Ear mites and Gun Dogs

Birdnuts

I'm just wondering am I unique in having constant problems with ear mite infestations in regards to both my Lab and Spaniel X??:( - I'm used to battling these little feckers during the summer(at great expense I might add!!) but unfortunatly this problem has already raised its ugly head much earlier this year.

Even more worrying was the chat I had with my vet this week - according to her gun dogs are very prone to this problem since such breeds when working, regulary come in contact with the type of dense vegetation these type of parasites hide in. Call me thick but I had no idea it was that easy to pick these things up!! - sounds like their even a bigger problem then ticks:(

I accept that breeds like spaniels are more prone to this problem thanx to their floppy ears but is there any cheap rememdies or actions I can take to minimise this problem and therefore save me alot of increasingly scarce dosh???

Vegeta

Would you believe none of our hunting dogs have ever gotten them as far as I can recall. We've had springers, cockers, setters, pointers and labs and I cant remember them getting treatment for it.

I'm sure the brother will correct me if I'm wrong though

One shot on kill

never had a gun dog so just gonna throw this out there

if its a continuous problem what are they bedding down in and or is there bedding infested with the mights

as i say not my area but just an idea

fodda

Mites are tiny, the size of a pin head or smaller.

They are every where if your dog has them and can only be treated by correct medication from your vet and one extremely important reason why this has to be seen by a vet is there could be other reasons why your dog has a brown discharge from the ear which you cant see but he can with the tools he has.

Both dogs would need treating and the dogs and bedding would need washing.

deerhunter1

Vegeta wrote: »

Would you believe none of our hunting dogs have ever gotten them as far as I can recall. We've had springers, cockers, setters, pointers and labs and I cant remember them getting treatment for it.

I'm sure the brother will correct me if I'm wrong though

Same here never had a problem TG

Birdnuts

Looks like I've a major fumigation job on my hands!!

Grizzly 45

Have had this with two Labs,a Doberman,and a Great Dane.

First off,deffo change the bedding.Find the best still is,shredded newspaper in the kennel.Never use straw,or wood chips.

Second,regular ear inspections,and the best is smell your dogs ears.If you get a cheesy smell,off to the vet as this is the first sign of it,with the dog shaking his head more than normal.

Third,make sure the vet actually tests and takes a sample of the mites,as there are apprently various different ones that can be immune to different perscriptions.

Fourth,if it doesnt clear up or is a constant problem.Change your Vet!
I had one misdiagnose it three times in my Great Dane.Can tell you its no fun having a giant dog with ear trouble.:eek: The new vet went and took a sample and diagnosed it 1st time round.Correct medication problem went within a fortnight.The previous lad just wanted to sell me new and expensive drugs which did Sweet FA!