Why is my dog's eye dirty and ear red/itchy? Could it be allergies?

Question

My pups eye seems like it may have a rash growing. I clean it every day and it seems to always be dirty the next. At first I thought it was dirt but I’m starting to wonder if it’s dried blood or an infection. Don’t know if I’m being a little over protective or if it’s something I should be worrying about. His ear is red and bumpy and he scratches it more than his other but it doesn’t seem to be causing him any pain. Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 14 days old | 25 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. He also likely has an ear infection that would have to also be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Why is my dog's eye dirty and ear red/itchy? Could it be allergies?

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