My Springer spaniel has chronic ear problems. They look very clean; I never get any yuck out of them, yet I can tell they hurt him and they smell. A friend told me 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 rubbing alcohol which I tried tonight, he's calm now, but was crazy when I first put the stuff in. Can anyone help? The vet bill is $40 just to see him and another $20 for the medicine. I am looking for a better home remedy!
I have a Springer spaniel too, Debra Ann. Those long floppy ears can surely present problems! From the message board of MAESSR (Mid Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue), here's the "recipe" for the popular Blue Voodoo, which is widely claimed to prevent doggie ear infections:
Wipe the inside of his ears several times a week with this solution on a cotton swab. Just let it dry in there. But don't wear your good clothes, because he will shake his head and, well, you know all about that, I'm sure. (I have not used this solution on my own dog -- I'm just passing on the info.) Many people also say it's helpful to feed a tablespoon of plain yogurt once a day.
One more thing I've learned is that "sore" ears and head shaking are sometimes caused by matted hair behind or near the ears. Our male, Magic, has this problem frequently.
Good luck with your dog. (07/19/2005)
By Patty Zion
Yes we use the vinegar mixture in our Lab's ears but just as maintenance. If the dog already has an ear infection you need antibiotic ear drops. If you really can't take him to the vet's right now try the OTC antibiotic ear drops for humans you can get at the pharmacy. Good luck!
(07/20/2005)
By Michelle
Try hydrogen peroxide. Just a few drops in each ear. It will foam try to keep in each ear for as long as you can? Hope this helps. (07/20/2005)
By Kathy
We were periodically taking our dog to the vet with problems with her ears. I asked the vet if there was anything I could use at home to take care of the problem. He said to use distilled white vinegar a couple times a month to wash her ears. It has been two years now and we haven't had problems with her ears since we have been using the vinegar. (07/20/2005)
By BJ
Try the vinegar solution, my Neuffy has the same problem. Mix 16oz alcohol, 4TBS Boric Acid, and 16 drops Gentian Violet Tincture. It's cheaper than the vet. But you must be consistent cleaning the ears! (02/03/2006)
By Tara
I'd be careful using straight hydrogen peroxide. And you need to watch what percentage you buy (there are a range of strengths). The vet's recommendation for ears is 1:3 ratio of hydrogen peroxide 3% and water. (01/09/2007)
By Rosa
The problem is PH balance and yeast overgrowth, that is why white vinegar works so well.
Feeding yogurt does help as does giving acidolpholus. Even ladies' cream treatments for yeast infections help by rubbing a little inside the ears for about a week. Periodically wipe out the ears with a baby wipe wrapped around your finger to help keep clean and healthy. Hope it helps. (08/23/2007)
By sherry
My dog has hot spots in the ear and I'm using Sulfodene first aid skin medication for dogs. You can get it in Wal-mart or Martins food store and they have the shampoo, too. (01/18/2008)
By Teri
For Pippa: No idea why your particular dog gets infections but I do have some ideas in general. Dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear problems. Dogs with ears that stand have less infections, smells, and problems in general. Those floppy ears don't allow the ears to dry out. My husband sometimes used to have to shave the insides of ears to allow some air in. Again, this may not be your dog's problem but it is a problem for a lot of dogs. (01/08/2009)
By Judi
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