Poor Puppy...

**cmdarlin** · 03-01-2009, 11:31 AM

has an ear problem. I think its ear mites but not positive. I have been using the ear mite stuff on it though and it looks a little better. She keeps shaking her head so I know it has to be bothering her some. Any ideas on home remedies???

Debbie

**Michelle68** · 03-01-2009, 11:45 AM

Poor little thing! I don't have any suggestions for home remedies, but if the ear mite medicine seems to be working, I'd keep on with that. I hope she feels better soon.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 03-01-2009, 12:08 PM

Plain ol mineral oil works great for ear mites. Just add a couple of drops in each ear...it smothers them out and relieves any itching and such. I do mine several days in a row, then sit down and clean the actual ear out with a warm washcloth, and a few qtips if needed. Then add more oil. As a preventive, you can add oil in once per week...then later when it is "all" under control, add oil 1 per month to keep them clean and from mites infesting again.

**Patty A** · 03-01-2009, 12:17 PM

The vets office sells a really good ear wash, and it doesn't cost much.
If the ear is really "stinky" it might NOT be mites, it could be a yeast infection. My cousins dog just had this, and it really was awful. We all thought it was mites, but it ended up being a ear yeast infection.
This will sound really awful, but smell the ear.....if it is really stinky I would look in to use of the ear wash. If its a yeast infection and its left untreated it can cause the dog to lose its hearing!

**cab54** · 03-01-2009, 12:40 PM

I agree with stinky = fungus.

Unfortunately, I don't anything 'household' that you could safely use for fungus.

It might need to be swabbed to see if it's fungus or bacteria. But, I know you are awfully busy right now. Isn't that always when these things happen?

**dogmatix** · 03-01-2009, 09:23 PM

Although dogs can get mites it is actually not that common. Much more likely in cats. You are much more likely dealing with a yeast/bacterial infection. They are painful and if not treated properly can lead to middle/inner ear infection, eardrum rupture, and ear canal scarring. She needs to go to the vet. Once they problem is fixed use a good canine ear cleaner (NOT ALCOHOL OR PEROXIDE!!) to clean the ears once or twice weekly.

**Persimmon Lace** · 03-02-2009, 12:19 AM

Bella just got done with a horrible yeast infection in her ears. She was in a lot of pain and when we got it cleared up she got back to her old self. If it stinks you may be able to call your vet and ask for the medicine. Bella's ears were filled with black yucky crap that really smelled bad.

**cmdarlin** · 03-02-2009, 08:02 AM

Thank you all for the information. I smelled her ear and it doesn't stink so I guess that is a plus. The swelling is down but there is some built up crust I will work on cleaning tonight after school. She's gonna hate it but I'm the mama and she has to endure it. I would of taken her to the vet but I have $50 in the bank and it has to last till his next check on the 10th.... If it doesn't seem to clear up, I will have to see if I can borrow from my Dad.

Thank you again. I don't know what i would do without you all.

Debbie

**mombottoo** · 03-02-2009, 08:27 AM

I don't have any home remedy suggestions, but it does sound like ear mites. Just keep using the meds according to the directions and she should stop shaking her head in a few days. Ear mites do look black & crusty and all of our dogs have had them at one time or another. You can clean the crusty crud out using q-tips, just don't go down into the ear canal. Dogs ears are very sensitive and they depend on them even more than we do.

**dogmatix** · 03-02-2009, 09:30 AM

I will reiterate that although theoretically possible it is still unlikely to be mites. Otodecticide (ear mite) medication can exacerbate ear infections and increase pain and scarring. I cannot tell you how many patients of mine lost their ear drums because their owners treated their ears with ear mite medication. The medication for ear mites is an insecticide (mites are insects) it is irritating and erosive. It has to be to kill the mites. She needs antifungal/antibacterial medication; topically and potential orally at this point. The longer you wait the more it is likely to cost. I know vet care can be expensive. Have you considered pet insurance? You can save a lot of money with pet insurance. The ASPCA has a reasonable plan with great coverage.

**fixer** · 03-02-2009, 10:36 AM

Our older dog has ear problems. She gets repeated yeast infections. The vet says it is associated with her allergies. We got on a programs of cleaning them good and washing them with a cleaner. If left unattended, she would lose her hearing. I am afraid she already has lost some although she is kind of old so maybe that is it. The cleaner is not that expensive and we use cotton wipes from WM used to removed makeup.

**tbs727** · 03-02-2009, 12:52 PM

We use this on our dog's ears. He has a lot of trouble with his ears and was always scratching. This stuff made a world of difference

http://www.petco.com/product/6581/Ve...-and-Cats.aspx