[aj55]

Hi

Our lab is itching his left ear quite a bit and shakes his head. There is a slight odor and there is debris in both ears. I called the vet and she said that it could be ear mites. How can we check for this? Is there anything that we could do for him from home or should we take him to the vet asap? And how do dogs get ear mites? Or could it be an allergy or come from swimming in the inlet and creeks this past weekend? I was reading about using water and vinegar to keep a dog's ear clean. Any thoughts about that?

Thanks for your help! :)

[becky92029]

Try typing in ear mites in the site search area, there are some others who have had some good answers. I've never had this problem, wish I could be a better help. It must be hard to cope with watching what you describe and harder on your dog. I tend to overreaction, so I'd probably go to the emergency vet as it's nighttime here. Others will probably be helpful soon on this site.

[fredg]

Hi,
I would not hesitate in taking your dog to a Vet. You need a Professional opinion on what the problem is, and how to take care of it.
It could also be a bad ear infection, and if it is, then putting ear mite medicine in the ear could only make it worse.
Please take your dog to a Vet, and find out what to do.

[aj55]

We took our dog to the vet last night and it turns out he has a yeast Infection. The vet gave us some cream to use for the next 2 weeks and he wants to see him after that. What can I do to prevent this from happening again? He swims quite regularly, but we haven't been drying inside his ears. Also should we keep him out of the water for the next few weeks? Thanks.

[Melinda]

I think I'd keep him out of the water for awhile, did the vet say if it was an allergic reaction to something that caused it? Here is a page that tells the whys and how's of yeast infection in a dog.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body..._the_skin.html

I hope it helps.

[becky92029]

we took our dog to the vet last night and it turns out he has a yeast Infection. The vet gave us some cream to use for the next 2 weeks and he wants to see him after that. What can i do to prevent this from happening again? He swims quite regularly, but we havent been drying inside his ears. Also should we keep him out of the water for the next few weeks? Thanks.

Thanks for letting us know, aj55. I feel better knowing you've helped him this way.

[labman]

I am surprised the vet suggested ear mites with debris in the ear. As in this case, usually excess wax means some kind of an infection, and a trip to the vet for medicine.

I struggle with my Aster and her ear infections. I can't bear to deny her her swims. They are essential to being out in the field in warm weather. I am trying a program of preventative ear cleaning when we get back. I use water and vinegar, maybe 3:1. I clean the outer ears with a cotton ball, and then go inside the ear canal with Q-tips.

A real case of ear mites is one of the few things I would suggest treating yourself without a vet visit. They produce a red, itchy ear inside, but usually no excessive wax. Much odor usually means an infection. A knock you down one always is an infection.