Ear infection?

[Margie Payne]

Bear had his first puppy cut yesterday. I'm not going to go into detail about the cut, the fact that his nose was buzzed, no, I'm going to focus on the ears. I noticed more ear wax in his ears after his appt. I figure that's from pulling the hair out? Less there so now the wax is moving out? Not all of his hair in his ears is gone. He wasn't a fan (I thought they couldn't really feel it?) so they couldn't get it all. Anyway, I'm noticing that his ears seem pink inside and he's been shaking his head. Also, he seems "off" less energy and less of an appetite. Can I do anything to help him besides the vet? I have some tea tree oil dog ear cleaner that goes into his ears but its a cleaner, not a medication. Any suggestions?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Good point, Julie. Bear's age didn't sink in when I read the post the first time. You'll want to follow your vet's advice when it comes to the age at which a puppy can be in places where other dogs have been, but 9 weeks sounds too young.

[Lynne - North Carolina]

First of all, he is adorable!!!  Secondly, I agree that plucking ear hair isn't necessary in all dogs, but one of my doodles is very susceptible to buildup of ear wax/hair leading to discomfort and infection.  After 6 years and trying many different cleaning solutions, etc. - many of which seemed to irritate the ears even more - I have finally found what works with no side effects and he has been "infection free" for over a year since I started using this product:

TrizULTRA + Keto flush, (Dechra Veterinary Products. Has to be purchased through vet.. I purchased one of the tools the vets used to pluck the ear hair, and then put on one of those headlamps with the bright light pointing down into the ear canal, and carefully and gently pluck the hair - then flush with this TrizULTRA and rub his ears really well, then swab with cotton ball to remove excess solution.  I do this at least once a week, check his ears for redness daily just to make sure.  This doodle is extra sensitive to everything - but this is very mild and doesn't bother him in the least.