★★★★★
Our Bordernese seemed to have an issue with his ear. Kept on shaking his head violently. I cut HP with water at a ration of 50:50, wetted a cottonpad with it and carefully massaged his inner ear. All good after first treatment. Thank you, earthclinic!!
Garlic
I was following advise about ear mite/ear infection(since I don't know which one it is) remedies and opened a garlic oil softgel to put in his ear. (They are 1000 gm extract that you get from the dollar general store.) When I opened the softgel, HE WENT WILD for the smell, even though they are mostly odorless. He loved the smell of it so much that he wanted to lick it off my fingers, and I couldn't get it in his ears, he wanted to lick the oil so bad! (He lets me stick my fingers in his ears, so that's not a problem.) He did lick the oil off my fingers and himself, then ran through the house like a nutty kitten. This can't be normal for a cat to love garlic. I then let him lick avacado oil off my fingers, to see if it is garlic oil in particular he wants, or is he short on fats in general, which he also licked off.
QUESTION: how much is too much garlic OIL for a 10 lb cat who LOVES it better than cat treats? He gets supplements(like I do, ) cracked chlorella/ life extension's cat mix/ collagen/hyaluronic acid.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol
★★★★★
Hi Jessica, you want to use apple cider vinegar (ACV). It's much better than regular white vinegar. And to Kathy, that is, equal parts apple cider vinegar (ACV), peroxide and water. My husband and I have a cattery in Oregon, and have 20 cats, at present. Unfortunately, one of our babies got sick with ear mites, which quickly spread to all the other 19 kitties, as most were litters of kittens from our queens! We have always favored natural remedies. My grandmother had been an advocate of apple cider vinegar, claiming it could cure just about anything that ails you. So, I decided to try the ear wash, made up of equal parts apple cider vinegar (ACV) and warm water, in a spray bottle. You want to use a bottle that has a setting for a light mist. Spray in cats/dogs ears twice a day, for 7-10 days. I'd recommend going a full 10 days, to be certain all larvae, as well as the mites, are good and dead! We decided to follow this method up with yet another natural home remedy, using warm olive oil and coconut oil. Just warm up a little of each kind of oil, together, dab with a cotton ball, in kitty/dogs ears. Be sure to wipe out any excess oils. These work beautifully together, as the oils, really help to calm and soothe the redness and irritation from the mites/infection. Which, in my opinion, the ACV/H2O mixture, because of its acidity, doesn't necessarily do, on its own. Another natural option, follow-up, to the ACV/H2O mixture, is Aloe Vera. I'm happy to report, our cattery is free of mites! I hope this is helpful! It certainly was for us and we have 20, very grateful babies!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil
★★★★★
My black lab had ear infection issues for the longest time and we treated him with everything under the sun the vet could think of, she ran every test. I changed his food, made his food, and finally the one couple things that have helped are warm water mixed with apple cider vinegar to clean the ear if its full of debris. Then after the debris is cleaned I put a few drops of tea tree mixed with coconut oil.
I do this twice a day until I see improvement. Its important to clean the ear thoroughly by massaging under the ear drum while the vinegar water mixture is in the canal. Let the dog shake his/her ear after you put the fluid in it will loosen and debris and then take either a cotton ball or gauze pad to clean completely.
Witch Hazel, Boric Acid, Gentian Violet
★★★★★
My dog has had chronic ear infections for the past 3 years. They were treated with drops from the vet but always returned a week after stopping the drops.
I then found a remedy here and results were much longer lasting lasting than what I got at the vet.
- 4 oz witch hazel
- 1 tbsp boric acid
- 4 drops gentian violet
Add products to a glass dropper bottle if you have one and shake well each time you use the remedy. Put several drops in your dogs ears twice a day and massage using gentle, circular movements.
How Long to Use:
Use twice a day for the first week, then once a day for the 2nd week. After that, maintain by adding drops once a day.
Hope this helps someone as ear infections are seriously uncomfortable for dogs and can lead to hearing loss.
Cannabis Oil + Colloidal Silver
★★★★★
I mixed an eyedropper full of organic cannabis oil that was cut with olive oil in the tincture only. Then added an eyedropper full of colloidal silver. Put it on a cotton pad and gently cleaned ears and swabbed all over the inside earlobe. Did this 3 x times daily. Healing took hold within a few days.
Amazing! It's gentle on inflammation and has no side effects.
Rubbing Alcohol, Violet Solution, Boric Acid
@Ruth: please read Theresa's post above dated 8/11/2015. If your dog has very inflamed/raw ear canals, the alcohol will sting! Also search this site for "Arcane" which is a remedy you can make yourself using over-the-counter ("OCT") remedies.
Rubbing Alcohol, Violet Solution, Boric Acid
Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol
I'm going to try it. We've already spent $230 at the vet and on meds that didn't work. We can't get rid of it.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol
Hey Kathy,
You might try the Arcane ear remedy for an active infection:
https://www.earthclinic.com/arcane-solution-ear-infection-dogs.html
If this is a recurring issue with your dog you might also consider diet. Take a peek at the ingredient label and if you see corn or grains it could be your culprit as grains have been linked to skin and ear infections in dogs. Yo might also consider alkalizing your dog's drinking water with baking soda, and also Ted's Borax remedy for dogs.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol
What are the amounts of each peroxide, alcohol, apple cider that you use? I have used another remedy but it hasn't worked. My fur baby still is getting ear infections.
Garlic
Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hi
I try to use the most natural things for my baby puppy too.
HP is just liquid oxygen. The vets are the same all over.. I have been fortunate though. The veta at SPCA Durban and Brighton Beach have been exceptional to my girl.
COCO POP has an ear infection... going to be trying the HP today.
Keep Ears Dry
Rubbing Alcohol, Violet Solution, Boric Acid
Theresa's Remedies
★★★★★
For washing pet's ears:
You might try adding Betadine solution to warm water - use 1 cup of water and add drop by drop the Betadine until it is the color of tea [for reference, look at the bottled teas in the grocery store] and use that to wash the ears out.
Vaginal Yeast Cream
Yes, Monistat works great. I've also posted the "Arcane" recipe on this site which includes Monistat. Here's one of the links: https://www.earthclinic.com/arcane-solution-ear-infection-dogs.html
Vaginal Yeast Cream
★★★★★
I've used Monestat in the past, and it works but it takes a day. After reading about Clotrimazole here, I went to the store and purchased some. It was in the foot section. My dog immediately stopped shaking his head and seems very comfortable. I am so glad I read Veronicac's post. I will always have a tube of this $8 cream on hand. What a big difference it has made already!
Iodine
★★★★★
I have 2 yellow labs, one 9 the other 6. Both have had ear infection problems. The 9 year old had ear infections when he was a pup through year 3. Then a redneck vet gave us the solution. Mix 4-5 drops of iodine with warm water, draw up in bulb syringe squirt in ear. Rub ear and side of head for a few minutes. Place cottonball in ear as far as possible, then pull out. Don't worry never lost one yet in over 5 years. Continue with cottonballs until clean. In two days, it'll be cured. Continue to do once every month or two. Don't let dog swim in ponds or lakes. Ocean, most rivers, and pool is okay.
Probiotics
★★★★★
Peroxide, water and vinegar mixed,, 1 teaspoon each has made my dogs ears smell good, plus a probiotic every day and a drop of vinegar on the food daily...
Rubbing Alcohol, Violet Solution, Boric Acid
I was taught that Boric Acid shouldn't be used in inflamed ear because the acidic property could have the tendency to burn the inflamed ear tissue. Is there any information relating to this?
Zinc Oxide Ointment
★★★★★
Hi:
Our Dog's left ear started having tarry stuff which smelled like yeast, so I came across here as always the first thing comes to my mind after facing a medical problem is visiting earth clinic and searched for a cure, things I tried with no avail :
-) Mixture of garlic and olive oil, boiled, let cool, and dripped in ear ( not even helped, but caused the formation of a gray stuff in his ear which we believe it was pus )
-) Apple cider vinegar, helped a bit at first but couldn't successfully cure anything, We insist which caused dryness in his ear and after scratching the ear by the dog it caused injury so we stopped using it.
The infection developed to the another ear, and what helped at last was :
+) Zinc oxide ointment ( mixed with a little bit of another antibiotic ointment, we used mupirocin but I think another ones work as well )
* How we applied the ointment *
I just put some mixture of ointments on calf of my hand, and with my finger tip ( don't forget to wash your hand and cut your nails or you might scratch the wall of the outer ear and cause injury ) of another hand apply the ointment to all areas of outer ear ( the inside of ear not outside of it, it's just called outer ear or external ear but in fact it is the inside of the part of ear which is like a plate ), don't be afraid of large dose using of ointment as it won't harm and will be absorbed by skin and helps immune system to fight infection but don't use too much to block the hearing and make the area prone to absorb new infections from environment, after covering the whole outer ear, try to GENTLY put your finger in ear canal whilst your finger tip has ointment on it and apply the ointment on the entry and very beginning of ear canal and try to turn your finger so very GENTLY ( caution : you don't need to go too deep )
Just after one day, clean the ear with your finger tip by help of a soft tissue and re apply the ointment, as you go through you'll notice the stuff is becoming lesser and lesser and will disappear just after few days .
Our dog got recovered in his both ears just after few days, with no side effects, despite the fact that there were some injuries in his ears by using inappropriate substances and scratching his ears by himself .
Beside the therapeutic effect of this remedy by chronically helping immune system in helping infections, as some infections cause dryness in ear, the ointment can soften the inside of ear and alleviate the feeling of discomfort for the pet. I hope it helps.
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
I have an American Bulldog & he had ear infections since he was a puppy. It was so expensive & so sad to see him suffer. I changed his diet to grain free/ NOTHING with chicken meal in it. Merrick grain free with salmon worked for us, but you have to do grain free teats as well. No chicken meal at all. Stick to fish based food, treats with only veggies in them.
Blue Powder Solution
★★★★★
I have posted the Blue Power Ear Wash formula on Earth Clinic elsewhere, but cannot find the post. I LOVE this info on Blue Power Ear Cleanser. It's from Facebook and has the best information. Please post it.
Blue Power Ear Cleaner
The good, the bad and the ugly about this popular home made ear cleaner.
By Joan M. Beck
Starlight Springers, Minneapolis, MN
Blue Power Ear Cleaner (also known as Blue Voodoo Ear Cleaner and Gentian Violet Ear Cleaner) is a very popular home made remedy for keeping canine ears clean and infection free. Lots of Internet web sites tout its benefits, and it is frequently mentioned on dog-related chat groups. Most advocates of this treatment say its great, almost magic for treating ear infections, few if any mention how or why the preparation works and if it is safe for our canine friends. Being a natural skeptic of anything advertised as “magic", I decided a little research was in order.
Here is what I discovered:
The Formula:
There are several recipes for Gentian Violet based ear cleaners on the web. The following recipe seems to be the most popular and based on my research the safest and most effective formulation: 2 cups (1 pt.) 70% Isopropyl alcohol (don't use the 91% solution, it is too strong for use in an ear cleaner and can physically burn the delicate ear tissues) 4 Tablespoons boric acid powder 16 drops of 1% gentian violet solution or 8 drops of 2% gentian violet solution. (Order from your local pharmacist)
For best results, place two cups of isopropyl alcohol in a glass measuring cup and heat until luke-warm in the microwave. Heating the alcohol helps the boric acid powder dissolve in the liquid. This recipe calls for a very saturated concentration of boric acid compared to the amount of alcohol. If you don't heat the alcohol first, then you tend to get boric acid crystals settling out at the bottom of your bottle. Boric acid crystals in suspension (particles floating in the liquid) are less effective for altering the pH of the ear canal than boric acid in solution (particles dissolved in liquid). After mixing the boric acid and alcohol, then add the gentian violet. Be sure to place newspapers under the area where you are working. Gentian violet is a strong aniline dye and permanently stains, especially in its concentrated form. I have found that adding one drop of liquid dish soap to this warm purple mixture helps make this mixture work even better because the soap helps break down the surface tension of the earwax so the alcohol can dissolve it. Adding more than one drop of soap starts to change the pH of the solution and reduces its effectiveness. It is recommended that this product be used once or twice a day for two weeks to fight ear infections, then twice a month afterwards to prevent overgrowth of the microbes that cause infection. If your dog produces a lot of earwax and needs more frequent ear cleaning, you might consider alternating the use of this formula with a commercially available ear cleaning formula so long as the commercial ear cleaner also acidifies the ear.
The Good-Why it Works
In case you are wondering why this formula works, here is the scoop. Gentian violet is a fairly powerful antiseptic. Antiseptics are agents that destroy or inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms in or on living tissue. Unlike antibiotics that act selectively on a specific target, antiseptics have multiple targets and a broader spectrum of activity. Gentian Violet was quite popular prior to World War II, especially in veterinary use. It is particularly good at killing fungus like yeast and Staphylococcus bacteria, both big culprits in ear infections. For it to truly work, the solution needs to be in contact with the fungus or bacteria for a minimum of sixty seconds. So filling the ear canal and massaging it around for a minute is a good idea. I suggest you warm the solution slightly in the microwave to make it more comfortable for the dog and to help the alcohol (also an antiseptic) dissolves the wax build-up. Be sure to test the temperature on your own wrist before pouring it into the ear canal. The boric acid in the recipe helps to acidify the pH of the ear canal making it an inhospitable environment for nasty beasties to grow back.
The Bad - Some of the dangers
Now why, if this stuff is so great, don't we see commercial preparations of this formula? One reason is that Gentian Violet is a mild carcinogen (cancer causing agent) Studies at the National Center for Toxicological Research (and similar studies listed below) have shown Gentian Violet to be a thyroid and liver carcinogen for laboratory animals like rats, mice and rabbits. Another reason is that Gentian Violet is toxic to the sensitive cilia cells of the inner ear. If some of the solution happens to seep through a perforated eardrum it can cause a debilitating and permanent dizziness or deafness. A third consideration is its reported effects on the fetus. Pregnant animals in the Gentian Violet studies showed fetal abnormalities including those to the musculoskeletal and urogenital systems. Gentian violet also affected fertility and was deemed the cause of a high rate of post-implantation mortality (either death or reabsorption of the fetus). These factors make the product too big a potential liability for a commercial production. The FDA has banned its use as a food preservative and discourages its use in human medical and veterinary preparations designed for chronic use (like ear cleaners) although the agency seems to have no problem with occasional use.
The Ugly- More is not better
Please don't use more gentian violet than is recommended in the formula. Antiseptics, like Gentian Violet, have been found to be toxic not only to bacteria and fungus, but also to cells essential to the wound healing process, such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and leukocytes. However, this cell toxicity appears to be concentration dependent. In other words, in low (recommended) concentrations, antiseptics like Gentian Violet retain their antibacterial and anti fungal activity, but they don't end up killing off beneficial cells. The Moral of the Story When used properly this is a good ear cleaner/disinfectant. It has been reported to stop some ear infections when all other treatments have failed. Given the research studies, especially the cancer studies, it may not be advisable to use this as your dog's only ear cleaner, but it is a good product to get ears back under control. The fetal death and abnormality studies suggest that it is not advisable to use this product on a pregnant or lactating bitch. The risks of fetal abnormality are just too high. Colloidal silver preparations and non-staining iodine compounds work almost as well as Gentian violet preparations and have been shown to be very safe. Many commercial preparations are also very good and very safe. Look for those that do not contain chlorhexidine (also can cause birth defects) and state that the product leaves the ear acidified to discourage re-growth of bacteria and yeast.
References:
National Center for Toxicological Research
www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/ cpg/cpgfod/cpg578-600.htm
Littlefield, N. A., B.-N. Blackwell, C. C. Hewitt, and D. W. Gaylor. 1985. Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of gentian violet in mice. Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 5:902-912
Case, R. A. M., and J. T. Pearson. 1954. Tumours of the urinary bladder in workmen engaged in the manufacture and the use of certain dyestuff intermediates in the British chemical industry. Br. J. Ind. Med. 11:213-221..
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/bo895440.html
www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/ cpg/cpgfod/cpg578-600.htm
Antiseptics on Wounds: An Area of Controversy
Anna Drosou, MD, Anna Falabella, MD, Robert S. Kirsner, MD
Wounds 15(5):149-166, 2003. © 2003 Health Management Publications, Inc.
Posted 06/11/2003
http://www.ulceras.net/documentos/Antiseptics%20on%20Wounds.doc.
Characteristics of systemic and topical agents implicated in toxicity of the middle and inner ear
Peter S. Roland, MD
http://www.entjournal.com/html/article_2_0301.html
Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Technischen Universität München, Biedersteiner Strasse 29; D-80802, Dr. Knut Brockow: München (Germany)
Brennan SS, Leaper DJ. The effect of antiseptics on the healing wound: A study using the rabbit ear chamber. Br J Surg 1985;72:780-2.
Bennett LL, Rosenblum RS, Perlov C, et al. An in vivo comparison of topical agents on wound repair. Plast Reconstruct Surg 2001;108(3):675-85.
Livingstone DH, Cryer HG, Miller FB, et al. A randomized prospective study of topical antimicrobial agents on skin grafts after thermal injury. Plast Reconstruct Surg 1990;86(6):1059-
De Gracia CG. An open study comparing topical silver sulfadiazine and topical silver sulfadiazine-cerium nitrate in the treatment of moderate and severe burns. Burns 2001
Crossfill M, Hall R, London D. The use of chlorhexidine antisepsis in contaminated surgical wounds. Brit J Surg 1969;56(12):906-8.
Brennan SS, Foster ME, Leaper DJ. Antiseptic toxicity in wounds healing by secondary intention. J Hosp Infect 1986;8(3):263-7.
Lineaweaver W, McMorris S, Soucy D, Howard R. Cellular and bacterial toxicities of topical antimicrobials. Plast Reconstr Surg 1985;75:394-6.
Skog E, Arnesjo B, Troeng T, et al. A randomized trial comparing cadexomer iodine & standard treatment in the out-patient management of chronic venous ulcers. Br J Dermatol 1983;109:77-83.
Robins P, Day CL Jr, Lew RA. A multivariate analysis of factors affecting wound healing time. Dermatol Surg Oncol 1984;10:219-22.
Geronemus RG, Mertz PM, Eaglstein WH. Wound healing: The effects of topical antimicrobial agents. Arch Dermatol 1979;15:1311-4.
Cooper ML, Laxer JA, Hansbrough JF. The cytotoxic effects of commonly used topical antimicrobial agents on human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. J Trauma 1991;31(6):775-84.
Payne DN, Gibson SAW, Lewis R. Antiseptics: A forgotten weapon in the control of antibiotic resistant bacteria in hospital and community settings. J Roy Soc Health 1998;118(1):18-22.
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 139 Issue S3 Page 13 - December 1998
1365-2133.1998. Vol. 139 Issue S3, Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis and its therapeutic implication, Abeck & Mempel
Zymox
★★★★★
There is an enzyme based product called Zymox which works wonders on ear infections. I had a 16 yo dog whose ears were red and inflamed, and after ordering this product (zymox otic hc 1%) it cleared up within a day. Recently I gave a bottle to a friend whose dog has chronic ear infections, and the drugs and cleanings did nothing. She was constantly shaking her head, poor thing was in agony. Within 5 days all shaking stopped. You can order from amazon. Be sure to read the directions, and don't clean the ear first, just apply to dirty ear.
Vaginal Yeast Cream
★★★★★
One of my dogs has always gotten horrible ear infections. I tried many things, including expensive vet visits. The cream the vets prescribed worked great, until we ran out. It was getting too expensive to continually visit the vet every other month. After researching, I discovered many dog ear infections are yeast infections. I'm a woman, and I've had plenty experience with yeast infections. I don't like Monistat because it burns. So I decided to try Clotrimazole, which is in both yeast infection and athlete's foot medication. It did the trick. I've been putting it in my dog's ears a couple of times a week. Her ears are no longer red, rough and swollen. I've also begun adding a tiny bit of borax to the cream, and it really does help. Borax is now my go to for my own yeast infections. If you can't find Clotrimazole in the yeast infection area, check the athlete's foot area. They are exactly the same.
★★★★★
This homemade treatment really works. Used it a few years back on poodle that had ear infection that just wouldn't clear up.
Rubbing Alcohol, White Vinegar
★☆☆☆☆
Please don't do this one or do so with caution, at your own risk. I used the proper gadget to pull hair out of poodle ears. I then used this mixture & wiped inside her ears with a cottonball. I also massaged her ears for 60 seconds. She was thrilled & ran all through the house. A week later I cleaned her ears with this (no hair to pull) & 2 days later her ears were full of scabs. Now I have to apply Neosporin & got a solution from vet to use going forward.
P.S. The rubbing alcohol was only 70%.
Hydrogen Peroxide
★★★★★
I've found the same results with peroxide. I've used it for years, now, but was told the same thing. I have a dear elderly couple who live next to me, they've literally spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars at the Vet. to have no results with there dog. This dogs ears were terrible after a year of Vet care, I constantly told him just buy peroxide and use it on his ears, that's all I use. He wouldn't do it, until recently, and he chuckles when he talks to me and says. you swear by this stuff and continually told me to switch, and I'm happy I did, but wish I'd listened many dollars before. Believe it, their dogs ears are better then they've been in years...due to the use of peroxide!
Rubbing Alcohol, Violet Solution, Boric Acid
Hey Karina!
I agree that the vinegar and alcohol will sting and hurt a dog with such a severe ear infection.
If this were my dog I would go online and try Zymox Otic hcl 1%. This is a liquid and will need to be worked deep into the ear several times per day.
If you do the vet they likely will try to prescribe 'Oti-pack E'; please be aware this product has resulted in permanent deafness in some dogs.
If I had zero money and could not afford the Zymox or another vet visit, I would crush a couple of cloves of raw garlic into 1 cup of olive oil [Neem oil would be my first choice] and let steep over night and then warm that up and get that into the ear; raw garlic has strong antibacterial properties and the oil should be soothing. My next choice would be to spend the $20.00 or so to make up Wendy's recommended healthy ear formula, but my concern is that it is too thick and will not properly penetrate deep into the ear canal.
Distilled White Vinegar
★★★★★
My boy is bout fourteen and he kept goin off balance and calapsing thort it was old age and thort I was goin to have to put him to sleep but luckily I read this first so I tried it and sure enough it worked when he stud up without fallin over I got on one knee and give him such a big hug with tears down my cheek thanku so much for leavin a comment so people like me kud read as I cud of made a bad mistake once again thanku so much my dog is a Alsatian cross with a lab and I also have a Japanese Akita which I rescued from the fire at Manchester dogs home and I love my boys to bits
Boric Acid
★★★★★
I take 150 ml of water and add a heaping teaspoon of boric acid and add 70 to 80 ml of clear vinegar to it. Then I pour it into those containers which have isopropyl alcohol sheets (can buy them in drug stores or Kmart or Walmart).
I pull out a sheet, squeeze out excess fluid and wipe out my dogs ears with it. Boric acid and vinegar kill bacteria and fungus. Boric acid can also kill ear mites.
