Ketoconazole for Canine Ear Infections

Ear infections can make dogs miserable.

Ketoconazole (brand name Nizoral) is an antifungal medication that can help treat yeast infection in a dog's ears. Nizoral is only approved for use in people by the Federal Drug Administration, but is often used off-label for dogs.

Function

According to veterinarian Dr. Mark Papich, ketoconazole kills fungal infections in the ear or anywhere else in a dog's body by breaking up the cell walls of the fungus.

Dosage

Tablets are given every 12 hours at a dosage of five to seven milligrams for every pound that the dog weighs every day that the dog is suffering from a fungal ear infection.

Administration

Drs. Fosters and Smith pet pharmacy recommends giving ketoconazole tablets with food that has fat in it to help the body better absorb the medication.

Time Frame

It can take as long as two weeks before the dog's ear infection begins to improve on ketoconazole, according to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat."

Side Effects

Contact a vet immediately if a dog on Nizoral experiences vomiting; diarrhea; yellowing of the gums, skin or white part of the eyes; hives; sudden swelling on the face or coma. This could indicate an allergy to the medication.

References

• "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat;" Kate A.W. Roby, VMD, et al; 2008
• Pet Place: Ketaconazole (Nizoral) by Dr. Mark Papich
• Pet Education: The Veterinary Use of Ketaconazole (Nizoral)

Resources

• Working Dogs: The Canine Ear by Dennis W. Thomas, DVM
• Drs. Foster & Smith Pharmacy Ketaconazole Information Sheet
• Yext.com: Find a Veterinarian