My new girl, 5 YO Lovey, has really dry ears around the

[KarenTX]

edges. Can I use Vitamin E oil to help that? And what might cause it? First time Frenchie owner here, have done a lot of reading but haven't seen anything about this. Appreciate any advise you experienced owners can give me. :)

[KarenTX]

the back of her ears. I'm thinking that even though I had her on the food the previous owner had her on, it was actually a substitute for what she really liked to feed her dogs, which was Nature's Blend (Balance?) (I think) chicken & rice. I am moving her over to Purina ProPlan chicken & rice and am hoping that will help. Have never had a dog with allergies before, so this will be all new to me. Her ears are cracking around the edges, just little dry cracks. :confused: Any suggestions? If I have to move her to the Natures Blend/Balance, I will. I'm all ears! (pardon the pun)

[Pink Lady]

Hi Karen, is it definitely dryness at the edges, does he/she itch or scratch? It could be early signs of an infection or mites e.t.c I use vaseline on my Frenchies nose when it get's abit dry, I imagine it would be ok on the tips of the ears too.

[Piperloo]

Sure! You can use vitamin E, mineral oil or even vaseline. Do you know why her ears are dry though? She may have an infection of either her skin or ears. I would check for that first. :)

[KarenTX]

etc. so I'm going to have them do a scraping just to make sure it's not demodex. She's not particularly scratching at it, althought she will do a normal sit down and scratch for a second. Her ears around the edges look like someone made tiny little notches. Her nose is not running, she is not red in the folds around her nose, her eyes have been a little reddish at times and I've noticed her rubbing her face a few times. I've got her on Purina Pro-Plan Shredded Chicken & Rice right not, no treats, just her nylabone. Trying to nip whatever this is in the bud. She feels good, runs around terrorizing Tootsie. LOL She ran right over her this morning. :lol: I did put some Vitamin E oil on her ears yesterday and they seemed to be softer, will do so again today. She is such a lovebug, I'm really enjoying her.

Thanks for the responses!

[Snickanoo]

Our Frenchie started itching his ears, and then eventually started on his paws and face. We had an allergy test done and come to find out he is allergic to EVERYTHING! I hope yours doesn't have this, but the allergy test was worth all the money, and the shots have been a life saver. I use the Mometemax on his ears when he starts digging a lot, and only have had to take him to the vet once when he started coughing, vomiting and itching. I feed him Nature's Variety Raw, Venison and it has really helped his allergies. You might want to look into raw as it's been a life saver for us.

Good luck!