluid ounces, our Triple-Action Ear Treatment is easy to keep on hand.
When Does My Dog Need Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is a powerhouse for inflammation, itchiness, and other irritation. But when should you transition from routine dog ear cleaning to a topical ear medication like hydrocortisone treatment?
Here are some common symptoms of canine ear infections you’ll want to look out for, as well as useful preventative measures.
Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs
As a pet parent, it’s important to know the symptoms to look out for to keep your pup happy and healthy. If you notice any of the following signs, or any behavior that’s out of the ordinary, an ear infection may be the culprit.2
- Excessive head shaking or scratching – Some shaking and scratching is normal for dogs, but if you notice these movements more than usual, or if your dog repeatedly scratches only one ear, it’s likely an indicator of discomfort, particularly for dogs with floppy ears.
- Odor – It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know when your dog’s ears smell bad (or worse than usual). An infection could cause this ear odor.
- Dark discharge – Healthy earwax in dogs should be yellow or light brown—no darker.
- Ear wax buildup – Too much earwax can cause a foul odor and an eventual infection.
- Redness or swelling – Caused by inflammation or skin irritation, redness and swelling can also become worse as your dog scratches their uncomfortable ears.
- Crusting, bleeding, or scabbing – Broken skin is never a good sign, and just like swelling, it can be exacerbated as your dog itches or rubs its sensitive ears.
- Pus – Any thick, slimy discharge is a sure sign of infection.
If you notice severe symptoms, head to your local vet for a check-up. They might recommend hydrocortisone to help manage symptoms, but stronger medicines (like antibiotics) are usually needed to treat the underlying infection.
Potential Causes of Ear Infections
In addition to telltale signs of an infection, it’s helpful to learn what causes ear irritation; prevention is key in avoiding issues down the line. Possible causes of ear infections include3:
- Excess moisture – Wet ears are breeding grounds for infection. Make sure to thoroughly dry your pet’s ears after walking in the rain, swimming, or bathing.
- Allergies – Just like us, dogs can be sensitive to seasonal, environmental, or food allergens. These common allergies can cause health issues such as ear infections.
- Foreign objects – Dogs can get into all sorts of things. While romping through the park, they may have gotten a stick, rock, or other harmful object stuck in their ear canal.
- Over-cleaning – Excessive wiping can cause irritation, while cotton swabs can push debris further into the ear canal. Routine ear care is a must, but it’s crucial to know how to clean dog ears safely.
For regular ear maintenance and to minimize the risk of infection, use the Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse, a non-toxic preventative rinse treatment. If you notice minor irritation, try our Triple-Action Ear Treatment before it escalates—just remember that a full-on infection warrants a vet visit.
When to Avoid Hydrocortisone
Despite its numerous benefits, hydrocortisone may not be the right solution for your pet. All dogs react differently to treatment, so it’s important to be aware of their unique medical histories. Do not use hydrocortisone for dogs in the case of1:
- Young age – Hydrocortisone can be dangerous for newborns and puppies.
- Fungal infections – Topical steroids like hydrocortisone don’t work when treating fungal (yeast) infections. While it may initially seem to cause relief, hydrocortisone actually interferes with the body’s ability to fight fungus, allowing it to worsen and spread.4
- Burns – Hydrocortisone is not safe for active burns. Instead, consult with your vet for antibiotics or wound ointments.
- Hypersensitivity – This probably goes without saying, but if your pet is hypersensitive to hydrocortisone, you should avoid it.
- Severe illness – If your pooch is extremely sick, topical hydrocortisone can be like putting a Band-Aid on without actually treating the underlying illness. When in doubt, it’s always best to talk with your vet.
- Ruptured eardrum – Before using hydrocortisone, ensure that your dog’s eardrum is not ruptured. Applying medication to a ruptured eardrum can cause ear pain, head tilt, or sudden hearing loss.
If you have more than one pet in the house, make sure they don’t lick the hydrocortisone treatment out of your dog’s sensitive ears, as this can cause illness when ingested.
Hydrocortisone FAQs
Still have some lingering questions? Let’s clear those up. And remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry—if you still have doubts, get in touch with your veterinarian.
Can I Use Hydrocortisone in Other Areas Besides the Ears?
Yes, topical ear medications like hydrocortisone can help reduce itchiness and inflammation on other parts of your dog’s skin, bringing relief for a variety of skin conditions. That said, you should not use hydrocortisone treatments specifically designed for ear care on other parts of your dog. Our Antimicrobial Ear Rinse and Triple-Action Ear Treatment are for ear use only. To soothe skin irritation, ask your vet for topical hydrocortisone creams, ointments, or sprays.
Can I Use My Own Hydrocortisone Ointment On My Pet?
No. While it may seem convenient to use products already in your medicine cabinet, this is not a good idea. Animal and human products are very different, and it’s important to only use pet-friendly hydrocortisone on your furry friends.
What is the Difference Between Over-the-Counter and Prescription Hydrocortisone?
Over-the-counter products can legally contain no more than 1% hydrocortisone. That’s why our Triple-Action Ear Treatment contains the highest concentration possible to still be available over the counter. Extra-strength treatments with over 1% hydrocortisone require a prescription from a veterinarian.
Even After Using Hydrocortisone, My Dog’s Ear Infection Won’t Go Away. What Should I Do?
First, verify whether your dog is indeed suffering from an ear infection. Our Triple-Action Ear Treatment, which includes hydrocortisone and a 7-day flushing period, may clear up the issue before it develops into a full infection. Persistent discomfort, inflammation, or infection after flushing might indicate a deeper issue, like allergies or fluid buildup. Contact your vet as soon as possible.
Combat Ear Infections with Our Triple-Action Ear Treatment
Our Triple-Action Ear Treatment is designed to combat itching, inflammation, and buildup. This non-irritating treatment contains three powerful ingredients:
- Hydrocortisone – To soothe itching, swelling, and redness by inhibiting inflammatory mediators
- Otizyme™– To extract fluid buildup, soften ear wax deposits, and reduce inflammation via a potent, pet-safe enzyme solution
- Botaniplex™ – To enhance immune response, restore ear microbiome and sebum balance through natural extracts.
Our specialty formula promotes natural balance, optimal ear health, and soothing relief. The 7-day treatment can be administered at home, making it easy to help your dog have a fast and comfortable recovery. Plus, the precise flex spout applicator is designed to avoid damaging your pup’s delicate ear canal.
Prioritize Pet Health with Vetericyn
From eye and ear rinses to wound and skin treatments, Vetericyn has you covered for all your pet care needs. Our animal wellness products adhere to high-quality guidelines, designed for safe and effective innovation in the pet industry. But don’t just take it from us—our products are trusted and used by veterinarians worldwide.
In addition to routine ear cleaning, complete your dog’s healthcare routine with our ALL-IN Dog Supplements. These nutrient-rich chew tablets promote age-specific benefits in all stages of your dog’s life, such as joint health, cognitive function, digestion, immune response, and more. Jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, these supplements are also free of artificial flavors and colors.
Shop online to stock up on Vetericyn products, or find a store near you today.
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- PetMD. Hydrocortisone for Dogs. https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/hydrocortisone-for-dogs
- Med Vet. What You Need to Know About Ear Infections and Your Pet. https://www.medvet.com/ear-infections-and-your-pet/
- American Kennel Club. Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/
- U.S. Pharmacist. Appropriate Use of Nonprescription Hydrocortisone. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/appropriate-use-of-nonprescription-hydrocortisone
