Puppy has 3rd ear infection in 2 months - YorkieTalk.com Forums

teddybearsp8 · 12-05-2008, 02:04 PM

My puppy is now 5 months old. He was about 10 weeks old when I got him, and noticed he was scratching his ears. The first vet I took him to told me that he was just scratching his collar since he wasn't used to it. But, Ted continued to scratch, and I didn't feel like the vet was very knowledgable about small dogs, so I changed vets when it was time for Teddy's immunizations at 12 weeks.

The new vet looked in Ted's ears and said that he had an ear infection, and while she didn't see any ear mites, treated him for them too, just in case. We put ointment in Ted's ears for the next 10 days and within the first few days he stopped scratching them.

About a month later, I noticed he was scratching again, and went back to the vet. Ted's ears were infected again! This time they pulled all the hair out of his ears and cautioned me about getting water in them (which I have been very careful of). This time they treated him with the ear ointment and oral antibiotics. Again Ted got better right away, and when we went back to the vet after 7 days, the vet said we could stop the ear ointment but complete the oral antibiotics.

Barely a week later, and a few days after having him groomed (so not sure if the groomer got water in his ears), he's scratching again! Again we went back. Again we have an ear infection. Again we have to do the ear ointment and oral antibiotics! This time they also gave me a drop to use one time a week to kill yeast.

Each time we go to the vet it's at least $100, which I would pay if it was $500, but putting ointment in his ears isn't easy, we have to hold him down, and now he won't come to me cause he's scared I will do it again. This time I am putting the oral antibiotics in pill pockets (even though it's a liquid), and that's easier than holding him down for that twice a day too.

I guess, long story short, has anyone else found that their yorkie is prone to this?

annamalyssa · 12-05-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddybearsp8

My puppy is now 5 months old. He was about 10 weeks old when I got him, and noticed he was scratching his ears. The first vet I took him to told me that he was just scratching his collar since he wasn't used to it. But, Ted continued to scratch, and I didn't feel like the vet was very knowledgable about small dogs, so I changed vets when it was time for Teddy's immunizations at 12 weeks.

The new vet looked in Ted's ears and said that he had an ear infection, and while she didn't see any ear mites, treated him for them too, just in case. We put ointment in Ted's ears for the next 10 days and within the first few days he stopped scratching them.

About a month later, I noticed he was scratching again, and went back to the vet. Ted's ears were infected again! This time they pulled all the hair out of his ears and cautioned me about getting water in them (which I have been very careful of). This time they treated him with the ear ointment and oral antibiotics. Again Ted got better right away, and when we went back to the vet after 7 days, the vet said we could stop the ear ointment but complete the oral antibiotics.

Barely a week later, and a few days after having him groomed (so not sure if the groomer got water in his ears), he's scratching again! Again we went back. Again we have an ear infection. Again we have to do the ear ointment and oral antibiotics! This time they also gave me a drop to use one time a week to kill yeast.

Each time we go to the vet it's at least $100, which I would pay if it was $500, but putting ointment in his ears isn't easy, we have to hold him down, and now he won't come to me cause he's scared I will do it again. This time I am putting the oral antibiotics in pill pockets (even though it's a liquid), and that's easier than holding him down for that twice a day too.

I guess, long story short, has anyone else found that their yorkie is prone to this?

I have a pit bull that has chronic ear infections, he is 3 years old and has ALWAYS had them since he was a pup... his are allergy triggered have you looked into that? If I feed Hubbz (my pitty) anything other than Natural Balance Lamb and Rice.. he gets an ear infection.

It's worth checking on... as this has helped us cut down to 2 infections a year.

teddybearsp8 · 12-05-2008, 02:19 PM

Thanks! I hadn't even thought of allergies, but absolutely will check into it!

anjsmiles · 12-05-2008, 07:43 PM

The breeder/groomer that I bought Reggie from said that her pups used to get yeast infections in their ears and her vet had her to change them from Science Diet to Royal Canin because the Royal Canin is corn free and sometimes corn causes allergies/yeast infections in dogs. She said once she changed that her dogs never had ear yeast infections again. She was explaining all this to me as part of her food recommendations to me for Reggie when I bought him. So, you might try changing your dog to a grain free or at least a corn free food if he isn't already on one.

llcornell · 12-05-2008, 07:44 PM

I used to have a lab with this problem. Same thing in and out of the vet every few months. I recently adopted a yorkie with floppy ears and seems he also has this issue. I decided to go the natural route and just see how he does. I read a few different websites most suggested olive oil, garlic, calendula. I went to the health food store and found a product by Herb farm called mullein garlic, its a blend of olive oil, st johns wort flower, mullein flower and garlic bulb. I put one drop in each ear and he hasnt itched for weeks. So far so good. Its always good to get a vets opinion. I definitely like that he's not get continual use of steroids or antibiotics though. Good luck.

mypreciouspups · 12-05-2008, 08:12 PM

Interesting reading... anne

dwerten · 12-05-2008, 10:37 PM

ear infections that are yeast are tied to diet and are associated with allergies so best to feed a low grain diet so i recommend natural balance fish and sweet potato or duck and potato diets as they have not grains in them

teddybearsp8 · 12-06-2008, 12:37 AM

I have been feeding Eukenauba (sp?), and I just went down to look at the ingredients and after chicken, CORN MEAL is next! I will be at the pet store first thing in the morning to buy Royal Canin! I have been feeding him the same food the breeder did, and have tried to be careful not to upset his tummy with changing food. I am so thrilled that I posted this question! Thanks so much for your suggestions!

dwerten · 12-06-2008, 09:23 AM

don't do royal canine with yorkie on it as many yorkies have had bladder stones on that food so use natural balance duck and potato or fish and sweet potato since signs of allergies in ears are present

maxmom · 12-06-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwerten

don't do royal canine with yorkie on it as many yorkies have had bladder stones on that food so use natural balance duck and potato or fish and sweet potato since signs of allergies in ears are present

Really? I tried NB, and even thou he liked the samples, he would not eat it when I bought the bag, also every time I try to switch from RC to any other food he gets a very upset stomach, I've done it very slow, but still.Now, the bladder stones it's something to worry about.I guess I will start the transition again, and the search for a food he really likes, I've had to donate several bags that he just did not eat.
...sorry I did not mean to hijack this tread...

dwerten · 12-06-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxmom

Really? I tried NB, and even thou he liked the samples, he would not eat it when I bought the bag, also every time I try to switch from RC to any other food he gets a very upset stomach, I've done it very slow, but still.Now, the bladder stones it's something to worry about.I guess I will start the transition again, and the search for a food he really likes, I've had to donate several bags that he just did not eat.
...sorry I did not mean to hijack this tread...

you can return food if they do not eat it to the pet store or if you do not want to then donating is good too- potato diets can upset tummy as white potato is inflammatory so maybe for yours if not having allergies you can do a grain diet

maxmom · 12-06-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwerten

you can return food if they do not eat it to the pet store or if you do not want to then donating is good too- potato diets can upset tummy as white potato is inflammatory so maybe for yours if not having allergies you can do a grain diet

Uhm..that's probably it, the one I bought was potato and duck.As far as the open, full bags, I just donated them to the local shelter, the pet store would not take NB, but it did take Wellness for full refund.

teddybearsp8 · 12-07-2008, 11:41 AM

I bought Canidae first, but it was too big for Ted to eat, so then I went to our regular pet store and bought Natural Balance Allergy Formula, Pototoe and Duck, Small Bites, and he's eating it fine. I was going to go Royal Canin, but that still had wheat I think, so since I am not sure if it's wheat or corn, I thought it would be better to just go totally grain free. I am crossing my fingers that his ears get better. I feel so bad to think that for months I have been putting him through all this when he just had an allergy. My vet never suggested that diet could have been an issue, so I plan to make sure that I let them know at our recheck appointment tomorrow, so hopefully in the future, other people don't have to go through this.

Thanks so much to YorkieTalk for being here, and to the very helpful information posted in response!

manolos mom · 12-07-2008, 11:56 AM

A wise vet told me one day after i had taken my scottie who has ear infections with a drop of water, to alway have lotrimine or antifungus oil not cream on hand. I use this all the time with my scottie and 2 of my yorkies. It clears it up right away. Thats all the water does is cause fungus. Promise you i have been thru all the antibiotic,cortizone shots and any meds you can think of and this cures my pets ears. Its hard to find the lotrimine in liquid form but its out there also they have a gel that works. The cream will not melt and just sits there. You can tell when the infection is coming because their ears will smell and they will scratch..good luck and i hope this helps you...oh this vet also rescues greyhounds and has about 20 of them on her ranch...

manolos mom · 12-07-2008, 12:19 PM

Oh yes, no corn meal. Mine get bad allergies from what they eat also. I feed canidae all stages...

12-05-2008, 02:04 PM	#1
teddybearsp8 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 9	Puppy has 3rd ear infection in 2 months My puppy is now 5 months old. He was about 10 weeks old when I got him, and noticed he was scratching his ears. The first vet I took him to told me that he was just scratching his collar since he wasn't used to it. But, Ted continued to scratch, and I didn't feel like the vet was very knowledgable about small dogs, so I changed vets when it was time for Teddy's immunizations at 12 weeks. The new vet looked in Ted's ears and said that he had an ear infection, and while she didn't see any ear mites, treated him for them too, just in case. We put ointment in Ted's ears for the next 10 days and within the first few days he stopped scratching them. About a month later, I noticed he was scratching again, and went back to the vet. Ted's ears were infected again! This time they pulled all the hair out of his ears and cautioned me about getting water in them (which I have been very careful of). This time they treated him with the ear ointment and oral antibiotics. Again Ted got better right away, and when we went back to the vet after 7 days, the vet said we could stop the ear ointment but complete the oral antibiotics. Barely a week later, and a few days after having him groomed (so not sure if the groomer got water in his ears), he's scratching again! Again we went back. Again we have an ear infection. Again we have to do the ear ointment and oral antibiotics! This time they also gave me a drop to use one time a week to kill yeast. Each time we go to the vet it's at least $100, which I would pay if it was $500, but putting ointment in his ears isn't easy, we have to hold him down, and now he won't come to me cause he's scared I will do it again. This time I am putting the oral antibiotics in pill pockets (even though it's a liquid), and that's easier than holding him down for that twice a day too. I guess, long story short, has anyone else found that their yorkie is prone to this?

12-05-2008, 07:44 PM	#5
llcornell Stop Puppy Mills Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: california Posts: 1,152	I used to have a lab with this problem. Same thing in and out of the vet every few months. I recently adopted a yorkie with floppy ears and seems he also has this issue. I decided to go the natural route and just see how he does. I read a few different websites most suggested olive oil, garlic, calendula. I went to the health food store and found a product by Herb farm called mullein garlic, its a blend of olive oil, st johns wort flower, mullein flower and garlic bulb. I put one drop in each ear and he hasnt itched for weeks. So far so good. Its always good to get a vets opinion. I definitely like that he's not get continual use of steroids or antibiotics though. Good luck. __________________ Proud mom to Sam & Daisy

12-06-2008, 12:37 AM	#8
teddybearsp8 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 9	Thank you! I have been feeding Eukenauba (sp?), and I just went down to look at the ingredients and after chicken, CORN MEAL is next! I will be at the pet store first thing in the morning to buy Royal Canin! I have been feeding him the same food the breeder did, and have tried to be careful not to upset his tummy with changing food. I am so thrilled that I posted this question! Thanks so much for your suggestions!

12-07-2008, 11:41 AM	#13
teddybearsp8 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 9	Thanks! I bought Canidae first, but it was too big for Ted to eat, so then I went to our regular pet store and bought Natural Balance Allergy Formula, Pototoe and Duck, Small Bites, and he's eating it fine. I was going to go Royal Canin, but that still had wheat I think, so since I am not sure if it's wheat or corn, I thought it would be better to just go totally grain free. I am crossing my fingers that his ears get better. I feel so bad to think that for months I have been putting him through all this when he just had an allergy. My vet never suggested that diet could have been an issue, so I plan to make sure that I let them know at our recheck appointment tomorrow, so hopefully in the future, other people don't have to go through this. Thanks so much to YorkieTalk for being here, and to the very helpful information posted in response! Last edited by teddybearsp8; 12-07-2008 at 11:42 AM.

12-05-2008, 02:19 PM	#3
teddybearsp8 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 9	Thanks! I hadn't even thought of allergies, but absolutely will check into it!

12-05-2008, 07:43 PM	#4
anjsmiles Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Watkinsville, Ga USA Posts: 155	The breeder/groomer that I bought Reggie from said that her pups used to get yeast infections in their ears and her vet had her to change them from Science Diet to Royal Canin because the Royal Canin is corn free and sometimes corn causes allergies/yeast infections in dogs. She said once she changed that her dogs never had ear yeast infections again. She was explaining all this to me as part of her food recommendations to me for Reggie when I bought him. So, you might try changing your dog to a grain free or at least a corn free food if he isn't already on one.

12-05-2008, 08:12 PM	#6
mypreciouspups Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada Posts: 5,514	Interesting reading... anne

12-05-2008, 10:37 PM	#7
dwerten BANNED! Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Posts: 11,073	ear infections that are yeast are tied to diet and are associated with allergies so best to feed a low grain diet so i recommend natural balance fish and sweet potato or duck and potato diets as they have not grains in them

12-06-2008, 09:23 AM	#9
dwerten BANNED! Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Posts: 11,073	don't do royal canine with yorkie on it as many yorkies have had bladder stones on that food so use natural balance duck and potato or fish and sweet potato since signs of allergies in ears are present

12-07-2008, 11:56 AM	#14
manolos mom Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 7,982	A wise vet told me one day after i had taken my scottie who has ear infections with a drop of water, to alway have lotrimine or antifungus oil not cream on hand. I use this all the time with my scottie and 2 of my yorkies. It clears it up right away. Thats all the water does is cause fungus. Promise you i have been thru all the antibiotic,cortizone shots and any meds you can think of and this cures my pets ears. Its hard to find the lotrimine in liquid form but its out there also they have a gel that works. The cream will not melt and just sits there. You can tell when the infection is coming because their ears will smell and they will scratch..good luck and i hope this helps you...oh this vet also rescues greyhounds and has about 20 of them on her ranch...

12-07-2008, 12:19 PM	#15
manolos mom Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 7,982	Oh yes, no corn meal. Mine get bad allergies from what they eat also. I feed canidae all stages...