Jackie, my two-year-old male German Dachshund dog has developed fungal infection on his ears. The itch is so strong and irresistible that he keeps shaking his ears very violently. This causes blood to ooze from his ears’ corner. At present, I am applying “Wokazole lotion” after cleaning the ears with hydrogen peroxide solution. But it is not helping. Please advise what to do?

Otitis externa or inflammation of outer ear canal is common in dogs. Many factors can cause or contribute to the development of this ear problem in dogs. Parasites, foreign bodies, allergies, etc can be a cause. Likewise ear structure (for e.g., floppy ears), errors in cleaning ears/medications predispose dog to develop this ear problem. Recognition of underlying cause and treatment of all the factors contributing to the ear infection are the key to successful clinical management. Hydrogen peroxide may not be suitable for cleaning all types of ear infections and sometimes can aggravate the problem. Do not use cotton tipped applicators to clean ears! Depending on severity and duration of ear infection, your vet may perform variety of tests from examination of discharge to radiography. Therefore, I suggest taking him to your vet as early as possible to find underlying cause and appropriate cleaning and medication protocol.

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