Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/9/2005

Question
My dog is a miniature pintcher (5y/o) (f) our dog has been excessively scratching her ears to the point were she bleeds.  We took her to the vet, he prescribed chloralexidine to be used 2x daily.  We've been following the instructions, but she still scratches.  Can you advise me of other treatments?  Thank you.

Answer
NEVER use chlorhexidine in the ears! It is extremely toxic.

If there is an itchy ear, it is most likely due to some type of skin allergy that is making the skin of the ear itchy.  Some dogs are allergic to their food and others are allergic to things in the environment like pollens, molds, insects, etc.

You need to ask your vet if there could possibly be an allergy that is causing the ear redness and if there is, ask for a shot of a cortisone type drug to help relieve the itchiness.