health and sickness

Question
I purchased a standard poodle puppy 3-4 days ago,  female,12wks old, 2nd shots and wormed, and she has diarrhea and is continuously scratching at her ears, which have a foul-odor. I tried to clean them with a wet warm washcloth last night, and they were filthy, but she is still scratching at them and shaking her head.  What should I do? Is a vet apt. necessary? Are there any home remedies I can try first?
Also, I have heard poodles are prone to ear problems (ear mites, & infections), is this true?  And if it is true, is there anything I can do to try and manage it or possibly even prevent it?
The breeder I purchased her from told me poodles are allergic to corn-base dog foods, that they develop ear problems, to check ingredients and only buy meat-base foods, is this true?
                            Thank you, Bobbie

Answer
Hello Bobbie.

I would highly recommend a trip to the vet.  You should have a health guarantee with the puppy.  It is always wise to have a vet examine a new puppy within 10 days of purchase as the breeder should be responsible for paying for treatment of illnesses.  In PA, for example, there is a Puppy Lemon Law which REQUIRES that the breeder reimburse for medical expenses.   

Take a stool specimen to the vet as many times puppies from kennels will be infected with Coccidia, which must be treated with an antibiotic.  Usually the dewormer that is given is very basic and only kills 1 or 2 of the many potential intestinal parasites.

Yes Standard Poodles do have more ear infections than normal usually due to the excess hair in their ears as well as tendency for thicker wax; however, at 12 weeks of age the puppy should not have problems already.   A puppy may initially have ear mites, but they should not have chronic problems with ear mites after initial treatment.  And it is true that allergies can manifest themselves as ear problems.  I would recommend avoiding corn, soy, meat by-products, preservatives and dyes.  It is best to feed an all natural food such as Prairie, Innova, Nutro Natural, Flint River Ranch, Verus, Precise, Eagle Pack, Wellness....  Standard Poodles are also more prone to Addison's Disease.


Good luck,
Dr. Fry