Luna has been scratching her ears a lot this week and shaking her head. I checked and the inside of her ears look a bit red. Should I be concerned?
2:00 PMEar scratching and redness in Golden Retrievers is common and often points to an ear infection or allergies. Since Luna's ears look red inside, I'd recommend a vet visit within the next few days. In the meantime, here's what you can do.
2:01 PMClean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution. After baths or swimming, dry ears thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal. If you notice a brown or yellowish discharge, or a yeasty smell, schedule a vet appointment promptly.
That's helpful. I think she went swimming at the lake last weekend which might have caused it. Can you recommend a vet nearby that's good with ear issues?
2:04 PMSwimming is a very common trigger for ear infections in retrievers. Here's a highly-rated clinic near you with a dermatology specialty.
2:05 PMTomorrow, 10:30 AM
Great rating. Is there anything I should tell the vet when I go in?
2:07 PMMention the lake swimming last weekend, when the scratching started, and that you noticed redness. Also note if there's any discharge or odor. The vet will likely do an otoscopic exam and possibly a cytology swab to identify the type of infection.
2:08 PMAfter every swim, gently dry Luna's ears with a towel and apply a vet-recommended drying solution. Consider using a snood or ear cover during water activities. If Luna swims frequently, schedule ear checks every 2-3 months to catch infections early.