Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's ear infection cleared, but the smell won't go away. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 105 lbs

Hi I have a 1 year old Saint Bernard. Not long ago he got into a fight and had an infection in his ear that cleared up but the Nasty smell never went away. Could he still have an ear infection or should. I just use an ear wash Also they had him on what I believe was cephalexin for the bacterial infection

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on July 25th, 2017

Yes, Snuffy probably has a bacterial or yeast infection still present in his ear, if there is still a smell present. Often an ear wash designed for dog ears will cure a mild infection, but if he is painful, itching, or scratching his ear then he needs to have a vet look down into the ear canal and take a sample to see what kind of infection is going on. Then he might need a treatment to put in the ear and an anti-itching medication like Apoquel to help heal the ear and make it less painful. The cephalexin is not likely going to help an ear infection, but might have been for a skin infection related to the dog bite wound. Hope that helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Most ear infections are actually yeast infections in dogs, regular ear-wash and antibiotics do not help in those cases. you will need to take Snuffy to the vet in order to get a special prescription ear drops to treat this infection.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored