skin conditions

[lilemm]

i have a 5yr old westie, who has recently started to get problems with his ears, the vet prescribed antibiotics and this worked for a couple of weeks, then it flared up again, he says westie's are prone to skin conditions, he hasn't got any problems anywhere else but his ear. does anyone else have the same problem and how can i prevent flare ups.

[Noweia]

Allergies and a condition called atopy are among the most common causes of chronic ear infections and ear problems, and unfortuntely Westies are very prone to these conditions.

You could ask your vet to do a full work up and try and find out what your dog is allergic to. If you find out you'll be in a better position to prevent flare-ups.

Does he ever lick his feet? Or scratch anywhere else?

[Misty77]

My friend at work has a Westie, and she gives him a special diet to help control skin conditions. I don't think she gives him dog food / biscuits at all - she gives him things like rice and fish. I know this all sounds very expensive, but she's apparently not had many problems with his skin since she started on the diet.

[curly lee]

i have the same problem with my collie , i went to the pet shop and got otodex eardrops they ar really good , they help with itching , clear wax relieve scratching and kill ear mites they are only �2.60 and they have made a big diffrence to my baby life , good luck and i hope this helps you also

curly lee xx