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My dog's ear is swollen shut. Should I give him Keflex for infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 6 months old | 55 lbs

My dogs ear canal is swollen shut. He doesn’t seem sick and it doesn’t seem to hurt him. I’m worried about an infection. I have Keflex I could give him. Should I?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 1st, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would recommend not giving the Keflex as often bacteria is not the problem with ear infections. Likely the ear will become painful so I would recommend having Apollo into your vet as soon as they are open. In the mean-time, I would recommend getting an alcohol based ear cleaner (my favourite is Epi-Otic) and clean the ears really well. After you clean the ear, dry it out well. This will clear up most ear infections without requiring any medications at all. Sometimes to decrease the swelling you will need other medications. Often ear infections are yeast infections, therefore the antibiotics won't help at all, and may disrupt normal healthy flora. Best of luck with Apollo.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree that an ear infection seems likely. Keflex is unlikely to do much if his ear canal is already swollen shut and ear infections are ideally treated with topical medications as well. I highly recommend that you have Apollo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Infections are treated based on the organisms that are found when the ear wax is evaluated. I am sorry that Apollo has that going on. The good news is that most ear infections respond readily to treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

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