What to do about my dogs ear infection?

Question

I have a 3 y/o Black Lab. His left ear is very red, has a bad odor and a lot of discharge. I have tried to clean it with peroxide and a cotton ball. He doesnt really like it though. Is this something he should go to the vet for? I find it ironic I am taking him on Friday for his shots. Just dont know if he needs to go sooner.

Answer 1

You should get your dog to the vet, preferably before Friday if possible due to discomfort. If you can't, the dog will most likely be ok. Don't continue to use peroxide, as it can actually make some of the problems worse. You could get an ear cleaner from your vet, or from a pet store, to clean the ear. Do not buy any actual medications, unless your vet has prescribed them. Most likely, this is a bacterial +/- yeast infection, and will need prescription medication.

When you go to the vet, make sure that you have them show you the proper way to clean your dog's ears, and ask how often you should normally do this. Labs tend to get a lot of ear infections, mostly because they like water, and have floppy ears. So it would be a good idea to clean them regularly, so that your dog gets used to it, and so that you can catch any infection really early.

Answer 2

blue powder ear wash
Note: The originator of this recipe is unknown. At this point it is a widely cited "folk remedy" which is highly effective in treating ear infections.

1 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol (pour off an inch to make some room)
8 to 16 drops Gentian violet (it's real cheap, but hard to find - try next to the Iodine at a Mom & Pop Pharmacy or ask someone to order it)
4 Tbs. Boric Acid Powder (also cheap and found at the pharmacy)
Shake well and for convenience transfer some to a small (4 ounce) "spout" bottle. Each time you use it, shake the bottle well to make sure the powder is in suspension.

The Gentian Violet will stain, so be careful where you mix it and where you apply it to the dog's ears.

If you're treating an infection, you want to clean the ears with this mixture on a daily basis. Otherwise from once a week to once a month is usually enough to keep the ears healthy.

Answer 3

Yes, he needs to go to the vet for antibiotics for the ear infection. Cancell the shots though, if you read the labels on the vaccinations , it says that only healthy dogs should get their shots. The vet might want to do them anyway, but don't let him. Also, if this is for annual shots, read the Wisconsin University website below. Vaccines are good for many, many years. We should not do them every year. The American Animal Hospital Association's 2006 recommendations are at www.aahanet.org . There is a lot on the web these days about the problems our dogs and cats are having do to the annual vaccinations.

Answer 4

Yes, have the vet take a look at it. It's probably causing your dog some discomfort, itching, or even pain. See if your vet can fit you in sooner and get the shots at the same time.

Answer 5

Ear infection can be horrible on anyone so take that precious animal to the Vet right away. If he could talk he would tell you the same thing!

Answer 6

have his ears looked at by your vet. my dog gets ear infection frequently so i take him to the groomer and they pull the hair out of his ears. they are easier to clean that way. you can use q-tips on dogs, and rubbing alcohol(just a couple of drops per ear) will dry up the infection. make sure to keep them dry during baths or swimming.

Answer 7

My dog had an ear infection, and it smelled. Please take him to the vet. You will be prescribe medication to give the dog for x amount of days. Makes a big difference.

Answer 8

He can wait until Friday, but it needs to be taken care of this week. Ear infections are excruciatingly painful. Left untreated they can require surgery or even cause permanent deafness.

Answer 9

I'd call the vet office and ask if he should be taken in. Mention that you already have an appt. on friday for his shots.

Answer 10

Go to the vet.