My dog won't let me clean his ears, but he has chronic ear infections.

Allergies can cause dogs to have chronic ear problems. You could ask your vet about trying medications for allergies and see if that helps. I would also recommend an ear culture to make sure that he is doesn't have a resistant infection. You could also switch him to a hypoallergenic diet and see if that helps.

I am sorry to hear of Princeton's ongoing war issues. If you are concerned about possible medication side effects I would recommend discussing this with your regular veterinarian. I would also discuss with them the possibility of food allergies. Chronic/recurrent ear infections like you are dealing with for Princeton can often be secondary for a food allergy, a diet change may be what is needed for him. When considering a new food remember that the protein source is typically the thing that causes the allergy-look at Princeton's current dry food to see what the protein source is. You will need to look for a food with a protein source he has not been exposed to (remember that the chicken you feed mixed with his food is a potential allergen as well). Your vet can discuss any particular brands or products they recommend, and be aware that a food trial for allergies can take 6-8 weeks before any effect is seen. Also talk to your vet about culturing the material in Princeton's ears, if you haven't already. Sometimes the yeast or bacteria that is present becomes resistant. A culture will show what type of organism is present, and what medication is going to be most effective. Your vet can then help you tailor a new treatment plan to try and resolve the issue. I also recommend routine ear cleaning at home using a cleaning solution recommended by your vet. Keeping the ears clean of debris can help reduce the number of infections. Good luck-I hope you are able to get Princeton feeling better soon!

Recurrent ear infections are often a sign of food allergies. I suggest you get a second opinion from another veterinarian. Recurrent ear infections are NOT normal and not just something some dogs get. It is important, in this case, that your vet does an ear swab, checks that under the microscope or sends it in to a lab to check which bacteria or fungi are causing these infections. It may be necessary to also check for antibiotic resistance. A diet trial with hypoallergenic diet may also be in order.

Go to the pet store and get some routine ear cleaner for dogs. Clean his ears every day and try to get out as much of the waxy debris as possible. This will not clear out the infection but it will help to keep the number of infectious pathogens lower and should bring him some comfort. Don't put anything else in Max's ears. Start him on an oral omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs as well, this will act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Lastly, speak with your veterinarian about a food trial to rule out allergies (although Goldens do seem to be prone to infection). Also ask about keeping a medicated cleaner on hand to use on a weekly basis. The medicated cleaners can change the pH of the ears over time and this can help to prevent infections as well. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

These are definitively signs of a chronic otitis. Most common causes of persistent ear infections are: - underlying allergic disease (usually both ears are affected and other skin signs are present somewhere else); without resolving the allergy the disease will come back again and again; - resistant infections which requires more aggressive and specific treatment; - inappropriate treatment selection; Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely an ear infection and I am afraid that there is likely an underlying allergy causing him to scratch a lot and continue to cause further trauma to the ear. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated as soon as possible as this is likely causing him a lot of discomfort. They would be able to diagnose this and start therapy. Medications such as steroids may help decrease the itch. You may use the e-collar to prevent further self-trauma. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Filio! Chronic otitis is usually a sign of allergies to food or the environment. If she eats mostly a chicken based diet I would change her to a different meat protein like fish, venison, beef or pork. Give it a good 2-3 months and do not offer any other treats or food that isn't the same protein as what is in the food you chose. I would highly recommend a long term medicated ear wash. And only used topical antibiotics and antifungals in the ear when she has an active infection. When there is an active infection I recommend cleaning every other day for 2 weeks and then decreasing slowly in frequency at one month intervals. Dogs with chronic infections should at least have their ears cleaned 1-2 times per week forever. Consider plucking the hair form her ears so there is more air flow through the ears. All that hair traps moisture. If she will not tolerate cotton in her ears then be extra careful with water on her head and around her ears. They also make drying drops. I would also clean her ears more frequently post bath. I hope this helps in some way! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24620 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27611