Dog is having ear issues

[cmiller85]

I just came in from throwing the bumper for my 1.5 yr old lab and his ear suddenly seems to be bothering him. His right ear now sags compared to the other and he tilts his head to the right as well. He is constantly shaking his head now like he is trying to dislodge something. He does not seem to be in any pain when I mess with his ears at all.

I'm thinking he must have gotten something in it, but I'm not sure if he could have tore something maybe? He was running through weeds that were starting to get pretty dry and he goes through them pretty fast. I looked down as far as I could see into his ear and saw nothing with a flashlight.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any ideas on what I can do for him?

[Heredoggydoggy]

A Cheatgrass Seed!  I spent a small fortune at the vet's getting them removed from my dog's ear canal.  They will keep going in until they bore into the eardrum and cause an infection.  Dog's ear canals are so long, once it goes in far enough, you can't see it.  get the pup into the vet ASAP!

[CamoDup]

yes my lab does this alot after he get into water. did he get into any water lately? my lab is almost one and took him to the vet and it was a yeast infection. he was always shaking his head and scratching at it.  if it is a yeast infection ask the vet for Animax ointment.  it comes in a tube and you apply it twice a day until the tube is gone. works great. hope that helps!

[cmiller85]

A Cheatgrass Seed!  I spent a small fortune at the vet's getting them removed from my dog's ear canal.  They will keep going in until they bore into the eardrum and cause an infection.  Dog's ear canals are so long, once it goes in far enough, you can't see it.  get the pup into the vet ASAP!

That's what I was afraid of. Looks like it will be the vet for him tomorrow. 

Thanks guys.

[JLS]

Ear infections are pretty common for some dogs.  My lab gets one or so a year, and does exactly what you described.  My vet gives me some ear wash, (which I usually forget to use at some point and we repeat the whole process) and some ear drops.  Should be easy to check out and diagnose.

[RadSav]

Labs, what a pain in the buttocks  

I have had a lab with mites, but I doubt you are having that issue.  I agree with the others that it is probably seeds this time of year. Really common in most short ear dog breeds this time of year.  Fill the ear canal up with some ear cleansing solution and the dog can usually shake them out.  It dries up other nasties too which really helps if they like to dive for rocks in the river like my old lab used to.

Hope things go well.

[ghosthunter]

Yep agree with all posts. Had my old lab at the vet 3 weeks ago. 400.00 later I came home with ear wash and ear treatment for a ear infection. Got past that and noticed she was not eating all her food. Only gets a cup a day. Checked her mouth and looks like the gums around her canines are swollen. Soften her food with water and she cleaned it up. Off to the vet again Monday.