Need advice on ear infections

[charlotte bednarsh]

Just when I thought it was safe in that Paz had made it through most of thesummer without an ear infection, and then of course, there we were at the vet  last night, $220 later, treating an ear infection.  Paz loves to swim during the  summer at the pool in the dog park; we live in Manhattan, the sidewalks have  been so hot and the pool is so inviting, so there is no keeping Paz out of the  water.  I rinse and dried his ears after every swim, and thought we were doing  okay, but it was too good to be true.  Anybody have any suggestions as to how  they have minimized these ear infections.  Paz would be devastated if he  couldn't swim, so please help!  

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank  you all for such advice.  Once I complete the prescription ear meds I'm going to  start using the Epi_Optic, clip his hair under his ears immediately, and go from there.  As always, you all have such great suggestions, more than my vet whose suggestion was I limit the swimming, which really would be impractical and Paz would be devastated.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow, look at all the different opinions on ears too.   All good.

We struggled with this as well.  We completely stopped using Epi-Otic and Malacetic Otic.  Most do not. It was a nightmere for us and  he possibly had allergies to some of the ingredients.  We also had to stop a few of the antibiotic medications given to us to use in the ears. More skin breakdown with these.    All making the ear much much worse  and highly inflamed.

We now use a drying powder only, a once a week antibiotic ( for life).  I also just gently, fingers only,  pull out a few hairs at a time each week.  I keep the hair completley removed under the ear flap. Just lift the ear and shave all the hair away underneath.  See the grooming group for better instructions. It takes nothing away from the looks of the dog but promotes air flow and drying.

When and only when the ears are in good shape with no infection, we use Thornit ear powder. 

I'm not an expert but we have had more than our share.  Each time, it takes longer and longer to get the ear healthy so I'm pretty vigilant in ear care.  Warning, don't wait a day or even a few days to go to the vet. As soon as you see something--go in for a visit.

I really had to have my vet do some of of the hair removal also.  For some reason, just touching his ear caused an infection.  We had to be gentle and patient with this last infection.  Our vet was on top of all the methods we were using and we ruled out a lot of techniques. I think we are a bit unique though and others have given you good advice. Don't listen to me  :)

I feel your grief.  Don't give up. 

[charlotte bednarsh]

thanks so much for your advice.  I'm definately going to remove hair below ears.  So far, he is responding to the meds provided by the vet, however, once we complete the med cycle, I'll start using the epi-otic and obviously will monitor his ears constantly.