Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Oh, Dawn, how heartbreaking indeed. A bit like those tiny human babies getting shots before they leave the hospital -- their immune systems are so not ready for that onslaught or unnatural exposure.
Your dog with recurrent ear infections likely has allergies, best to consult with a veterinary homeopath for help. The goal is not avoidance, but to cure the allergic state. My Resources page has a list of the AVH vets.
Best of luck going forward. You now know better and the next gen will benefit from your knowledge, as will anyone who listens to your story.