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Dog ear infection not improving with cleaner. Does he need a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 8 months old | 90 lbs

My yellow lab has an ear infection in his left ear, it's red, spotted, and bleeding. I have been cleaning it out with some dog ear cleaning solution; but It doesn't look like it's getting any better. Is there something else that can be done?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Yes, cleaning solutions are good but it is likely that the signs you are describing are compatible with an ear infection and antibiotic+anti-inflammatories ear drops are needed. I would strongly recommend a check up, an otoscopic examination (your vet will have a look down in the ear canal) and appropriate treatment.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Halo! It does sound like he probably has an ear infection - this is a relatively common problem in Labs. You will need prescription ear drops from your vet to treat this problem effectively - ear cleaner alone won't get rid of the infection, so Halo will need a vet visit. Your vet will take a sample of any discharge in the ear for analysis to determine what kind of infection is present (yeast vs. bacterial) and prescribe appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Ear cleaners can prevent ear infections, but it cannot treat it. In order to treat an ear infection you will need to take Halo to the vet to have his ears checked, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic prescription ear drops that will clear the infection.

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