Dry skin on dog's ears?

Question

I have a 7 1/2 month old Lhasa Apso/Shi Tzu mix puppy. Every week we have a grooming ritual where I clean his ears and rub my fingers over his teeth (just until we can buy cleaner suitable for dogs). Last week I noticed that he had some dry skin on his ear flap and I've kept an eye on it ever since. His ear isn't red, doesn't itch and there isn't any waxy buildup that would signal an ear infection so I'm just wondering if this is something to do with the winter season here or if there are other possibilities. Thanks for all the help in advance!

When cleaning my puppy's ears, I follow the regime that my vet gave me as well as the products that he recommended. As far as using my fingers in the puppy's mouth, I don't clean his teeth that way. I rub his teeth with my fingers so that he'll get used to having something rubbed on his teeth before I introduce the brush. I only do that after I have cleaned his ears however because I don't want to cross-contaminate. The dryness/flakiness is only on one ear, that is why I'm wondering if it could just be the change from the warm season to the cold of winter.

Answer 1

Sounds like dry skin. Try some lotion on the ear pinnas (flaps). Some alcohol based ear cleaners (even ones from the Vet) can be too drying for the ears. Plain mineral oil works well. Also, if the ears aren't dirty or infected, you don't need to clean the ears weekly unless your Vet says otherwise.

It's a really good idea what you're doing with the teeth so he he's used to it! Using your fingers is fine, this won't cause any harm (just referring to another answer to your question). The Vet I work for doesn't recommend "toothbrushes" for dogs, although I don't see anything wrong with them. He recommends putting paste and using your finger to distribute it. The action of their tongue aids in removing the plaque.

Try the lotion on the ears everyday. If it doesn't get better, call the Vet just in case.

Every year around this time, my pit bull gets awful dry skin. I have to put her on a Benedryl regimen and lather her with lotion daily.

Good luck with your puppy!

Answer 2

As far as the ear infection is concerned, there ARE different types of infections. If it is not a bacterial infection, it does not NEED antibiotics. I would have him take a culture at your next appointment because I'm not sure how he is accurately diagnosing the problem without doing this unless she has had similar issues in the past. I have heard of vinegar is ear cleaners before, so this is probably fine. Do NOT use any type of alcohol, as this can be VERY painful with open sores and wounds in the ear. Secondly, the worst thing you could do for a dog with dry skin is bathe it frequently unless you are using a medicated shampoo. By bathing your dog a bunch, YOU are excessively drying out her skin by removing the natural oils from her coat. Dogs should really not be bathed more than twice a month at the MAX, unless like I already said, it is a medicated shampoo for a problem. Oatmeal shampoo is really great for dry skin or if your veterinarian has some type of shampoo specifically for skin issues, I would try that as well. You should add omega 3 fatty acids to your dogs daily routine-you can get this in liquid or pill form(contains fish oil). "Fish oil may promote a shiny coat with less itching . The omega-3 fatty acids may help counteract negative effects of allergic dermatitis by producing specific eicosanoids, which are known to reduce and control skin inflammations." I've heard this really helps.

Answer 3

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No offense but the first think I'd do is get a second opinion. Your dog sounds like sounds like she's a mess and I wouldn't want my dog to suffer like that with skin scabs and ear infections. DO NOT bathe her anymore. This dries out the skin tremendously. Did the vet do skin scrapings to see if she has mange? If not, get the new vet to do that. Maybe get some Revolution to use for her heartworm med. It also takes care of mange and mites and fleas and ticks. It covers alot of ground but it's pricey...15-20 a month. Order on Canada vet, you get a better deal and free shipping. Then the ear infection, probably needs an antibiotic too so that's why I think she needs another vet. These symptoms are also food allergy symptoms. Does she eat food with corn or wheat in it? If so, then switch to a holistic food from a feed or pet store. Canidae is great with no bad stuff in it and the cost is a bargain. Don't give her any food from the grocery store. Wellness, Solid Gold, Eagle Pack, Innova Evo and Merrick are all good foods too but more pricey. The bathing is definitely drying her skin out though. Poor dog and poor you for having to put up with this. Good luck with the second opinion.

Answer 4

Dry Ears In Dogs

Answer 5

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RE:
Dry skin on dog's ears?
I have a 7 1/2 month old Lhasa Apso/Shi Tzu mix puppy. Every week we have a grooming ritual where I clean his ears and rub my fingers over his teeth (just until we can buy cleaner suitable for dogs). Last week I noticed that he had some dry skin on his ear flap and I've kept an eye on it ever...

Answer 6

Your dog has 'dry skin' on his ear because of your 'weekly grooming ritual.' Your hands are drying the skin on his ears, or you are using something that is drying the skin out. Try using some plain mineral oil when you clean his ears out, but be VERY CAREFUL because if he 'eats it' or you drip any where he licks, he can get diarrhea from it. Also, if you want to clean your puppy's teeth, they have good 'doggy toothpaste' or sell 'teeth cleaning treats' to keep his teeth white and strong. Cleaning his mouth with your fingers is actually very DIRTY and could be contibuting to his 'dry skin' on his ears ...

Answer 7

I believe you need to contact a veterinarian for your dog. Skin So Silky works with dogs' skin also. You may try it to your pet. I believe this product has something to offer for your dog's dry skin.

Answer 8

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By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 9

I have a problem with eczema in my ears and the doctor told me that simple Olive Oil is a great moisturizer to use. I would imagine it would help with a dog's dry ears as well. The nice thing is it does not have any added fragrances and such.

Answer 10

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Eczema food triggers such as eggs, fish, peanuts, and soy are known to help reduce flare-ups, but this can vary from person to person. These foods may also exacerbate eczema because many people cannot properly digest the proteins, which causes an allergic reaction.