Recurrent Ear Infections - Black Lab

Question
Hello,

I have received fabulous advice on here about my Bearded Dragons, so I have a lot of faith in using this site for a question about my sweet pooch as well.  And the fact that there is a vet on here that specializes in ear infections no less!!!  :+)

I have a 3-year old black lab.  She has recurrent really bad ear infections.  Seems like she is always either getting, has, or has just gotten over an ear infection.  I clean her ears at Least 1-2 times per week, more often when she has an infection.  Every time I take her to the vet, they do an ear culture and treat accordingly.  Sometimes the vet would just give me some kind of ointment for her ears, but after a while it seems like the only thing that would clear it up would be a mixture of pills, ointment and daily or every other day cleaning.  I have also tried giving her yogurt to see if that would help any.  Aside from being expensive, I feel horrible for her because seems like she always has or is being treated for an ear infection and she hates it.  I can give you a list of the medications that I have given to her if it would help.  I take her to Banfield Pet Hospital.  My boyfriend is convinced that they are incompetent, and I honestly don't know if I should take her somewhere else, or try something else or what.  I am desperate.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much!!  

Answer
You can find a vet that does a lot of ear and skin work.  

Almost all ear infections in dogs are the result of skin allergies!!!  So the "pills" you are being given are probably some type of steroid that will make the dog feel better until the medication is gone.  Often, I will use continuous low dose steroids to keep the ears from flaring up again.  You can have the dog allergy tested and use allergy shots if it shows severe allergies.  Also, continue the once or twice a week ear maintenance with an ear rinse.