Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/23/2005

Question
Our dalmation's ears itch a lot and hurt.  He won't let us touch them.  They also stink terribly.  Along with that, he has something on his neck now that may be a bite, but we can tell, and it is very swollen and pussing.  Other than that he has the same energy and all, it's just the ear and skin problems we are so worried about.  Thanks so much!

Answer
You need to have this looked at by your vet.  It could be an ear infection, but it could also be puppy strangles.  Many young pups with ear problems have either a food allergy or ear mites.  If there is pus coming from under the ear, there may be an infection in the skin around the ear or in a lymph node.