Question:
My daughter has a purebred cocker spaniel whose ears are always a problem. She has taken it to a vet and was given antibiotics, but to no avail. Can you recommend something that can help her dog? The vet said the dog had a yeast infection. Even after the ears are cleaned, the smell is still there.
M.T., Royal Oak, MI Nov 21, 2004
Answer:
Cocker spaniels are especially subject to chronic ear infections -- their pendulous ears block natural aeration of the ear canals, creating a moist microenvironment in which bacteria and fungi thrive. Tying the dog's ears up over her head with a ribbon during much of the day may help, along with a douche of 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in a cup full of warm water applied every 2 to 3 days for a couple of weeks. The veterinarian should also address the benefits of providing vitamin A supplement and some selenium and zinc, as well as a whole-food, homemade diet (see my web site for my homemade dog food recipe). These can help dogs considerably in regaining their overall health, and can help put an end to chronic ear infections in which antibiotic medication alone proves ineffectual. In many cases, however, the only remedy is surgical intervention to open up the external ear canals so that they can "breathe" and be kept clean more easily.
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