Mickey has an ear infection

[primabella]

This past weekend we noticed Mickey was scratching at his ear and shaking his head a lot. We do clean them and there was no odd smell coming from them, so we figured it may just be an allergy. Still, to be safe, my mom took him in to the vet this morning and found out he has a minor ear infection in both ears. Luckily we caught it early so he should be fine. He has drops to take for them.

I was just curious if there were any things you could recommend to avoid any more infections in the future? Also if you could keep him in your thoughts for a speedy recovery, that would be much appreciated. Thanks. :)

Oh and he got weighed - he's 32lbs :eek: 2 pounds overweight. (the vet said he should be around 25-30lbs) Someone needs to go on a diet. ;)

[Logan]

Mickey, Murphy sends her deepest sympathy for the ear infection. She has them constantly and spends more time with us cleaning her ears than she likes!!! :p

I hope you will be better soon, sweetie.

Logan

[tatsxxx11]

Poor Mickey! Feel better soon, sweet boy! Labs are very prone to ear infections, especially with all the swimming they do. I just try to keep them clean and check for reddness, itchiness and head shaking. Star gets hers cleaned weekly with a solution given to me by the vet...Otoclean I think is the name. Since she was a puppy, Star's ears have always had a tendency to be red and hot:( It really helps to keep ahead of the problem. Feel better soon Mickey:)

[KYS]

Mickey wishing you a speedy recover for your ears infections.
Sandra, I think otoclean is over the counter?
It sounds very familiar.
I think they are the same as Octi-clense and Pet-Otic
if I remember. Will not harm the ears and can be
used daily with-out any problems.

As for Mickey being 2 pounds overweight,
I wish I was only 2 pounds overweight. :D

[dragondawg]

Swab with a cotton ball moistened with a solution of : 1 part white vinegar + 2 parts distilled water 1-2X daily. The vinegar drops the pH down, preventing bacteria and especially yeast growth. Excellent to use on Labs after they swim.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Hey Mickey, Sadie and I send you love, and hope that you recover soon, ok, buddy? Love ya, Mickey!:)

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by primabella
This past weekend we noticed Mickey was scratching at his ear and shaking his head a lot. We do clean them and there was no odd smell coming from them, so we figured it may just be an allergy. Still, to be safe, my mom took him in to the vet this morning and found out he has a minor ear infection in both ears. Luckily we caught it early so he should be fine. He has drops to take for them.

I was just curious if there were any things you could recommend to avoid any more infections in the future? Also if you could keep him in your thoughts for a speedy recovery, that would be much appreciated. Thanks. :)

Oh and he got weighed - he's 32lbs :eek: 2 pounds overweight. (the vet said he should be around 25-30lbs) Someone needs to go on a diet. ;)

What are you feeding him? Sometimes ear infections can be a result of the dog's diet (but then what isn't LOL). Since it isn't a chronic problem though, I doubt this is the case, more like something that just happens.

Some people would say to just keep the ears clean. I rarely ever clean my dogs' ears, as they never need it.

As for the weight issue....how tall is Mickey? Emily is 17" and at her heaviest she was 33 pounds :eek: Now she is a much more svelte 25. Clipse is 18" and weighs in at a nice slim 26 pounds.
Those shelties sure don't have any trouble packing on the pounds if you're not watching though! LOL Luckily they don't seem to have much trouble losing them either (wish I could say the same.....;) )

[binka_nugget]

Poor Mickster. Feel better soon pup.

2 POUNDS!??!?!?:eek: I bet you're just a tub of lard aren't ya? LOL Don't fret! Want to know how much Kai weighs? A hefty 39 pounds! I think he only needs to lose 5 pounds or so though. He has a pretty big frame and is 18 inches or so. His ribs are still there but they aren't as "defined" anymore lol.

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by binka_nugget
Poor Mickster. Feel better soon pup.

2 POUNDS!??!?!?:eek: I bet you're just a tub of lard aren't ya? LOL Don't fret!

Don't forget though that 2 pounds on a smaller type dog is actually quite a bit.
For instance 2 pounds of Mickey's 32 pounds would be the equivalent of someone who weighed 150 pound losing 9.4 pounds. Most people will agree that losing (almost) 10 pounds makes for a noticeable difference. :)

[tatsxxx11]

You're right Karen! It is "over the counter," at least the vet's counter!:D You don't need a Rx. I never noticed if it is sold at pet stores, but I'm sure it is. And it is Pet-Otic!:) Hope you feel better very soon, sweet Mickey!

[primabella]

Thanks a lot guys! :D Mickey sends you all some kisses back. Poor boy, he hates the drops and makes such a fuss when my mom pulls out the container. :p

Mickey gets fed Iams but he will be put on something very soon. My parents bought a jumbo pack way back and is only now just finishing it. We'll be changing brands and everything, since I don't like Iams.

Lol I know 2 pounds may seem like nothing but I know he's gotta lose. ;) Shelteez, I should measure Mickster, I'm not too sure how tall he is now. He doesn't have a really big frame either, but hopefully we can lose the weight. It's just that it's winter and we've both been lazy and junking out. ;) And my mom feels the same way about cleaning out his ears. She doesn't think it's absolutly necessary but we do it anyways. I guess we don't do it properly or often enough since he got the infection. Thanks for the tip, dragondawg. :)

[lovemyshiba]

I hope Mickey is feeling better soon!!
Ear infections are no fun!!
When we first got Abbey, we took her to our vet, and she said "you haven't been cleaning her ears have you?" Obviously not, since we just got her. Anyway, she had an infection--since her ears hang so low when she is sniffing, the moisture can get trapped in causing an infection. I am more vigilant about cleaning her ears now, and haven't had a problem since.

[primabella]

Awww poor Abbey! :( That's great that you have been keeping an eye on her ears. :) Thanks again!