[vicky2200]

I woke up this morning very early because I heard Ditto panting really hard. I realized she wasn't in the bed, which was weird. I took her to get some water and after drinking quite a bit, she seemed fine. Then she started scratching her ear. This is nothing new for her. She is always very itchy. I checked her ears a few days ago because she was scratching and Weegee was interested in them, but they looked great. But this morning, her ear was bloody. In the past this only happens when she has an infection, although she has become more obsessive so it may not be an infection. Obviously, we will be taking her in to have it checked and get some antibiotics if need be. In the meantime (it will probably be Wednesday before the vet can fit her in) I am giving her benadryl to stop the itching.

This isn't her first infection, assuming it is one, but she doesn't get them as frequently as some dogs. How often should I clean her ears with ear wash to help prevent infections? I am semi-concerned that if I clean them too much, that could be problematic as well. I will be talking to the vet about this when she goes in, but I wanted to hear what everyone else does.