why does my bullterrier scratch her ears so bad? is it food allergies? serious answers please?

Answer 1

Food allergies can cause chronic ear infections in dogs. Infections can result from yeast or bacteria that thrive in the canals because of the near-perfect conditions: Moisture, poor air circulation, warmth, and darkness. "The number one contributor to ear problems is basic allergies," Ward observes. "The allergy can be anywhere on the skin but sometimes it is manifested and most noticeable, in the feet and in the ears.

Allergies can tip the balance in favor of bacteria or yeasts, which are already in the ear canals because they were floating around in the air. Excess water in the canals also can make trouble, says Ward. "Your dog's ears are waterproof all the way to the eardrums, just like the rest of his skin, but when a lot of water builds up in the ears, it may promote yeast growth."

Sniff-check for Infection

A dog that scratches at its ears or appears disoriented may be pointing to an advanced ear infection, but you can get an early warning with your nose. Healthy dogs' ears should have a "pleasant" (in a doggy kind of way) smell that reminds some people of beeswax. Infected ears smell waxy, all right, but they're also disgustingly rank. In the meantime, it's a good idea to get a "base line" by sniffing your dog's ears right after the veterinarian gives him a clean bill of health.

Mites in the ears also can prompt the dog to scratch that area or shake his head violently. Not all mites cause the ears to produce excess wax, but dark brown wax could be a sign of the parasites and it only takes three or four per ear to make a mess. Ear mites are also contagious to other pets.

Whatever invades your pooch's ears -- microorganisms that cause infections, mites that are bigger but still hard to see, or plant materials -- removing them is a job for the veterinarian. Don't be surprised if he or she needs to anesthetize your dog to work deep in the ear canals; that's an area dogs are very sensitive about and you wouldn't want anyone -- human or beast -- to get hurt.

So that's it for the exam: A sniff-check and visual examination for early signs of infection, parasites, or foreign bodies; clean no farther than the external ear canal; and try to keep everything on the dry side.

Answer 2

It could be a few things....
1-Ear mites -- needs to have vet attention for proper medication. OTC medicine from a petstore often is not strong enough and would take longer to cure than a vet medicine.

2-Ear infections
a--Yeast infection...does it smell like warm bread? then it is a yeast infection. Also needs vet attention for proper medication, so it does not get worse. The vet can also give tips on how to keep them away.
b--Bacterial Infection...bacterial overgrowth in the ear causes a STINKY thick brown goop to build up in the ears. Needs to see a vet for amoxicillan and ear drops to take care of the problem. OTC medicines will just alleviate her symptoms. having a vet look at it will make the problem go away.

3 -- Sarcoptes Mange...pretty serious stuff. Does the pup lick herself obsessively? Does she have unexplainable bald patches? Needs to see a vet for a skin scrape to see if sarcoptic mites are present. If they are, the vet will likely give you Revolution, a multi-drug that is also a heartworm preventative, as well as a sarcoptic mange treatment.

Food allergies dont normally appear in the ears, as much as they do over the rest of the body. I would talk with the vet about the possibility of allergies, just to rule it out. If you suspect a yeast infection, limit her intake of grains. Which might cause you to switch to a better/different food. Go to the petstore and they should be able to point you in the direction of a GOOD no/low-grain food for the dog. There are a bunch of options, depending on the store around you and your budget. If you need any help, feel free to email me cbuck90 @ yahoo [dot] com.

Answer 3

TAKE HER TO A VET! It could be ear mites or an ear infection. Allergies probably wouldn't only show up in an ear.

Answer 4

I would recommend that you take your dog to the vet, ear scratching could be a few different things, your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough ear exam to rule out infection or allergies. If your dog is that bothered by it I am sure that it is uncomfortable too. Good Luck.

Answer 5

It's not her ears, I think it's her paws that she is scratching via her ears. I own a Pit Bull Terrier, which is in the same family, e.g. Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. She might have allergies, which these breeds are very prone to. Check her paws, and look for discoloration. Are her eyes watery? If you answered yes to both of these, she probably has allergies. If not, more than likely she is scratching her ears because and dog that had their ears cropped gets more dirt in their ears than other dogs, like a Basset Hound, for example. She might need her ears cleaned.

Answer 6

It is more than likely ear infections and ear mites. They make an over the counter ear mite medicine at most department stores. Take a warm cloth and wipe in the ear, if black stuff comes off, she has mites fairly badly. It is easily sured. I would treat her with the over the counter medicines you find. If that doesnt seem to stop it, you may need some antibiotics for an ear infection. Good Luck, I hope this helps.

Answer 7

It sounds more like ear mites or an ear infection. Does the ear smell? It would be a good idea to take the dog to the vet if the ear is red, inflamed or blood or fluid leaking out. If it is just brown-clean it out with dog ear cleaner.(I personally use wintergreen alcohol-but that can dry an ear out if used too much)and wipe thoroughly with cotton balls. If ear mites are suspected-you can purchase that medicine from wal-mart or a pet store. You can use a q-tip but becareful not to put it too far down the ear canal.(may bust ear drum)

Answer 8

Could she have an ear infection or ear mites? They can both cause itching in her ears. I would take her to the vet, or at least clean her ears with a dog ear cleaner (or rubbing alcohol) and purchase some ear mite medication (available at Walmart, Petco and Petsmart) to use in her ears.

Answer 9

i wouldn't think allergies. more likely an ear infection. are the ears a bit red inside? normally allergies involves chewing at the paws and other areas of the body.

Answer 10

I don't know all the details but could he have ear mites?Fleas?Do you medicate for these things.I know some dogs can have bad allergies but you'd have to take him to the vet to find which ones?