Max's Ears Are Bothering Him

[AllDogBoots]

Max is shaking his head and scratching both ears. It's not constant but he's definitely annoyed. His ears are not red and there is no smell. I remember when Cooper had earmites I was able to see what looked like little coffee grinds in his ears. Max's ears look just fine.

I'll call the vet Monday. Of course everything always happens on weekends. Is there something I can do for him? I don't want to use a cleanser in case it's an ear ache

[shodanusmc]

Most likely a ear infection, yeast or bacterial. No 24 hour vet available? I am not sure what you can do outside of a seeing the vet for a swab and diagnoses. Redness and smell?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

Most likely a ear infection, yeast or bacterial. No 24 hour vet available? I am not sure what you can do outside of a seeing the vet for a swab and diagnoses. Redness and smell?

No redness, no smell at all. He's only mildly irritated. He just got neutered Wednesday so perhaps he picked something up there? He didn't stay overnight there. I don't think that it calls for an emergency vet.

[yorkieusa]

After baths, I have always held the dryer back far enough and dried their ears. The cause of a lot of ear infections is water, so that might help. I looked this up for you until you can get to a dr:

Canine ear infections can cause quite a bit of pain, but they are very easy to treat, and there are also somethings you can do to make sure that your dog never gets an ear infection in the first place.

Types of Dog Ear Infections
The first thing you should understand is that there are two different types of ear infections.

Bacteria and yeast can both cause ear infections, although both exist at certain levels in your dog’s ear. The problem occurs when either bacteria or yeast begin to get out of control.

The primary symptom of a bacterial ear infection is a discharge from the ear. The dog may also have inflammation, redness, and pain. Additionally, there is often a pungent smell coming from the dog’s ear.

A dog ear infection that is caused by yeast can cause the dog to exhibit these same symptoms, although there are a few additional ones that indicate that the infection is caused by yeast.

Usually a yeast infection in the ears is characterized by excessive dryness and sometimes even a scaly appearance. This type of ear infection also causes extreme itching and scratching, and it can spread to other parts of your dog’s face. If you smell the yeast infection, it should smell more chalky rather than foul.

Causes of Dog Ear Infections
Another important thing to understand about ear infections is the cause because once you know what causes an ear infection, you can help to prevent it.

The most common cause of an ear infection in a dog is water in the ear. Sometimes water may enter the ear and stay there after a bath or a swim. Just make sure to dry those ears thoroughly.

Ear infections can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, and some breeds are more prone to these infections.

Treatment for a Dog Ear Infection
The best place to start if you recognize that your dog has an ear infection is with a home treatment. White vinegar works wonders on an ear infection, but make sure to dilute the vinegar by making a solution out of vinegar and water.

The resulting solution should be half water and half vinegar, and you can then use a dropper to put it into your dog’s infected ear and take care of the dog ear infection.

If you’re unsure about making the vinegar solution or if it just isn’t helping, then it is time to see the vet. He will prescribe ear drops that will easily take care of the infection.

Other Ear Problems
Of course it is important to recognize that there are also other ear problems dogs can suffer from that may look like canine ear infections.

For example, some dogs may get things stuck in their ears, especially if they like to roll around in the grass. Check your dog’s ear carefully to determine if this is the case.

Also ear mites are highly contagious, and all it takes is one contact with an infected dog for your pet to get them.

When in doubt, always see your vet for a definite diagnosis.

Dog Ear Infection

[AllDogBoots]

Thanks so much for the info. There is no smell or discharge so I just don't think it's a yeast infection. He hasn't had a bath in over a week or has gotten his ears wet either. Cooper has had both a yeast infection and ear mites nd this just doesn't seem the same.

I can email my vet. I hate to bother her over something that I think is probably minimal but I suppose she can give some advice.

[BellarousasMom]

Could the hair in his ears need to be pulled. OUch!!! But that could be the problem.

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Max is shaking his head and scratching both ears. It's not constant but he's definitely annoyed. His ears are not red and there is no smell. I remember when Cooper had earmites I was able to see what looked like little coffee grinds in his ears. Max's ears look just fine.

I'll call the vet Monday. Of course everything always happens on weekends. Is there something I can do for him? I don't want to use a cleanser in case it's an ear ache

The coffee grind comment makes me think he might have picked up ear mites.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

The coffee grind comment makes me think he might have picked up ear mites.

No I said earlier that Cooper had the coffee grinds in his ears. However upon further review with max it seems he has brown specs of dirt in his ear. I held a very bright light deep in his ear and I think it's eat mites. I treated it with some of cooper's leftover meds. Now, it seems odd that he would go get neutered and comes home with ear mites. Not thrilled about that at all. Not sure what to sat to my vet.

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

No I said earlier that Cooper had the coffee grinds in his ears. However upon further review with max it seems he has brown specs of dirt in his ear. I held a very bright light deep in his ear and I think it's eat mites. I treated it with some of cooper's leftover meds. Now, it seems odd that he would goget neutered and comes home with ear mites. Not thrilled about that at all. Not sure what to sat to my vet.

Sorry- I misread your post.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Sorry- I misread your post.

No I'm sorry. I'm on this stupid new iPhone and I always type rudely on it. Hate it

[AllDogBoots]

Ear mites come from infected dogs. So he got them at the vet's office??!

[Walt]

Walt had ear mites when we first got him and the vet said dogs can get them from being outside (Walt only goes outside to use the potty) and if you live in a warm humid enviornment dogs can "catch" things like that... The vet also told me not to "look" for them because they are micro and can't be seen, but he would get lots of brown wax build up. (gross I know) But that is what Walt did when he had them also... Good luck!

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by BellarousasMom

Could the hair in his ears need to be pulled. OUch!!! But that could be the problem.

He was just groomed last week so not sure if that's it.

Originally Posted by Walt

Walt had ear mites when we first got him and the vet said dogs can get them from being outside (Walt only goes outside to use the potty) and if you live in a warm humid enviornment dogs can "catch" things like that... The vet also told me not to "look" for them because they are micro and can't be seen, but he would get lots of brown wax build up. (gross I know) But that is what Walt did when he had them also... Good luck!

I'm in a very humid climate. Max only goes out in my backyard to potty. I know i can't see ear mites but with my other dog who had them I remember little brown specs.

[AllDogBoots]

Ok, now I'm fairly certain it's ear mites as Cooper is now shaking his head too. I've treated both of them with ear mite medicine. Hopefully that will give them some relief. I'm a bit perturbed though because I really feel that Max could have only gotten this from the vet's office.

[shodanusmc]

It is no different than if you go to a Hospital to visit a person...

MRSA Infection (MERSA) Treatment & Symptoms