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peyton
Thu, Jul 25, 2024
Ear
Head shaking
Eye
Behavior
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Difficulty in breathing
Skin
Itching

3 days ago we thought he stepped on a bug and got stung we pulled the stinger out and he stopped limping but he was still favoring his back leg. Then the next day both his legs started acting wonky we thought he ripped off his dew claw we’ve talked to chewy vets first two told me it’s nothing more than a possible infected toe nail and taught me how to treat that. I started soaking his feet in epson salt, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil and kept his feet wrapped he seemed like he was getting better then as soon as I put his foot in the water to soak he lost balance and was falling all over himself we looked in his ears and there was so much black gunk in there it was closing his ear canal. My husband put drops in it and been helping him get it out. I sat in the bathroom with him with the shower on to give him some steam, now he’s doing seemingly okay just still low energy


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Dr. Thompson
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like your pug is dealing with a rather complex situation. The head shaking and presence of black gunk in his ears strongly suggest an ear infection, which can be quite uncomfortable for dogs. Ear infections can also lead to balance issues and lethargy, which might explain why he has been falling over and seems low on energy.

The black gunk you mentioned is likely indicative of a significant ear infection, possibly involving yeast or bacteria. While cleaning his ears with an ear cleanser is a good start, it might not be sufficient given the severity of the infection. Often, ear infections require prescription medications such as antibiotics or antifungal treatments to fully resolve.

The other symptoms you described, including loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty breathing, are concerning. These could indicate that the infection or another underlying issue is affecting his overall health. Combined with the ear issues, these symptoms suggest that he needs more comprehensive care than what can be provided at home.

For now, continue to keep his ears clean and monitor his condition closely. If you notice any signs of worsening, such as increased difficulty breathing or further loss of balance, it would be best to seek immediate veterinary care. These symptoms can escalate quickly and may require professional intervention to ensure his health and comfort.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.