Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/25/2011

Question
My 8 year old Choc Lab is always getting ear infections, the vet has never stated what type or cause of the infections.  The vet gives us Otomax ointment 15 ml to treat the ear infection.  We have changed her dog food to sweet potatoes and vesion because we heard that this could possibly help.  She gets the infection even when she has not been in water. Can you help me with any suggestions on how to prevent reoccurring infections?

Answer
Over 80% of dogs with ear infections have some type of skin allergy that causes it.  So if the vet is not looking for the allergy, then the ear problems will persist even after the use of the ear medicine. If you have had the dog on sweet potatoes and venison, then it is probably not a food intolerance. They may need to test the dog for allergies or use low dose steroids to calm the allergic skin. You did not say what type of ear infection is present (bacterial or yeast), so I cannot comment on medications that may be appropriate.