Ear infection

[queenmand]

The vet says poor Cash has double ear infection - both yeast and bacteria found in both ears- she said this is typical for floppy ears - any advice on preventative or maintenance plans for keeping a healthy environment in the ears? We do clean them regularly with wipes - should we use Q tips as well?

[shellbell]

Yes, labs (and floppy eared dogs in general) are prone to ear infections. I use the below product once a week to clean and dry out ears with, and always use it after swimming too. Mine used to be prone to ear infections, but have been good for the past couple years I have been using this. It is essentially the "purple potion" you might hear people talk about for ears, plus it has colloidal silver. Squirt down in the ear canal, massage, and then I put a cotton pad around my finger to wipe it out with. I don't use q-tips unless the ears are already very dirty, and be careful with them.

Amazon.com: For Animals K9 Ear Solutions Liquid Health 12 oz Liquid: Health & Personal Care

[shellbell]

Also, did the vet give you medicine for the current infection? You will need to get that cleared up first, and then can work on maintenance.

[EmmaJo11]

I don't clean Emma's near as often as I should. Knock on wood she has never had an infection. I clean them whenever she gets a bath( only use soap when she rolls in cow crap). Which depending on what we've done could be twice in a weekend or not for a few months.

[JenC]

I don't routinely clean my dogs' ears at all. Even during the big swim months. I do sniff and look at them daily. If I see any dirt, I wipe out with witch hazel. And if I see anything red, I used Zymox Otic.

[doubledip1]

Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.

[Maxx&Emma]

Maxx had 2 ear infections at about 2 years of age, several months apart. I switched him to a grain free diet, dry his ears thoroughly after swimming and check them weekly by wiping with a dry piece of gauze. If I see any gunk I use a squirt of Epi-Otic, from the vet, and it clears right up. My vet told me excessive cleaning is not good and changes the ph in the ears which can cause problems.

[SCDoug]

Some Labs seem to be more prone to ear infections.

Lola loves swimming in the ocean, but we kept battling ear infections. Our vet prescribed Virbac Epi Otic ear solution. It has worked miracles for Lola. We use it twice a week and after swimming. You don't need to use much, so the bottle last a while. Just squirt a little in and massage the ears for about 90 seconds. Lola shakes like mad, then rubs her head on anything in site.

We buy it directly from Amazon.

Amazon.com : Virbac Epi-Otic, 8-Ounce : Pet Ear Care Supplies : Pet Supplies

[SunDance]

My Hershey was prone to infections and seemed to have issues even in humid weather...not just when he actually got wet.

I started putting a drop of ear drying solution into his ears on humid days as well as when there was any drizzle/rain or involvement with a sprinkler/hose....and he never had another one. I've continued to do this with every dog since and have never had an infection arise.

Definitely get his issues cleared up first.