My pitbull puppy's ear is itchy. Should I crop his ears or see a vet?

Trooper could have a form of mange that isn't contagious to other dogs, known as demodex. Another possibility is a condition called vasculitis, which can compromise blood flow to the edges and point of the ear, and irritate them. Vasculitis can be caused by tick-borne diseases, as well as immune-mediated diseases. Another possibility is a disease called pemphigus. All of these problems have very different treatments, so it's important to get Trooper checked by a vet so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

He could have an infection and/or allergic dermatitis. Since this has been going on for a couple years, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or anti-inflammatory to treat. He may need to stay on an anti-histamine long term if it is related to allergies.

Ear cropping is not something I, or many other veterinarians recommend, because it is a painful procedure with potentially serious complications that provides no medical benefit. Ear cropping is only for aesthetics, which has led to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to have the position that it is an unneeded and cruel procedure. Below is a link to more information about ear cropping. https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-ear-cropping-procedures.html Given the strong opposition to ear cropping, it will be difficult to find a vet to do it. If you do find a vet to do it, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$600 for the procedure. I hope that helps and all is well with the puppies.

Poor Thor! Cropping a dog's ears can be very painful, and seeing a vet would be the best thing for him. Unfortunately, there are no safe human pain medications you can give him, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I would find a vet to see him who can check to make sure his ears are healing correctly, and can prescribe some pain medication for him.

I would ideally recommend a veterinary visit as ear infections are often times a mixed population of yeast and different bacteria. Or ear mites may play a role as well. You can try using an over-the-counter ear cleaner every other day for a few days but if that does not cleared up a veterinary visit for ear cytology and medication is recommended. Epi Otic is a good general ear cleaner. . https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056EAKSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apis_1501590855840 The home remedies that use vinegar or alcohol tend to be very irritating or painful with infected ear so I don't recommend those.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ear mites generally are noted first with signs of thick, dark discharge which appears a bit "crusty". However-the lack of these symptoms does not mean all is well with the ears of your pup. Dogs can get frequent ear infections, just like we can. I can tell from your photos that your pup has hair that grown down into the ear canals-this will be part of the problem. Those hairs trap debris, water from bathing, extra wax, etc and act as a great reservoir for bacteria to grow. I always recommend to my clients to have the hairs "plucked" by their groomer when they go or to come in to the office so that we can do it. After the hairs are cleared and the ears are cleaned, I like to do an exam of the ear canal and to take a swab of the ears to see what kind of yeast and/or bacteria are present there. It is important to have this exam performed by your vet to verify that your pet's eardrum is intact and not perforated. Likely your pet will get prescribed some antibiotics if your doctor finds it necessary, as well as pain medications or something for that awful itch. After everything is well controlled, it is usually easy to get my owners on a good ear cleaning regimen to keep ear infections at bay. I hope this helps! My best to you and your pup!

You should take Flappy to your veterinarian for an ear exam. Ear pain can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection and also by an allergy. . Each of these requires a different treatment regimen, so it is important to find out what is causing the ache.. Your vet will do a thorough exam and cleaning of the ear. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe medications appropriate for the respective condition.