Dogs scratching their ears is a pretty commonplace thing, but when the scratching becomes incessant, your pet probably has more than just an itch. Constant scratching or shaking of the head, sometimes accompanied by a foul smell, could indicate your pet has an ear infection or possibly a parasitic infestation. Depending on the cause, there are many medications available to help your pet. Checking with your veterinarian will help determine which course of treatment you should use.
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Ivermectin
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Ear mites can usually be detected by dark spots and discharge in your dog's ear. Ivermectin was originally used in cattle as a de-worming treatment. Recently, however, it has been successfully used to treat ear mites in dogs. To see if your dog has ear mites, pull back the ear and look into the ear canal. If you see dark spots and any type of discharge, ear mites are a probable cause. You will still need to seek your veterinarian's advice on this matter, as Ivermectin is a prescription drug only.
Panalog
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Panalog is a topcal ointment that fights ear infections in your pet. If your dog does not display signs of ear mites, the cause of his ear irritation could be an infection. Panalog is a topical antibiotic and anti-fungal ointment that also relieves the itching and inflammation of common ear infections in cats and dogs. When using this medication, the itching and swelling usually subsides rather quickly but the full healing benefits may take several days. A prescription from your veterinarian is necessary.
Zymox
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Zymox can cure chronic ear infections in your pet. Zymox is an enzyme-based medication used for chronic ear infections in your dog, typically caused by yeast or staph bacteria. Zymox is a clear liquid that basically eats pus and wax in your dog's ear canal, destroying yeast and bacteria along the way. Administering this medication two times daily for one to three weeks should clear up any infection in your pet's ears. Zymox can obtained by prescription from your veterinarian.
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