I believe my dog has an ear infection. If so, is it possible that the inflammation would come and go? She has been shaking her head quite a bit but the reddness and swelling come and go-it's not constant. I asked a few weeks ago about it possibly being yeast and I've also had her see two different vets. They both think she has allergies. I have done tons of research and possibly agree but neither vet said a thing about her ears. They both just said they looked very clean. They do because I've been keeping them that way due to the fact that I thought it was yeast. I'm now almost positive it's an infection. There never has been any excessive wax of any kind. I did however give her a bath and used ear cleaning pads (which I've since realized how harsh the chemicals in those are) the last week of December and I'm now beginning to wonder if her ears never were dried completely and has led to this. She's always been very healthy and it was as if her "allergies" came out of the blue, although after what I've researched/read I certainly don't doubt it. I may have just missed the symptoms coming on gradually. I had surgery in the beginning of Jan. and I was home from work for six weeks so I was constantly around her and therefore, probably saw things I'd only previously thought were normal & occasional. I am more interested in holistic treatment first and conventional as a last resort. I've learned a great deal about the effects of over-vaccinating/over-medicating and poor quality of most foods and none of it is a big surprise to me. I just wish I had been more of an advocate from the get-go so I could've taken better precautions. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has some advice on the situation? Any advice as to the safest, easiest way to address the ear infection before I try drugs? I've cleaned her ears like I've said and they look great but she is obviously still bothered judging by the head shaking. (Other than that, she's mainly been doing some paw-licking and biting and also licking her genital area-none of which are obsessive by any means but definitely more than normal.) Also, I'm shopping for a new HIGH quality dry food-it's the way I have to go. I will be sure to supplement with fresh foods when permitted. Believe me, she's well taken care of. She's my baby. :) Any suggestions? Thanks a million!!
