Irritated ear in dog

Question
My golden lab has been shaking his head a lot.  We thought he had dirty or itchy ears.  We used a two step ear cleaning product from Animal Dermatology Laboratories.  This didn't seem to be of any help and today his ear is reddened on the inside and looks sore.  What is this, and what should I do to make him more comfortable?

Answer
Most goldens and labs have allergic skin disease that causes their ears to get red.  Have your vet do an ear cytology to find out what type of infection is present, so specific therapy can be used.  Sometimes these ear cleaners have things in them that are irritating to an inflammed ulcerated ear. Also see if your vet thinks your dog may be allergic and have that treated.  That relieves the itchiing and swelling in the ears.