| 5 star (2) | 100% |
Mommadd (Florida) on 02/05/2016: 
Mommadd (Florida) on 01/25/2016:
I love homemade Dakin's Solution - for external use ONLY - it dates back to its use during the Civil War. It is a stellar bacterial killer and it is very effective on yeast. It is also great for cleaning your dog's ears. It doesn't burn. The over-the-counter stuff is costly (for people and for animal use) BUT you can make it at home for pennies. Making Dakin’s Solution
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Measure 4 cups of water into a clean pan.
3. Boil the water for 15 minutes with the lid on the pan. Remove from heat.
4. Measure 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into the boiled water using a sterile measuring spoon.
5. Measure bleach, based on the strength chart below, into the boiled water using a sterile cup or measuring spoon. For my dog's thinner skin, I use the 1/2 strength* recipe vs. the full strength:
Full Strength – add 3 oz bleach
*1/2 Strength – add 3 Tbsp + 1/2 tsp bleach*
1/4 Strength – add 1 Tbsp + 2 tsp bleach
1/8 Strength – add 2 1/2 tsp bleach
6. Place the solution in a sterile jar. Close it tightly with the sterile lid.
Allow to COOL before use. I shake the jar before use to ensure the baking soda is dispersed.
Store the solution at room temperature. It will keep in dark storage for a month. Once opened and exposed to air, the solution deteriorates. Throw away any unused portion 48 hours after opening -- and make a fresh batch.
Obviously don't add more bleach than what is listed. Do not use if there is an allergy to the ingredient(s). Stop using the solution if the situation worsens and get to a vet.
I hope this helps someone else and their beloved dog.
