Two Young Labs Shaking Their Heads With Red, Swollen Ear Flaps

Red, swollen inner ear flaps and head shaking without much wax or discharge, in two young Labs, is a very common picture of allergic ear disease. Labradors are prone to ear problems, and in many dogs allergy inflames the ear first, with yeast or bacteria taking hold afterward. That's why the ears improve with treatment and then flare up again.

It's understandable to try supplements and different foods, but these rarely solve it on their own. What usually helps is a proper elimination diet trial with a prescription hydrolyzed or novel-protein diet for at least 8 weeks, with no other foods or treats, guided by your vet. If that doesn't help, environmental allergy is likely, and a veterinary dermatologist can discuss allergy testing and long-term control. Ask your vet to check the ears under a microscope at each flare to confirm what's growing.

Please avoid using over-the-counter or human creams in the ears unless your vet agrees. If the eardrum is damaged, some products can harm hearing. Licking each other's ears can also keep them irritated, and because both dogs are affected, your vet may also want to rule out mites.

See why dogs shake their heads and treating dog ear infections.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.