Expert: Kim Wingate - 6/22/2009

Question
I have 2 standards, ages 2 and 3, that have frequent ear infections. Is there a dog food that may counter what may be allergic reactions causing the infections?

Answer
Hello Susan,
I feel your pain in the ear department.  I have 4 Std Poodles, and that is 8 ears to look after.  I keep the hair pulled out of the ears (or let your Groomer do it when they get groomed) and do a weekly ear wash that contains 16 oz of Alcohol, 16 drops Gentein Violet Solution 1%, and 4 tbls Boric Acid (the Boric Acid and Violet Solution can be purchased at most Pharmacys). The suggested use is 2 x a day for the first week, one time a day for the next week or two and monthly after that.  Shake the bottle well to mix the Boric Acid into the mix because it will settle, and fill the ear canal.  Massage the ear, let the dog shake it out (best to do outside as the Violet Solution will stain), wipe out the remaining liquid, then reapply and this time don't massage the ear.     

You can also try Otomax or Metamamax (sp?) from your Vet to help treat ear infections.  Both work really well and is a fairly inexpensive way to treat difficult ear problems.  (the Otomax you use twice a day and the Metamamax you use once a day, {I think its that way, anyway; if not, its the other way around)

As for a food that will help, you might try the Canine ID that you get from your Vet, or Royal Canin makes a food just for Poodles (mini size, but it covers all Poodles) that will help will common problems in Poodles (not just ears, but skin and coat also).

The last thing you might try is a benedryl tablet per dog per evening to see if it helps with any allergies your dogs may have.  Do it in the evening as it tends to make dogs a bit drowsy, but it really helps if allergies are what is causing your dogs problems.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim