Golden Itching ear

[pcskies]

My golden itches one of his ears several times per day that I have noticed. I have only had him for a little over a week. I noticed just this past weekend that he itches this ear. He will be 2 in March 05 and I was told by his previous owner that he did have an ear infection while he was a puppy.

If I lift his ear up the outer ear is a light red at the base of the ear. Not bleeding or scabbed but seems irritated. His other ear looks fine and I never notice him itching that one. Is there any suggestions as to what I could do for him? Would it be best just to make a trip to the vet or can I remedy or treat this myself? If so what could I use?

I appreciate any input.

Thanks

PC

[goodtim'n]

Yes, It's off to the vets you go. Goldens are notorious for ear infections, Mostly yeast..I have a home cleaning rinse that I use but, at this time feel sharing it is not appropriate to share, Better be ready for cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. Go now before it gets worse, and more uncomfortable to your dog.

[2airbuds]

Yes, call the vet, anytime they itch their ear or shake their head and itch. I have a ear cleaning solution I use on my one Golden twice a week as a preventative due to the amount of ear infections he used to get, since then he never gets them. Hope your puppy is ok.

[kencubilo]

We also keep a supply of medicine from the Vet for this. Problem is not too bad this time of year but in the summer with swimming and all it can appear. If you have not cleaned their ears before let the Vet show you how. It took me awhile to get used to the idea of sticking my finger way into their ear channel.

[pleasecleanupyourdogpoop]

It is funny that this topic is posted today. I just read in the newspaper that a dog kept getting ear infections and the reason was food allergies. Try removing corn and wheat from your dog's diet and that should help solve the problem.

[coopersmom04]

my lab gets ear infections occassionally. She scratches her ear, shakes her head and kind of tilts her head a little. The vet can clean out the ears real good, give you a solution to keep flushing them, and also some antibiotics. That should clear it up.

Of course, it could also be something entirely different. :)

[pcskies]

I thank you all for your help and your knowledge sharing.

It is interesting about the reply regarding food allergies. His previous owners had him on a diet of Ol Roy dog food found at WalMart. I did some research on my own and decided to switch him to Nutro Adult Lamb & Rice which does not contain corn or wheat. I've been mixing it in with his old food and he really seems to enjoy it. So after a trip to the vet and and the Nutro diet it looks like I could be on my way to success.

Thanks again.

PC