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Abbies ear problem

13:26:48

Question
Abbie is a black lab- a year and a half old and I have noticed that she has been pawing and scratching at her ears lately. I took her to the vet and he showed me how to properly clean them and I have been doing so, and it has started up again. I dont think it is earmites, but the underside of one ear is very red and warm to the touch. Any suggestions of what might be bothering her? Its not fleas or ticks... we have had her checked for such. Thanks so much for your time!

Answer
Hello Stephanie -

This sounds like an allergy. I have had many clients come to me with the same concerns. It seems as thought the most prominent allergy with these symptoms was an allergy to beef and beef by-products.

Check the label on the food you are giving her, if there is beef in it try weening her off of the food and switiching to an all natural brand such as Nutro.

Allergies can be very difficult to detect and pin-point especially in pets. They are very common but sometimes you will never be able to say what the cause may be. For now, I recommend a simple and bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. Try this for about a week and see if the redness decreases.

There is a possibility it could be an ear infection (specifcally a yeast infection) as well. Eventhough you are cleaning her ears debris can settle and will cause bacteria to manifest. I have a Golden Retriever and this happens all the time. Here are my recommendations:

First, begin my adding a supplement of Probiotics such as Acidophilus to her food. Probitoics are the live cultures found in yogurt and help maintain and increase the good flora (bacteria) of the gut. When the bad bacteria levels are high, this is when infection and illness can set in. Acidophilus is by far the best natural remedy for yeast infections in humans an animals. By keep the good flora high and maintained, the body is supported overall, immune levels are high and Candida can not survive in this enviroment. You can purchase Acidophilus at most pet stores or give your pet the "human" form, both work the same way. You could also supplement your pets diet with regular, non-flavored yogurt daily. This will also work the same way, just be sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. Sugar is also a big part in Candida, the more sugar the more it thrives. Most pets love the yogurt as a treat and will give you no problems with taking it. This is safe and highly effective for daily and long term use.

The other improtant thing to do is to begin to add a supplement of Garlic powder to her food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight and kill bacteria, fungi and infections in the system. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it with a heavy hand, dogs love Garlic and he should eat it right up for you. The only drawback to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing the bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! This is also highly efefctive for human and animal Candida problems and if given over time your pet should not longer have this problem. This is safe for long term daily use.


For dry skin, apply Aloe Vera (either juice, gel or from the plant) to the dry and irritated areas. Aloe will help soother, moisturize and heal any inflammations and dryness. It is safe if your pet licks it off. Aloe heals from the inside out and will begin to soothe the skin internally and lessen the itch. This will help with the redness and will reduce inflammation as well.

You can also add a small supplement of Flax Seed Oil to the food as well. This will help with dry skin and is excellent for your pets overall health. Her coat will be shiny, soft and his digestion will be great with the Acidophilus.

Finally, for her ears. I make a wonderful remedy that has worked over and over again. It is a Vitamin E oil based tincture especially for ear infections, even if they are reoccurring. It helps to loosen the cerumen (ear wax) so it can be easily removed which in turn will get rid of the odor. It also contains Garlic and is very effective. I have many clients who have used this with success. The Garlic will rid the body of Candida and will also help if there is an allergy present.

Whether it is a food allergy or yeast infection the above recommendations will be a good start and you should begin to see improvements especially after taking the Acidophilus.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet. Contact me anytime, I would be happy to help.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a full product line of specially formulated herbal remedies (like the ear infection tonic I mentioned above) which you can view at www.localharvest.org/store/M10524.

Thank you and peaceful blessings to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs-Kreft, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist
www.wintersaurora.byregion.net
www.localharvest.org./store/M10524