Gun Dog Forum

Hi all, new member to the forum here. Have consulted threads here many times, so thanks for all the thoughtful discussion.

We have an almost 5-yr old GSP female. For as long as I can remember, she's had dry/scaling skin at the end of her ears. In the winter it can get particularly raw. She has (also for as long as I can remember) been a serial head shaker whenever she rises. I had thoughtt it might just be the breed, but I've also thought on and off that it has something to do with her ears.

She's never been particularly bothered by her ears. We've tried to be diligent about putting things like emu oil on the ends of her ears to moisurize, soothe, and encourage circulation, but this issue has never really gone away. I asked our vet recently and he offered only the possibility of hyperthyroidism and the possibility of a blood test.

Anyone else have this experience? I certainly don't want it ignore something serious. She's gone skiing with is in some pretty cold temps so I've also considered some early age frostbite that's left her with lasting damage.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

I would use Musher's Secret daily.

Pretty amazing stuff, more uses than just dog feet.

I think your dog has "ear fisures" Every time he shakes his head it irritates the edge of the ear. The more it shakes the worst it gets. Take him to the vet for a conformation of this. The vet can give you a solution that will help. Had a friend back in the day that cauterized the edges with a hot nail, it worked! Not for me tho.

I have hyperthyroidism and itchy ear edges. I just use ear lotion you buy for "swimmers ears" . It solves the problem.