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| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | |||||
| ACIDOPHILUS AND WHITE VINEGAR | |||||
| ANTIBIOTIC DROPS | |||||
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | |||||
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Ear Infection Remedies for Pets
by Dawn Forster
Do you have a pet that suffers from the occasional ear infection? It's frustrating for you as an owner because the infection is often difficult to deal with and rid your pet of. It's even more frustrating for the pet, as it causes them to continually scratch and fuss with the affected ear and is just plain uncomfortable for them.
These types of ear problems will affect both cats and dogs, but more commonly is an issue for our canine friends. Ear infections are often pretty easy to spot as in addition to noticing your pet physically scratching and rubbing its ears, the infection often is accompanied by a dark, waxy substance inside the ear and carries with it a horrible smell. The cause of the infection could be a number of things such as a yeast, or fungal infection, ear mites, and unfortunately those dogs with floppy ears and/or fur inside the ear canal are particularly at risk.
Another sure-fire way to an ear infection is a dog that loves to swim. Retrievers and other particular breeds are naturally drawn to water and as a result it's difficult to keep them out of the pool, pond or lake. Pets who enjoy their regular swimming sessions are prone to ongoing ear infections as a result of the water that gets into their ears.
You may not be able to stop them from taking that regular dip, and you probably wouldn't even want to, but you certainly can take action to prevent those nasty ear infections. Regardless of the cause of your pet's occasional ear infection, make sure that you clean your pet's ears on a regular basis. Use a solution of 50% Vinegar and 50% Water and insert the solution into the ear canal. Gently massage it in and use cotton balls to clean out any debris. (This is also the same cleaning protocol you would want to use when your pet actually has an ear infection prior to administering any type of treatment.)
For those of you with the regular swimmers, mix a solution of 1 cup of Water, 2 cups of Vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Rubbing Alcohol. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and squirt it onto the outside of the ear canal once or twice per week and after every swim. You can also use this solution applied with a cotton ball to clean out the inner part of the ear. The alcohol in the mixture will help to dissolve wax, whereas the vinegar creates an acidic environment that will not allow yeast or bacteria to grow in.
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
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ACIDOPHILUS AND WHITE VINEGAR
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[YEA] 01/26/2012: Nancy from San Diego, Ca writes: "WOW... This site has been a godsend. My shihtzu has had chronic skin issues and ear infections for years. His skin has been managable lately but his ears never seem to clear up even after 2 weeks of a daily dose of ear antibiotics. I took him off the ears meds and started him on acidophilus mixed with fish oil on sunday-01/22/12. I also started wiping his ears with a 50/50 ratio of white vinegar and water. His ears are clearing up!!! I'm not sure if its the acidophilus, the vinegar or both. He's still doing a lot of paw licking at night around bedtime, of course, but not near as much licking during the day. I've given him plain yogurt a couple of times, also, but it's tough convincing him to eat it.
I plan on buying raw, organic Apple Cider Vinegar this weekend so that I can really soak his paws and see how that works. I also plan on gradually adding to his water. If anyone has comments or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at nancy.nash(at)cox.net."
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ANTIBIOTIC DROPS
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[YEA] 04/24/2010: Sp from Nashville, Tn writes: "The only thing that worked for my dog's ear infection was the antibiotic drop from our Vet. I'm so glad he took him to the vet. This is just our story.
My Maltese poodle's both ears got infected and had dark brown gunk coming out. I have tried different remedies mentioned here to clear my dog's ear infection. I tried the ACV flush, ACV Alcohol solution, Coconut Oil, aloe vera jel, the witch hazel, etc. It worked temporary and some didn't work at all. So after a 2.5 months, his ears were still red and had dark gunk coming out. I finally took him to the Vet who gave us an antibiotic ear drop. In less than 3 days, I could see my dog was feel better and his ear looked better. We used the drops 2 times/day for 7 days and his ear cleared up completely. The Vet bill and cost of the 1 oz drop was $40, it was so worth it to see him feel better. I wish I had taken him to the vet sooner. He was suffering for too long while I was trying to figure out what would worked for him.
So far it has been 3 months and he has no ear problems. Our Vet did recommend using vinegar/warm water solution to flush his ears as a preventive treatment. And I have been flushing my dog's ears with vinegar/water solution every 2 wks. We still have the ear drops to use if the infection comes back."
[YEA] 11/06/2010: Dogs_ears_hurt from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Veterinary eardrops of natural antibiotics also can help for treatment of mild ear infections in dogs. We used Dr Dogs Ear Oil and with the regular dog ear treatment the flare-ups of sore ears and ear infection symptoms have stopped. The problem about some dogs and ear yeast infection is that it keeps coming back. ACV can sting sting sting, especially if there are any scratches or cuts of any kind it will burn and hurt the pet. I know, been there and done that, very sad it happened, I was sick about it. The natural antibiotic eardrops were soothing and did the job.
"
03/13/2011: Passionate For Animals from Eugene, Or replies: "Another great ear product is Mad About Organics Ear Cleaner. It works wonders for pain, ear mites and just as a everyday cleaner."
04/19/2011: Dog-daddy from Las Vegas, Nv- Usa replies: "this is such a great site, I was reading to understand more about dog ear infections and remedies that work to control them. Our dogs ears had lots of problems, I noticed someone mentioned Dr Dogs Ear Oil here and we also tried it. Thankfully it helped our dogs ears and since using this as a regular dog ear treatment his ears don't have the problems like before. It was from http://drdogs247.comalso, last time we went to the veterinary office for his ear problems it cost almost $175, wish ours was $40 as we used to be in the vets office a few times every year. Think we won't be doing that any more thanks to going with the natural dog ear treatment to control his ear infections.
Hated when the dogs ears were red and sore. So glad to have found the remedies here. PS... Don't use vinegar or alcohol, it does sting, I tried that years ago and it was terrible. Dr Dogs Ear Oil didn't bother him at all and we haven't had to use anything else since using that. Thanks!"
08/20/2011: Sp from Nashville, Tn replies: "Hi, It has been over a year now and my dog is getting a another ear infection. His ears have been doing so good until now. I will give Dr Dogs Ear Oil a try. Thank you for the information."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[NAY] 12/03/2011: Concerneddogowner from Salescity, United States writes: "HORRIBLE! I used this "remedy" on my Chorkie puppy because he was scratching at his ears and shaking his head and would make himself holler. Well I did this prior to taking him to the vet hoping that it would lessen his symptoms in the mean time. Well I started with the first ear and my puppy screamed so loudly I knew I had hurt him. He shook his head ran around rubbed his head on every surface around. Finally get him to the vet for his appointment and he fought with the vet when she went to look at his ear. He is now apparently traumatized by the experience with ACV wash. Now even when I try to put in the medicine that the vet prescribed my husband has to hold my poor puppy down because he is so scared it might be the ACV going into his ear again. THIS IS A NO GO SYSTEM for dogs. Just keep in mind that your dog might react in the same way mine did to the treatment. Be careful and think about what you are about to try before you do it. It could cause your puppy to have a traumatic experience that may result in fear of anything coming close to his ears."
RepliesEC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
12/12/2011: Anntoinette from Mesa, Az replies: "My dog has been doing the exact same thing with her ear. I don't have much money for the vet, but I would like to know what's wrong with her, to do anything possible to ease her pain. What was the cause for your dogs pain?"
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03/18/2011: Michael Ratcliffe from Victoria , B.c. Canada writes: "hello my poddle-shih x has had cronic ear infections since she came into my life two years ago. Ive dealt with ear infections with other dogs as well. My sugestion for anyone trying a new holistic remidy for a dogs ear would be to start with your solution 20-80 20 Apple Cider Vinegar/ 80 h20. See if ther is pain or too much iritation then try 40-60 however dont go and flush the poor dogs ear 5 times in a row. Try a test every 24 hrs perhaps. I apreciate everyones coments. Im gonna put my idea to work. ill let you all know .m"
Replies01/28/2012: Ellen from Ann Arbor, Mi. replies: "This is crazy. 80% water solution? That will make everything worse. WORSE. NOT BETTER.Remember, moist, dark, damp = perfect breeding ground for bacteria. DO NOT PUT WATER IN YOUR DOG'S EARS!"
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[WARNING!] 09/05/2010: Tsmom from Boston, Ma Usa writes: "WARNING: After 12 days of my 45 lb dog's dog's ear infection, I put about 8 drops of 50% AC vinegar/50% water solution into the ear. It bothered her so much she shook her head for 25 minutes, resulting in a very large hematoma (swelling) covering 2/3 of her ear. It looked like she would need surgery for this. Luckily it resolved, but my holistic vet said that ACV can aggravate an ear infection. Be careful with ACV for very inflammed ears."
Replies10/03/2011: Massage Mama from Sagle, Idaho replies: "A hemotoma is a bruise, not a swelling. I think this guy is just trying to debunk the uses of ACV; trying to be all scientific and failing, lol."
10/12/2011: Lisa from Bristol, Ri replies: "Hematoma is a Swelling with blood involved! Eccymosis is a bruise."
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[YEA] 06/06/2010: Gilby from Santa Clara, California writes: "I just wanted to say to the "Pepole" who support this web site are "AwSoMe" and thank you for all the information on this site. My cat had an ear infection and I tryed the ACV treament, WOW, it works great.my cat is not drooling anymore, which is signs of infection in the ears and gums.again
thank you
Gilby (Cat Daddy)"
09/05/2010: Tsmom from Boston, Ma Usa replies: "About dog ear infections: After I put ACV/H2O) 50/50 dilution into my dog's very inflammed ear, it irritated her so much, she shook her head for 25 minutes until a large area of swelling on the ear flap (hematoma) developed. I gave homeopathic Arnica right away twice a day until it cleared, (you can give it up to a week. ) Also I gave Rutin, 250 - 500 mg for this 45-lb dog 3 times a day with food. These two things reduced the swelling to zero after 24 hours. You can get both at a health food store."
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR MUST BE DILUTED
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/19/2010: Denise from North Branford, Ct writes: "dog with ear deterioration
My 6yo german shepard was diagnosed with ear margin dermatitis, allergies, yeast and bacteria in ears. One vet told me he may have to amputate her ears and gave her lots of meds, the naturopathic vet started her on a natural anti-inflammatory and a few other remedies--neither cured the underlying problem. I started using 1tbsp of ACV in her food each day about 1 month ago. She no longer is on the meds both vets gave me. Her ears are not completely healed but they are no longer bleeding and appear to be healing slowly. She also has not had diarrhea."
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01/31/2010: Charlie from San Jose, Ca writes: "Hello - My dog woke up this morning with an ear infection. She's a 9 year old black lab mutt that hasn't had an ear infection in over 8 years. I'm trying the ACV mixture, but how many times a day do I squirt the mixture in her ears? Thank you!!"
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[YEA] 12/21/2009: Eric from League City, Texas writes: "dog ear solution
it really works!!!! the apple cider vin, work in two days for my pit with his clipped ears ear infections are a normal thing after $$$ at the vet i tried it and he doesn't scratch at his ears or shake his head all the time. plus i use the ear dropper to shoot it down his throat and his winter pains are gone too.. its like having my puppy back... he hates the taste and i put alot in his ears and make him sit there for a half a min at least but its so worth the results and him being happy again!!!"
RepliesEC: WARNING: Please note that Apple Cider Vinegar must be diluted with water (at least 50/50) before applying to any area on a pet, otherwise it can burn the skin and cause terrible pain. Apple Cider Vinegar should also be diluted before giving it internally as well.
01/30/2010: Brian from Elizabethton, Tn replies: "my 11 yr old shitzu has an ear infection on and off for 8 months now and have been keeping his ears clean and dry as possible. I will try the 50/50 cider vinegar/water solution but, I'm not sure about feeding it to him daily. As I've seen it's mostly women who have posted here and I think you all know what vinegar does to your bodies. It kills ALL the friendly bacteria not only in your digestive system, but your other parts also. My wife says it causes yeast infections in women. It does the same to men if they ingest alot of vinegar like what happened a few years ago. He ate pickled everything and Italian dressing on his salad daily. So if anyone knows more about the side effects on our pets, please post. I figure I should feed my dog a teaspoon of plain yougurt every few days to help his digestive system."
10/29/2010: Tink from Asheville, Nc replies: "All of you folks who are asking about dilution and frequency, it's all in the original post. You don't need to put so much of the solution in your pet's ear that they are shaking it out for half an hour. You can also follow it with aloe vera gel, which is soothing and also will loosen deposits in the ears. If you put the solution in a spray bottle and spray into the ear you won't end up soaking your pet's ear canal and causing them to give themselves injuries due to shaking out all that liquid. One thing that I changed from the original post and would suggest to all of you: use a tablespoon of vodka in place of rubbing alcohol. The solution potentially will drain into the animal's throat from the ear canal and/or be absorbed, and rubbing alcohol is not a healthy substance to ingest. Vodka is clean and digestible. I have poodles, prone to ear issues, and this works for me."
01/06/2011: Buzz from Toronto, On replies: "Of course an antibacterial will kill all bacteria, but, just as following the use of prescribed antibiotics, you should add pro-biotic/good bacteria back into your body. Eat yogurt."
03/24/2011: Claudia from Portland, Or replies: "Brian from TN opines that vinegar kills bacteria and causes yeast infections. Brian (and his wife) are confusing ANTIBIOTICS, which have those effects, with vinegar, which COUNTERS them. I am afraid someone will read his comment and become afraid of vinegar for the wrong reasons--completely oppositely wrong, in fact! (Sugar is more deadly a culprit in this situation than vinegar. ) P. S. --It has nothing to do with the gender of the person using it."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/12/2009: Donna from Cape Breton, Canada writes: "We have a long haired 10 year old cat that has had chronic ear infections all her life. Vets have told us that it is a yeast infection, not mites. Same story as everyone else. Many vet visits and much $$$ later, no relief.
I read about Apple Cider Vinegar and tried some in her ear last night. Just a couple of drops of organic ACV. I didn't dilute it with water - didn't read the posts on this site until after I had done it. It was clearly painful for her and I felt terrible so I'm hesitant to try it again. Would diluting it have made a difference in the how much it would sting?
Her ear is red, hot and has some scratches from her constant digging at it. I was wondering if I could use Traumeel Gel for a few days to help with the inflammation and scratches so that if I use the ACV again it won't sting her as much.
Also wondering about witch hazel. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!"
RepliesEC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
12/12/2009: Donna from Cape Breton, Canada replies: "I also meant to ask how much Apple Cider Vinegar to put in a cat's water. We have 4 cats and water bowls all over the house which I change daily. Is this something that takes time for the cats to get used to or is the amount added so small that they don't notice? Thanks again!"
12/11/2010: Winterhawke from Spokane, Wa/usa replies: "My 15 year old cat has some sort of med resistant ear infection. In the past year, I have taken her to 3 different veterinarians and who each prescribed 3 different ear meds. The last vet prescribe an otic ointment called gentamicin. In researching it after it too failed to address her ear condition, I found it to be a very broad spectrum medication that is effective to every ear pathogen, including yeasts and fungi, that I, (a previous vet teach of 10 years), have ever heard of.I am on a very low income and so can not afford the huge cost of another vet visit. Thus, I did an Internet search and came upon your wonderful site, and noticed many contributors using vinegar as an ear treatment. I have been treating her with a 50/50 solution, of white vinegar to water, for about 2 weeks now which has had no effect and the dark brown liquidy discharge has continued along with her discomfort.
Yesterday, I ran out and purchased some ACV and mixed it to a 50/50 to water solution and shall begin a treatment with that hoping that the particular kind of vinegar used may make a difference. I am really at a loss as to what to try if the ACV solution does not work. I would very much appreciate any ideas that anyone can contribute. Seeing my feline friend suffer is just not acceptable, and so, if any of you could post an idea ASAP, I would certainly appreciate it. There is also a store in town where alternative ingredients can be purchased, or perhaps someone could suggest an online company that sells a product that may work. No matter what, I thank you for reading my plea and for any advice that you could give to me. A Cat Lover in Spokane, Washington"
02/25/2011: Peg from Katy, Tx, Us replies: "Feed your pets some Plain Yogurt daily. Just a spoonful a day will do and they love it. Not temporarily just to treat the problem, but always as their daily routine because it's good for them anyway and will be a preventative. When it's a yeast infection in the ear then they have a yeast infection internally in their body. Drops in the ears from vets are not treating their whole body. Yogurt works on their whole body. Also, if your pet is having chronic yeast infections then you should look into them having a food allergy. Find a food that is for pets with allergies. Do some research online about pet food quality and how to narrow it down to find out what their allergy could be. Animals with allergies tend to get yeast infections. Also, if they've been on antibiotics they can get yeast infections."
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[YEA] 11/10/2009: Cindy from Barry, Texas writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders! I have a 3yr old chocolate lab that suffered from re-occuring ear infections for over a year ! Many trips to the vet ,surgury for cleaning and prescription drugs ( over a $100 a month ) did not rid my girl of her ear aches ! I decided to search the web ! I found your site .Seems daisy is allergic to corn ! I changed her dog food and she gets 1 teasoon of vinegar a day. Its been 2 weeks and I have my girl back . Daisy has done so well that I give 1 teaspoon ACV to my 9 yr old chocolate lab who suffers from arthritis. Red barely limps now . Just Amazing ! My kids ( Red and Daisy ) now have a new lease on life thanks to this site and ACV!"
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[YEA] 11/10/2009: Jessica from Arlington, Va writes: "After coming home to find my cat lethargic and disinterested in food & water, I realized his left ear was causing him extreme amounts of pain. I searched online for advice as I wasn't interested in an expensive vet bill and unnecessary tests. I stumbled upon the posts for Apple Cider Vinegar and tried it on my cat. I mixed one cap of ACV with one cap of tepid water, placed in an infant ear irrigator and squeezed as much as my cat would allow into the ear, massaging the area when possible. He wasn't a fan of the process, however, after one day he was purring and eating again. After 2.5 days, the infection released and drained. After 3 days, he's pretty much back to normal. Thank you!"
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
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[YEA] 08/12/2009: Claire from Los Angeles, Ca, 90026 writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar a Miracle for cat's ear infection -
My cat has had an ear infection for over a year and a half. I have gone to four different vets and spent hundreds of dollars trying to cure it. After reading this site, I poured half a cap full of ACV mixed with half a cap full of water on a cotton ball and cleaned her ears for 3 days straight. It's been 2 weeks, and the infection is still gone! No more black gunk in her ears for the first time in years!!! Thank you Earth Clinic for recommending this!"
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[NAY] 08/09/2009: Gsabrin22 from Miami, Florida, USA writes: "I recently got a dog and once we took him to the vet they told us he had an ear infection. Of course they wanted to give him a bunch of pills and antibiotics which were going to cost me a lot of money. I decided to try this alternative approach instead. The half water/half ACV...I've been cleaning my dogs ears and putting 2 drops of the solution on each ear...but he continues to scratch...
Am i doing something wrong? should I do it more than once a day? should I put more drops in it? Also I have realized that cleaning with a cotton swab doesn't really take much out..I'm scared of trying a q-tip since i've heard it can make it worst.
I am completely new at this, since he is my first puppy. I will appreciate any feedback. Thanks!"
Replies10/08/2009: Fallon from Asheville, Nc replies: "My dog has ear infections too the vet said to clean them with q-tips because it is not going to hurt his ear because the ear cannal is L-shaped so I would go ahead and use q-tips if I were you."
10/14/2009: Katie from St. Johns, Newfoundland replies: "I've got a yellow lab, now 11 months old. For the first 5-6 months she had several ear infections. I found that since her ears are pretty large a Q-tip or cotton ball wasn't overly helpful. The vet told me to pour the cleaner in her ear, and take a tissue (just 1-2 pieces folded over) and cover my finger, then actually stick my finger in her ear. Just go as far as the ear will allow, don't push it, and wipe gently with your finger. I find that this works so much better than a Q tip and she seems to find my finger much less irritating than the Q-tip as well. Hope this helps!"
04/19/2010: Emily from Mexico City, Gto replies: "I too have had a few dogs with reacurring ear infections. Had no idea about apple cider vinegar. I will try now. But what has worked for me in the past is vitamin E oil. You can find oil in herbal section with pills or if not you can actually break open the vit E pills and put directly into the canal. This was the only thing that worked for me with my shepard after numerous reacurring ear infections. Also i find q tips easy if you wet it with peroxide and/or getting a cloth wet with the vinegar and using the finger that way if your dog wont let u see into the ear you can feel where you are cleaning."
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
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[YEA] 08/04/2009: Nancy from Denver, Co writes: "I have a stray cat I adopted whose right ear stunk and was oozing gunky brown stuff. Took him to a low cost clinic where I sat for 3 hours before being seen then was told it was a yeast and bacterial infection. They couldn't treat him till he was sedated and had bloodwork. Come back tomorrow, they said... Didn't want to wait hours and hours again so I took him to my vet who said he had an ear tumor and no infection whatsoever.... Gee, who was I to believe? I saw the ACV treatment on this site and figured I didn't have anything to lose. I've treated him 2 times and most of the gunk is gone and not coming back each morning. The smell is only half as bad as it was. This is great...I see most people only used this on dogs..any other cat people out there? How many days did you treat your feline?"
RepliesEC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
08/06/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "After hearing about using rubbing alcohol and vinegar for ear infections in people, I tried it on my cat, just in one ear. I soaked the corner of a wash cloth with a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half apple cider vinegar and squeezed and rubbed it into her ear for maybe half a minute. Afterward she shook her head good to get the liquid out. She looks more comfortable now two days later, but there is still gunk in her ear (and the other ear). Tomorrow I'll do it again with the suggested solution instead, and on both ears. And clean them out with Q-tips.
She's been eating cat kibble. So I gave her some thawed fish fillets last night, and a chicken liver tonight. I'm her favorite person when I walk in the door now... Except that I had the nerve to put apple cider vinegar in that nice canned salmon... After giving her and the others apple cider vinegar for a few days their coats are getting soft and shiney. We have one with a crippled front paw who can't reach to clean herself well, and tonight her fur was soft and clean feeling. What a blessing..."
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[QUESTION] 07/31/2009: Vfamily from Evergreen, Co writes: "We will try the ACV, but first have a question: Wondering if our dog's infection is different than the rest of yours? I hear the ACV is only for certain types of infections, and many of you mention classic symptoms of itching, redness, pain - sometimes associated with swimming. Our lab doesn't swim (i know, weird) - but we've been to the vet three times $$$ getting antibiotics and washes for her ear. Her symptoms - not to gross anyone out, but - include major discharge, creamy and then hardens to a dark brown color. Very messy, hardens around the ear... Is this more severe than all you are talking about, or just a different type of infection? Does anyone have experience with the ACV OR White vinegar treatments for infections that include this infectious discharge? Thanks so much for your help!... :)"
Replies08/27/2009: Jan from Sauk City, Wisconsin replies: "to the Vfamily...I have not yet tried ACV myself but getting ready to in the next few days. Your Lab isn't weird but I would change vets. For one thing 2 drops of anything in a dogs ears won't do anything. Find out more on how your dogs' ears are built. The ear canal takes a j-hook whitch is why they are prone to infection in the first place. Yeast are hard to kill. Does your dog have yeast or a bacterial infection? Your vet can tell you that. Do not use a q-tip or cotton swab to clean inside your dogs ears. Again the design of the ear canal makes them kind of useless. I always use a cotton ball. And you can soak your cotton ball in your mixture or solution, then push it into your dogs ear and squish it around so it gets to the areas beyond that curve. My Shadow has major ear probs. Had a little hematoma and her ears were actually swollen so bad that the vet couldn't see into them. It also made it diffacult to get meds into. Originally I did get some antibotic drop to put in there, then I changed vets and learned a whole lot of things, as I have been explaining here. You must be aggressive to beat an ear infection of any kind bacterial or yeast. Don't give up. Does your dog have food allergies? Change to a limited ingredient dog food or feed a raw diet. Does your dog have seasonal allergies? It is a sad fact that some vets will just keep you coming back to them for more meds, costing you more money. What we really need to figure out is the cause and the maintaince proceedures we need to take to prevent this from coming back again and again.I will post the results of my testing of ACV and or anyother remedies that I try. I have been asking other "trusted" dog owners that I know also of any remedies they have had success with. I hope you the best. Read everything you can about ears problems in dogs and about dog foods and vaccinations. Good Luck!!!"
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
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[QUESTION] 07/25/2009: Pacha from London, UK writes: "Hi,
My cocker spaniel have been suffering from recurring ear infections for months. The last treatment from the vet hasn't helped at all. I've started to use ACV (1/2 ACV with 1/2 water).
I have a few questions: The brown discharge coming out of her ears seemed to increase at first: is it normal?
Also the vet used to tell me to clean her ears with cotton budds and try to go as deep as possible in the ear canal. However I was wondering whether the "rubbing" is making matter worse. Especially that in most of the testimonies I've read, people seem to use a kleenex or cotton ball to wipe the solution, which makes me think that they don't go as deep.
My last questions regard the length of the treatment? When do you know when to stop? How often should you do it to prevent any infection coming back. I did it every day for a week and it seemed to get better so I waited and when I saw my dog starting scratching her ears 5 days later, I used the ACV again. The quantity of brown discharge was considerable. I'm not sure whether I should carry on with it. Please help."
08/06/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "When I overuse q-tips or rub to hard it tends to encourage more wax and infection in my own ears. Maybe try adjusting the ratio of the solution and don't rub or clean so much?"
08/06/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "You might try adding the rubbing alcohol to the vinegar and water."
08/11/2009: Peter from Chantilly, Va replies: "We adopted a very old Cocker Spaniel from a relative who had really bad ear infections. I came up with a way to allow more air to get into the ear canals and help prevent some of the reoccurring infections. There are 2 ways; first you get a rubberband and pull the hair from the ends of the floppy ears together, above their head, and bunch them up. You have to get a pretty good amount of hair and use a smaller rubberband, or 2. The other way is to create a sling for both of their ears. I made 2 loops using some elastic cord from a dust mask and connected them together with another piece of elastic. In this shape O--O. The ears go in the holes and the tension can be adjusted by the piece in between. It will not lift them completely up, but it will give them an inch or so which helps keep them inhospitable to the infections. I think the best way is the first, just make sure to put some sunblock on the inside of the ears if they will be outside with you for a couple of hours. Don't want them getting burned.Another thing that helps ear infections in general is to put a warm/hot compress on the outside of the ears below the opening to the ear. This will weaken the bacteria or fungi and increase circulation.
Cheers, Peace and Happy Trails!"
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07/08/2009: Daniel from Indianapolis, IN writes: "Well let the ear flapping begin. My 4 yr old lab has chronic ear infections and I just cant afford 150.00 vet bill every few months. I just gave him his first dose of 1/2 acv and 1/2 water. I am keeping my fingers crossed."
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[YEA] 06/24/2009: Aeroplaneflier from Sacramento, CA writes: "My new cat had been suffering on and off from an ear infection for nearly three months. He'd had a dark, crusty buildup in his ears that was so bad I had to clean them twice a day. So of course, I took him to the vet, who prescribed $150 worth of medication on top of the $90 I had to pay for vet visits (initial and the follow-up visit). I treated him with the meds exactly like I was told to do. I switched his food because the vet had suggested he might be allergic to what I was feeding him, and I also started giving him fish oil supplements. While the meds helped enough for the vet to declare that my cat was cured when I brought him in for a follow-up, the infection promptly came back a week later. Frustrated by the idea that I had just thrown so much money at what seemed like such a small problem, I thought there had to be an easier, cheaper way to cure a simple bacterial/yeast infection. This led me to the internet, where I discovered earth clinic and the success that others had had with apple cider vineger. I had some in my kitchen and decided I had nothing to lose, so I started treating him with a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. I either sprayed it in (which he doesn't like too much but which seemed to be the most effective way of getting it in) or used cotton balls soaked in it to wipe his ears out, once a day for a couple of weeks. It's gone from one ear completely, and the other ear is almost back to normal. I'll probably keep treating his ears once a week or so on a regular basis. I am SO happy I could get rid of his ear infection without having to throw my money away at the vet's office."
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06/06/2009: Lay93007 from Green Bay, WI writes: "This isn't a remedy I'm posting I'm actually curious as to the measurements and how many times a day and how many days should I give my dog the apple cider vinegar. And would vinegar work instead or does it have to be ACV? My dog has had 4 ear infections since February and I keep going to the vet just to get more medicine and for them to tell me the same thing over. Thanks guys."
RepliesEC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
07/05/2009: Denise from Plantation, Fl replies: "My vet recommended the vinegar cure for ear infections. His recommendation was 1/2 white vinegar, 1/2 rubbing alcohol. Put drops in dog's ear when he started to scratch."
10/23/2009: Leslie from Indianapolis, Indiana replies: "My Golden Retriever has had some persistent ear infections. To treat them, I have to be persistent, too! Undiluted alcohol and vinegar would probably burn your poor dog's ear a LOT. Try a cup of warm water and 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, twice a day (it is easiest to do one early and one before bedtime). This worked and clear up a really persistent, ongoing infection. The vet just kept wanting to give meds. Go the natural route. It's cheaper and just as effective, but you must be persistent and do not skip days (or the infection will sneak back up)."
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[YEA] 05/20/2009: Shaun from Portsmouth, UK writes: "What a great site.
I was hurriedly looking for a natural way of treating an infection in my dog's ears, which was getting out of control. I had already spent a small fortune at various vets, and had lost faith in them.
Yes, my eye focused on articles, reference to ACV.
Yes, I had second thoughts.
Well I have given ACV a try,( equal parts ACV and water) and I am amazed at the results in only 3 days. The infection is how under control and I am sure a few more days, it will be gone. Honestly, I would say to others, it's worked for me and my dog.
It's not the fact I have saved on a large vet bill, but most importantly I have a cure that works and it's natural.
Shaun"
08/09/2009: Gsabrin22 from Miami, Florida, USA replies: "can u tell me exactly what u did to your dog that it worked? how many drops a day and how u cleaned the ear? I am having trouble figuring it, I've been doing it for my dogs for a few days now but he continues to scratch. Thanks!"
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
10/05/2009: Jessica from Overlnad Park, Ks replies: "When my lab, campbell, got an ear infection, i spent several hundred dollars on vet bills. When there was no change, i switched vets. My new vet gave me specific insturctions on how to flush out his ears with the solution. I used a squeeze bottle with a vinagar solution. I squeezed the solutions into the ear canal until there was enough solution to fill the ear. Make sure you have a hold of your dog, don't let him shake his head yet. place your finger an thumb just below the ear and behind the jaw. You will feel the canal under the skin. Massage the canal, letting the fluid seep into the canal. Do this for AT LEAST 60 SEC. you will know you are doing it right when you hear a squishing sound. Let your dog shake its head. Then wipe out the brown residue that is left in the ear. Do this three times a day, until there is no more brown stuff and no more odor. Its messy, but it worked for us."
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
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05/16/2009: Jim from Green Bay, Wisconsin writes: "we have an old shepard mx. he has always been a tremendously obidient dog. I was seriously worried when what seemed like an ear infection started affecting his hearing and seemingly his internal compass. It happened almost overnite. we thought maybe he had a stroke, not being able to afford vet bills we hoped for a rebound, he is slightly better. But in my search for a solution i found this site. i am immediatley goin to try acv hope it works good for a great dog!"
RepliesEC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
08/06/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "If it happened overnight and seemed to affect his internal compass it might be he has a punctured ear drum? It might not be a good idea to put vinegar and alcohol in an ear with a punctured ear drum....."
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[YEA] 03/29/2009: Adriana from Diamond Bar, California writes: "Dog's Chronic Ear Infection Cured!
I have a sixteen month old Lhasa Apso who started getting ear infections around 6 months of age. In the past year she has seen the vet 4 times for her ear infections. I would administer the prescribed anti-biotics exactly as directed until the medication ran out. However, the infection kept coming back, ans spread from the right ear to both ears. It killed me to see her in pain all the time, stopping to scratch and pound at her ear every few minutes. Also, the smell was very rancid and almost unbearable. I was afraid that some sort of surgery might be necessary to correct the problem. THEN I found Earth Clinic. I read the dozens of post regarding ACV and pets. After a few days of research I decided to give it a try.
I bought organic apple cider vinegar from my local health food store. I emptied the contents of the squirt bottle full of solution from the vet and washed and dried it. I put 1/3 ACV and the other 2/3's distilled water. I then put the mixture in both ears, dried out the ears with a kleenex, then put a squirt of pet ear powder (that I bought from the pet supply store) in each ear to absorb all excess moisture.
I have to be honest, as soon as I put the mixture in her right ear she thrashed and banged her head against the couch and itched at it for a good 10-15 minutes. HOWEVER, within an hour I noticed she had stopped itching her ears. The next day she had completely stopped itching her ears and the odor was gone. I repeated the process on day 2 and 3 and I am confident that the ACV has treated her ear infection. I stopped after 3 days. A week has passed and she no longer pounds her head on the couch or hits at her ears. I am a firm believer in the power of ACV and have started taking it internally myself.
Please note, I noticed that after I administered the ACV my dog started to pant and seemed very dehydrated. I made sure that she drank plenty of water during the 3 days of treatment.
Not only will this method save me hundreds of dollars in doctors visits and prescription cost, but I no longer have to see my lil girl in discomfort and pain due to chronic ear infections. THANK YOU so much earth clinic and all of you who have posted your experiences!!! Give ACV a try!"
04/23/2009: Shelly from Clarksville, TN 37043 replies: "Try a product from the drugstore for swimmer's ear. It was the only thing that helped my dog."
10/12/2010: R from Greenwich, Ct replies: "Thank you for writing that your dog was thrashing and trying to get at its ear. My dog has had on and off again chronic ear infection for the past few yers. Its a terrible thing. I feel so guilty and everyone always asks me what's wrong with her ears. I feel like a bad owner. I've tried all the vet and store products. Well, I decided to give the ACV/Alcohol and water treatment. She looked like she was in so much pain and was trying to get at her ear. I felt so bad! But, then afterwards, she panted, drank water and seemed to calm down. I noticed that her ear no longer smelled and that it seemed to be clearing up. Less stuff in her ears. I was doing every other day, but I will try 3 days in a row like suggested. I just want to make sure I'm not hurting her further."
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[YEA] 02/08/2009: Brook from Somerdale, NJ writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar got rid of my dog's ear infections:
I took my Lab to the vet because he had a smelly ear infection in both ears. The vet gave me 3 different products for his ears.($$$) He told me it was very severe and it was yeast. When I got home and thought about the situation, I decided to try something natural first. I diluted the apple cider vinegar and washed out his ears the first day and then used a cotton ball soaked in diluted ACV the next couple days and it was gone-no redness, no smell, and he stopped scratching at his ears. I got rid of the products from the vet and now if he goes for a swim I wipe out his ears with the ACV."
EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.
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[QUESTION] 01/12/2009: Bonnie from Waterbury, CT writes: "I am about to try apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/2 water for an ear infection on my Westie. I only have distilled white vinegar on hand. Will that be good or should I go out and get the apple cider vinegar?"
Replies01/13/2009: Dianna from Austin, TX replies: "in my experience white vinegar is better at killing things than ACV is and ACV is better for taking internally since it has nutritional qualities.
i have found that putting a few drops of garlic oil (from a garlic oil capsule) really helps ear infections in myself. i have not tried it on my dog - but i do give my dogs garlic orally for flea control. it must be NON de-odorized garlic.
djh/texas"
[YEA] 03/08/2009: Holly from Easton, PA replies: "My poor Cocker Spaniel suffered for about 5 years with chronic ear infections, nothing else helped for the long term until using a mixture of equal parts, white vinegar, water & alcohol, (vinegar kills, water dilutes, and alcohol dries). I always had a bottle on hand to use at bath time, if I smelled that familiar odor or if I noticed him shaking or rubbing his ears on the floor. A little squirt massaged into the ear and the excess moisture wiped out of the ear canal. My dog was not fond of the process, he too would shake his head and rub his ears for a few minutes afterwards, but chronic Ear Infections are far worse. I swear by this stuff. In addition, I kept his ears trimmed to prevent them from retaining moisture, and used a water bowl that kept his ears out of the water."
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