Itchy ears

[Steph4302]

My one year old miniature poodle is so itchy and i can't get him to stop scratching. Currently, his ears have been bothering him very badly to the point where he has scratched off some of the hair off of the side of his ears and the inside is red, raw, and slightly bleeding. I took him to the vet on Tues and the vet gave us gentizol ointment to apply twice a day for 10 - 14 days. It doesn't seem to be working yet. Whenever i'm around i always stop him if he starts scratching but i can't watch him when i am not home so he ends up scratching off the scabs that have developed. it seems like a never ending process.

I feel so bad for the lil guy and he has always had sensitive, itchy skin. I get him groomed regularly with a special oatmeal bath and have tried anti-itch shampoo, other specially medicated cleansing pads, etc.

I am wondering if anyone else has an itchy dog and if anyone has found anything that helps? I just hate to see him so uncomfortable. thanks!

Steph

[Jerry_NJ]

I looked up the cat community - best to go there I believe.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cats/show/3

[Jerry_NJ]

I think there is a Cat Community too, that may be a better place to ask.

There must be some home-regiments that can be tried, but as my experience is with dogs I'll not suggest any here... may be much the same.  

Cleaning is the best first step, not sure what to use on a cat/kitten.

I'll refer to the moderator for possible move to a Cat Community.

[bassmarouch]

my kitten is only 4 weeks old and i just noticed that the inside of his ears is red and itchy and i don't know why can someone help me.

[ddeiman]

Please read my other posts to people about controlling allergies. Usually when we see a dog this young with allergies we think food related although it can be environmental too. Try a shampoo called hexadene or chlorhexiderm 4 %. You'll have to google around to find sites and compare costs. Ask the vet about antihistimines. Dogs have a variety of them and can metabolize more mg's then a human so ask for a dose. Benadryl, clemastine, chlorpheniramine are all good. Doxepin is an anti depressant in humans but is a great antihistimine for dogs. If cost isn't an issue then ask about Atopica. This works as good as a steroid but without the harmful side effects that steroids can cause your pups internal organs. Definitely read up on my posts about eleimination diets. They can be the easiest and cheapest way to control an allergy. Good luck!

[chihuahuagrandma]

My dog takes a steroid shot once a year around this time to stop the itching and it works wonders...but, vet does advise you can only take steriod injection once or twice a year...
The scratching can lead to abrasions that lead to infection, and the nervous stress it puts on dogs with intense itching...
The steroid shot works, nothing else...
Welcome to the forum, and much luck to you and yours....