Is it common for puppies to get ear infections so early in age?

Question

I just bought a 6 week old purebred beagle. Lately when he scratches his ears he wimpers like it's hurting him. When I bought him, he was staying outside all the time with the other puppies and his parents. He's been staying inside since I got him. Is it normal for puppies to get ear infections this early in age?

Answer 1

It is common for beagles to get ear infections. However, being as the dog was outside till recently, I'd be more inclined to think it may be ear mites. If the yuck inside of his ears is a dark brown almost black color, it's mites. If it has a foul smell it's an infection. Either way, you need to check with the vet. You can get ear mite medication on line, and in some pet stores. 1800petmeds.com sells tresaderm. It's an ear mite remedy not available in stores. You can also get infection medication there too. In the mean time, swab out the ears with some witch hazel a few times a day untill you can see a vet or get the medicine. Go deep into the ear canel. They don't have ear drums in the same spot we do, so there is no danger of puncturing it. He may whine a little while doing it, but don't worry, your not hurting him. It's better to get what ever is in there out and have him be a little uncomfortable then to let it fester into something bigger and really expensive.
Good luck to you

Answer 2

Our vet told us it was highly uncommon for puppies to get ear mites at such a young age.

Floppy ear dogs are known for getting infections (we have a Dashchund who had many problems as a pup). Depending on where you live, if the puppy was outside and the general air temps were cool, then bringing him into a warm home would warm up an ear canal and possibly increase the moisture in there, which gives infections perfect temps to fester in.

I'd definitely see your vet as it's likely an infection. If you're lucky, they may only need a good cleaning.

For future reference, our vet suggested that we place a cotten ball just slightly into the ear canal when we bathed our Doxie as moisture is a major problem for starting ear infections.

Answer 3

First off, 6 weeks is TOO EARLY for the puppy to be away from its mom and littermates. It must have come from a backyard breeder that could not wait to get rid of them.
Second, you need to get the puppy to the vet ASAP!!!!!! From a breeder like that, you should have it checked out. God forbid it has ear mites. It could be an infection. When puppies are kept outside, they tend to get a lot of dirt in the ears and need them cleaned often. This may never have been done. He needs worming and vaccines also.
Please get him checked out to make sure he is OK!!!!!!

Answer 4

I have a 9 month old Cockapoo and she gets ear infections a lot. Comes with having those cute, floppy ears. We have to put drops in her ears off and on, this helps and we clean them weekly as well.

Answer 5

My dog gets chronic ear infections. If is brought on from allergies. Have the vet check.

Answer 6

Have him checked for mites ....its commen for young ones to get them ...

The Puppy Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep...
I sleep right in the center groove
My human being can hardly move!
I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"
I sneak up slowly to begin
My nibbles on my human's chin.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth -
I'm a puppy, don't you see?
For the morning's here
And it's time to play
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight
And shares her bed with me at night!

-- Author Unknown

Answer 7

I would have his ears looked at by his vet. Good Luck.

Answer 8

um i guess, but i would take it to a vet and have him/her answer that!