poodle-ear problems

Question
Dr. Lewis-
Thanks for your time! we have a 6 year old poodle who has ear problems-that cause him to scratch behind his ears to the point of developing raw spots. I think he has ear mites-do you know what I can use to wash his ears that would cure the mites? Example, could you dilute hydrogen peroxide and wash his ears? Thanks, David.  

Answer
Most older dogs with ear problems do NOT have ear mites.  Most of them have allergies that affect the skin and ears.  I would advise that you have your vet check the dog's ears to see if there is an infection or if there are tumors in the ears.  I cannot recomment that you do anything until I know what is causing the problem. If the dog is really scratching so bad that it causes sores on the ears, that may require something to calm down the itchiness, like some cortisone.