Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/14/2006

Question
I have a puppy about 14 weeks old.  I took a bath with the puppy.  I washed the puppy with puppy shampoo, then I washed myself with my soap.  I believe the puppy got some soapy water in her ear, because for the past 3 days she has been scratching her ears and shaking her head.   Is there something that I can buy.  I believe she might have an infection.

Answer
You can rinse her ear with plain water, but it is a very long, deep ear canal in a dog.  You may have to have the puppy sedated by the vet so it can be flushed out from the deep part of the ear canal.  If she has an infection, that will need treatment.