Using Ointment With Staph Vaccine Shots

Staph vaccine (bacterin) shots work on the immune system and are not affected by topical treatments, so applying something to the skin won't interfere with them. The more important question is why the infection hasn't cleared after two months.

Ask your vet for a culture and sensitivity test, if it hasn't been done, since the bacteria may be resistant to the antibiotic she's on. Topical antiseptic or antibiotic products, chosen based on the culture, can help a lot. Ask your vet which one before using any, and don't put human ear or skin products in the ear canal.

In older dogs, a staph infection that won't heal can also have an underlying cause, such as allergies, low thyroid, Cushing's disease, or a growth on the ear flap, so ask about checking for those.

See staph infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.