Anyone know what the symptoms of ear mites are. Max is scratching his ear quite a lot and I don't know if I should treat his ear for mites. Anyone come accross any info on the web - do they leave any signs in the ear or anything?

Hi Tim, you could try this. Put ear mites in dogs into Google and you get loads of sites. Poor Max:(
LynnT

Ling time no see Banger, how is the indomitable Max these days??? :D

Hi again, GSD's are not prone to ear trouble, that does not mean that he has not picked up ear mites particulaly if you have cats. But when I owned the breed it was more likley they had someting in the ear, bit of a leaf or something like that. If the trouble does not clear quickley, then I'd get the vet to have a look. J:)

Hi, the main symptom I have seen , except for scratching is a dark substance visible down in the ear together with a smell. The best treatment for ear mites (without infection - where the ear canal is swollen/red) is a product called Thornit which cant be bought from vets. You can get it from www.championpets.freeserve.co.uk/ears
I would take him to the vet this time, to check he really has got ear mites and if the vets drops dont work then get the Thornit - which will work.

Smelly, *dirty* ears? Get some Thornit Ear Canker Powder Tim :-) Excellent stuff

Thanks all - we've also noticed that hes chewing his paws after he's been scratching. I'm a bit wary about taking him to the vet because the standard treatment seems to be steriods which has too many side effects. Will order some Thornit and see how he goes. Thing is it's only one ear - it does niff a bit and isn't too clean so will assume it's mites - he seems to be prone to them.

Quick update on Max - we have purchased a remote training collar (the sound type) and we've managed to eradicate Max's tail chasing. He still gets a bit aggressive with other dogs but generally once he hears the tone of the collar he backs off really quickly. Seems he is particularly sensitive to the noise stimulation which seems to work quite well. He seems a much happier dogs theses days and has just turned 2 years old. He still has a habit of flying tackles when in the garden seems he doesnt like me on HIS garden. But I'm pretty sure to him it's all in fun. He also has this funny habit of scampering about in the house when he's in a particularly cheeky mood.

We've had a few visitors but he still needs work with people entering his territory so onward we go with his training !

If he's chewing his feet as well, check between his toes, looking right up to where the skin joins. You may see them in there, or see the little weeping sores they cause. Frontline will clear them up.
LynnT

Cant see amy sore or mites in his toes although trying to get a good look at his paws without him curling his lip isnt easy lol

I think you can use Thornit for itchy feet too. Not sure, maybe someone can confirm?

Yes Leigh, you can

this Link (Champion Pets) mentions using it on itchy feet too.
I was surprised to see our local pet shop sells it now :)

Very interesting article SaraW :D

Dear Banger:

If your dog is curling it's lip whenever you try and look at his toes, then he is exhbiting signs of aggressiveness. You might want to start an aggression rehabilitation program. Just thought you might want to hear my two cents. Good luck!

Rob

Rob, run a search on 'Bangers' posts ;-)

Smelly ears, Sore feet and tail chasing? Could they all be linked to his diet?
Approx 2 weeks ago I posted a reply to a lady, (sorry cannot remember her name! Boxer bitch named Milly?) who's bitches problem was smelly, itchy ears, and like myself had tried most things. I told her my SBT bitch had the same symptoms, but also included was a persistant paw chewing and licking problem. She replied her bitch also had those symptoms. My bitch was also forever dragging her bum across any carpeted area she could find? Smelly ears, paw licking and Itchy bum? Your dog has smelly ears, paw licking and tail chasing! Coincidence?

I had told her all my problems had magically disappeared after starting out on the BARF diet. It has worked for me, did not find out if it worked for the other lady. Just a thought.

Gerard.

He's been on a BARF diet for about a year. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: Sarcastic??? Sorry only trying to help!

One of my shepherds and the rott, used to always get ear mites, symptoms are dirty ears and a lot of scratching, I tried everything nothing really worked until I tried THORNIT, now I use this once a week to keep the mites away, lovely clean ears now

A thought just came to me, inside the ears and between the toes are very moist areas. Bacterial infections thrive in dark, moist areas.

I don't remember the name of the infection but I do remember the treatment. Take 1 part white vinegar and one part water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray some of the mixture into your dogs ear and rub the base of the ear in a circular motion to break up all the nasty stuff inside. The vinegar should act as a natural bacterial deterrent by creating a ph level that makes it difficult for it to survive. Do the same for the dogs paws as well. Furthermore, if you have a "floppy eared" breed, it is a good idea to keep the inside of the ears as clean and dry as possible because ventiliation is minimal in these breeds. Be careful never to allow moisture to build up as it is prime living conditions for many types of annoying parasites and bacteria.

Try this for a few days and if it doesn't work, don't hesitate on taking your dog to the vet for a proffessional analysis.

I'm not in expert in regards to health but I'm pretty sure that a type of bacterial infection of some sort is the source of the itching in your case. If you go to the pet shop they may be able to prescribe some other more effective treatments as well. Good luck!

Rob

Hi Tim! Glad to see you on the board again! :)