Bobbi Leder: Euri, an English Cocker with Long Ears
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If you own a dog with long ears, chances are he will probably develop an ear infection at some point in his lifetime. Veterinarians will often advise owners to purchase a product like MalAcetic Otic which contains boric acid and acetic acid because it contains ingredients used to combat yeast and bacterial infections; however, these products don’t always work and can be costly not to mention messy.
For my English Cocker Spaniel, the boric acid/acetic acid mixture did not work. Although his ears were cleaned daily, he was still getting ear infections, so I finally decided to make my own ear cleaning solution that is not only easy to make, but inexpensive too.
For just pennies a day, you can treat your dog’s ear infection and prevent future infections as well. All you need is a trip to the dollar store (or local supermarket), and for less than $2 you will have an easy at-home ear cleaning solution for your dog.
ITEMS NEEDED
Isopropyl alcohol
White vinegar
Water
Small Tupperware Container
100% Cotton Balls
PREPARATION
Mix equal parts of alcohol, vinegar, and water and store in a small Tupperware container. Try starting with a small amount at first (e.g. two capfuls of each) which should last at least two weeks if used daily.
CLEANING YOUR DOG'S EARS
- Take a cotton ball (tear in half if large) and dip lightly into the ear cleaning solution.
- Squeeze a small amount into each of your dog’s ears.
- Massage the base of your dog’s ears for one minute. (Tip: Keep your dog occupied with a treat so he will not mind the ear cleaning process. Praise your dog after you clean his ears. After all, you want to be able to do it as often as necessary, and this way, it will be something your dog looks forward to).
- Allow your dog shake his head.
- Take a dry cotton ball and wipe inside your dog's ear gently to remove any debris, wax and dirt.
- If your dog’s ears are very dirty, repeat this process.
- Use the ear cleaning solution daily to treat your dog's ear infection. *You know your dog best, so if his ears can go longer without cleaning, figure out a schedule that works for both of you. Some dogs can go one week between cleaning, while others need to have their ears cleaned daily.
Tip: Be sure to thoroughly clean your dog’s ears after he is bathed or caught in the rain as wet ears can lead to yeast infections.
Note: If you are still having problems with your dog’s ears after a week of using the solution, seek veterinary treatment. It could be a sign of ear mites or a more serious infection that requires antibiotics.
Source: Personal experience with my cocker kid.
Comments
Very informative, thanks.
I'll give this a try, thanks!
Man, I wish I had known about this years ago. We had a dog that needed to have his ears cleaned often and I found the suggested stuff never worked!
excellent idea
Great advice. I have a Bassett Hound and those long ears are a haven for dirt and grime!
This is great advice! It is exactly what we do in rescue. Euri has a smart mommy.I only want to add that it should be not be done if the ears already look red or irritated as it will burn.
I know this sounds like " duh, Janet" but....it has happened..
This is great info Bobbi. I wish I would have known this when my Fluffy was alive. He was prone to ear infections. We had to clean daily...which he hated!
Thank you so much for this info!
I wish we had this advice a few years back when our Yoyo was still around... It's great information!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Bobbi! And what a gorgeous photo of Euri! This may be my favorite photo of him!
Can vouch for the success of the formula. Two years ago, my Samoyed developed a very painful ear yeast infection and the medicine prescribed by the vet was not effective. The white vinegar and alcohol solution cleared it up in a week. Thanks for getting the word out there!
It's nice to meet a member of your family. Hi Euri!
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