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My dog's ear sounds wet after ointment. Should I keep applying it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 67 lbs

My dog is being treated for a yeast and bacterial ear infection. The vet gave me ointment to use, but after I use it-8 hours later it still sounds like it is in the ear canal...I can squeeze the base of his ear and it sounds like fluid. He is now scratching his ears, shaking his head, and his red is really red. Would I keep inserting the ointments as the vet prescribed or discontinue?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Most ear ointments are a little oily or thick in order to stay in contact with the skin inside the ear canal as long as possible, so it is absolutely normal to feel the ointment in the ear later on. I usually recommend a cleaning solution along with ointment, and you can ask your vet if there is a cleaning solution that they recommend to use to clear out the remaining ointment before applying the next dose. I also would get an E-collar (or "cone") for Norman to prevent him from scratching his ear so that he doesn't cause any additional trauma. You should definitely continue to ointment to continue treating the infection, stopping could make the infection worse and more difficult to treat in the future.

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