Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/23/2006

Question
MY BICHION IS 2 YEARS OLD AND HAS ALOT OF EAR INFECTIONS. HE IS ALWAYS INSIDE AND CLEAN. HE ALSO CANT KEEP HIS ANAL GLANDS CLEAR. HE SHOULD EAT DRY DOG FOOD BUT HE PREFERS WET FOOD AND THEN HE HAS THE RUNS.HE CONTENTLY CHEWS ON IS NAIL AND THEY GROW SO FAST. I DIDNT KOW IF THE DECLAWDOGS OR IF THIS IS SOMETHING HE NEED VITAMINS FOR. HE IS A VERY HAPPY WELBEHAVED DOG AND GET GROOMED AND CHECKED OUT ONCE A MONTH.HE IS ONE OF THE FAMILY SO PLEASE HELP ME ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS . JAN LUCE 59 YEARS OLD AND LOVE MY BICHION

Answer
Ear infections are almost always caused by skin allergies. In the dog, skin allergies also make their feet itch, so that may be why he is chewing and licking his feet.  Have your vet check him out for allergies and to see what is in the ear that is causing the problem.