Stupid question about ear infections

[thewoo1]

I read the posts on yeast infections in Dogs . I have two golden Ret One is 12 and has never had an infection the other is 3 and it is chronic. I now have to play dog wrestling every other day to clean them. So here is my question: Since it is a yeast type infection does anyone think addind a couple of tablespoons od plain yogurt to her food would help

[jojoalexis]

I am not so sure about the diet and ear infections - but there is plenty of helpful informaiton on this site - someone will surely be able to provide great input.

keeping the ears clean and allowing air to get in is helpful. I had a Cocker when I was in HS that often had ear infections. I made sure I kept the hair on the ears short so that the ears were lighter and could get air in there. Not sure if that will help you. Cleaning wiht a warm wet clean washcloth on a regular basis or pet ear wipes....

[MariaRosa]

I'm not sure if adding yogurt would solve this problem. I don't think it would hurt to TRY adding in a small amount, but I think that yogurt is more beneficial to promoting "good bacteria" in the digestive tract.

If you haven't already, I would first take your baby to the vet to make sure that this is a yeast infection (because there are different microorganisms that can probably cause ear trouble..)...I would then administer any meds your vet prescribes.

Next I would take a serious look at your babies diet. If she is like my dog, a yeast infection in her ear could be brought about by a dietary allergy. Feed her only the very best quality food you can afford, preferably one with only one protein source. My dog improved tremendously when I switched her onto Natural Balance Duck and Potato kibble (you can find this at Petco.). I also add a vegetable based enzyme to her meals (to help her body better absorb the nutritional content of her food) and I also add one squirt of Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil.

It wasn't until I did this that the chronic ear and skin infections stopped.

Jojo's advice was excellent and very important. If you bathe your dog at home, gently place a cotton ball in each of her ears to help keep water out...and what Jojo said about keeping the ear fur trimmed is also hugely helpful!


Here are some links that you may want to read:

Yogurt in Dog Food?? (http://boxerworld.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-678.html)

Wholesome Diets (http://www.canineuniversity.com/articles/health/health_07.html)

The Canine Ear (http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0079.htm)

Hope this helps!

(((hugs)))
Paula n' Coco

[Riosmommy]

As everyone quoted above I would follow their directions. Most important I would have your vet evaluated at the vet. Nicholas when he came to me has had such a history of Ear infections.
This is some of his history before I I got him treated here with me.
4/26/2004 Cytology Ears- 4+ Bacterial Rods and Psuedomonas, neutrophils
10/6/04 Yeast infection
3/11/05 Moderate growth gram negative Organism
Moderate growth of Psuedomona Aeruginosa
Final report Abundant Growth

Well Nicholas moved here with me after 3/11/2005 and I clean his ears every night at first he was horrible. Now I sit on the toilet and he comes in and lets me do my thing. He has learned he get relief from it. He has had chronic ear problems for so long. I make sure his hair is kept short and in the winter when his hair is grown in the vets shave all inside around his ears. The last thing we did with him was keep him on Baytril for and extended period of time I think two and a half weekas and also gave baytril drops in the ears worked great. The reason I am writing all this history about Nicholas is - ears can be so painful to them and annoying if not painful and must be cleaned all the time and kept dry. I have his ears flushed almost every 2-3 months when we go for check ups or nail clippings if his ears dont look right I would rather have him cleaned out. I stay in the room with him and he has become very good through the whole thing. I just know its alot of work to do but its just routine for me and him now. I hope your baby's ears are feeling better. I use washclothes for babies for Nicky because they are soft and I just dmapend one to get the stubborn wax and then I make sure he's dry with the dry one. The more you do it the easy it is for the pet- usually.
Good Luck
Rio&Nickysmommy

[JustJo]

There are no "flop" ears in nature for the canine species. Erect ears are what wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc. have. Man has created the flop ear and some breeds have way more issues with the flop ear than others. Because neither one of my Danes is cropped I HAVE to clean regularly or they will get infections. If you have a flop earred dog regular cleaning is an absolute must. I quit the vet ear wash stuff because it was always a huge mess when they shook their heads. I have had great success with the ear wipes and clean at least twice a week. The dogs actually love it and sit and moan in pleasure when I clean their ears. The wash was a different story. They hated it! I always give a special little treat after ear cleaning too. It has become a pleasurable experience for them...even Zoe who is so new to our family. Good Luck!