Ear Mite Remedies

Green Tea and Ear Mites:

My other kitten, Coyote, is about two and a half months old. Last night I noticed that he was moping around, so I picked him up and looked him over. The inside of his right ear was encrusted with the nastiest looking brown crap I have ever seen. I brewed a tea tag of green tea in a clean, empty baby food jar, took several cotton balls and carefully cleaned his ears out. I noticed that deep inside his ears was really cruddy looking, but I was afraid to probe down there with a Q tip, so I squeezed some green tea down there and allowed him to shake it out. I did both ears, but the right ear was worse.

I decided that if he didn't clear up we were going to the vet ASAP. The next morning I examined the little fella (had to pull him away from beating his mother up) and his left ear looked very clean. His left ear, which didn't get as much green tea, was now looking a little worse.

I warmed up the green tea I had left over from the night before and again carefully cleaned both ears out, treated the left ear just as equally as the right. I dripped green tea down inside both ears and waited while Coyote fussed and shook his ears out.

I've read that olive oil mixed with a little garlic works to kill the mites. I might try that. I also know that the ears need to be treated an entire month, because of the eggs. I have a bottle of that Mitricide but it states that it is not to be used on kittens younger than 12 weeks old. Coyote is ten weeks old. Might not make much of a difference, but I've had some bad experiences with meds that were vet prescribed, and I decided not to take the chance. There's a reason that caution was put on the bottle.

Can Canine Ear Mites Get under Human Skin?

My friend's Rottweiller has ear mites and 3 vets tried to treat her but she wouldn't let them -- (this is what I'm told?) but she's such a sweet dog and I roughhouse with her almost every day and I've broke out in a rash and I feel a crawling sensation and tunnels on my hands AND my ears are being bitten-up. OF COURSE NO DOCTOR WILL EVEN LOOK but only gave me topical medication for scabies - AND I DO NOT HAVE SCABIES.

My question is: is it possible I got infected by canine ear mites? All this stuff sounds crazy to me but it's the only thing that makes any sense. I'd appreciate whatever help I can get and thanks so much! Artie G.

Black walnut hulls in the form of drops is effective on parasites, about 7 drops per day in a small glass of water for 3-4 weeks. I learned about this from a holographic health practitioner.

Replying to Artie G: Yes, humans can get mites from their dogs, cats or bunnies. My friend got a terrible infestation that gave her a huge immune reaction - hives & itchy rash in multiple places. You need to STAY AWAY from that dog (sorry! ) for at least 3 weeks because that's how long the eggs take to hatch & then die. Cheyletiella - check out http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Dermatology/Cheyletiella-the-under-diagnosed-mite/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/363975

A friend of mine, an animal breeder, gave me a remedy for ear mites: gentian violet and rubbing alcohol, I don't remember the proportions. She recently died and I took one of her rescued, feral kittens. He had ear mites, and it looked as though my older, beloved Oscar kitty had gotten them from the kitten. I found the mixture, had a friend helping me and things got crazy; I ended up accidentally getting a whole dropperful of the stuff in Oscars ear. The next day he lost his voice, it was down to a rasp. I am killing myself with guilt. This was 4 days ago and his voice has gotten only a little better. He is otherwise fine, playing and purring, and the mites are gone from both cats, with a second, vastly smaller treatment 3 days later. Does anyone know about this? I'm really worried that I might have done more harm and don't feel I can afford the vet right now. Thanks, eLissa

First of all I want to say "NEVER" try anything on your pets you won't try on yourself. I won't give anything to my pets that I wouldn't take myself. The best rule of thumb is use human grade (whatever)you're using on your pets! I've noticed a lot of comments on Diatomaceous Earth. I would like to say that the only grade that is good for animals is the same grade that humans use, Freshwater, food-grade DE. If it doesn't state on the package that it is certified, food grade then you don't want to give it to your pets, period! I also noticed that on this site someone mentioned the use of "Neem Oil" it is a really good oil to use that is 100% natural. If anyone is interested in finding out more about Neem Oil go to, www.organixsouth.com or call 1-888-989-Neem(6336). This oil is good for human use also for dry skin and scalp treatments. The one that I use is Thera Neem ,skin soothing 100% pure cold pressed. I'm one of their customers and have no affiliation with this company and I'm not getting anything for this endorsement, this is just great stuff!

Diatomaceous Earth is NOT glass. Saltwater derived DE has a high sillica content and is only used as a filitration catalyst. It is neither suitable for consumption nor useful as an insecticide. Food-grade DE has little or no crystalline sillica. I've used it on chickens, cats, dogs and for general insect control in many applications. It's non-toxic and has little impact on beneficial species outside of the applied area.

The wobbles are suggestive of inner ear damage affecting his balance. Please seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

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(Mpls., Mn) on 01/31/2017

Hello Janet,

ACV is great for the ears, but will sting ears that are sore from being scratched. Consider using garlic infused olive oil, or other remedies for ear mites first: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/ear_mites.html.

to Delores in Hobe Sound - ear mites:

09/22/2008: Dolores from Hobe Sound, Florida writes: "What is the formula for ACV? My cat has eye problems and also ear mites. I use a commerical ear cleaner but they keep coming back. I hate putting her through the ear cleaning so often."

I have used NutriBiotic ear drops with tea tree oil & grapefruit seed oil in my dogs & cats ears. They had a lot of scratching and black gunk (i think that is from mites). Their ears are clear now. I got the drops at vitamin shoppe, but you can find them online too. Hope this helps.

While I have used Ivomec in the past to (succesfully) prevent heartworms in larger dogs, I have never attempted the ear mite remedy here described. Also, at this time I am the owner of a guinea pig sized "dog" whose tiny weight makes me apprehensive to attempt the application of Ivomec to protect his tiny self from heartworms. A chart would be GREATLY appreciated!

I would like the Ivomec chart that Linda (BertsBabe2008) talked about Thanks so much.

i would love the chart also. can you use the paste and if so can you mix it with water or somthing else?
joanna

this is in response to Yea of 07-11-2008

They suggested Ivomec for ear mites.1/2cc per ear. I got a generic brand of the same thing at the feed store for $37.00. The brand name is almost 50.00. It did in fact all 4 of my dogs ear mites that did in fact spread really quickly. After using the Ivomec the next day I put 2 drops of mineral oil in each ear because mites deposit droppings that can cause other infections. The mineral oil helps to clean out the ear canal an keep it clean it also soothes the red ears that the mites caused in the first place.

Well yesterday my cats ear swelled up. She had been lying around for about 2-3 days. Kind of depressed. For a small time before that every so often she would scratch her ears. Im in my early 20's and this is my first cat. Though its like she had always been there. Anyway, so yesterday her left ear swelled up . I called a emergency vet because it happened to be later on the weekend. But I really couldn't afford a emergency vet visit. So I went to the store and I bought Hartz Guard w/ Aloe. But first I put a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide in a dropper to clean out the ear wax (which the mites feed off of.) So I put the peroxide in her ears and massaged it and then used a cotton ball. The cotton ball thing is alot more difficult then it sounds!! After administering that I gave her some time because if anybody has ever had peroxide in their ears you know it starts crackling as it eats the ear wax. Then I put one drop of the Hartz on the outer part and 5 drops on the inner, because she is a runt and under 15 pounds. It tells you on the back how much based on their weight. But it is a pesticide so I advise against putting too much in the ear. Well that was last night so we went to bed and this morning she's not 100% but she's up running around holding her head up. She seems happy again. Now I know what I need to do and how frequently. Please don't be as ignorant as I was to let it get that bad. We all love our kitties or we wouldn't be here. I got the idea for the peroxide off of this site. Because it was so late I had to go to Wal-Mart and all they had was the Hartz and no cleaning solution I needed something so thanks!

My cat was miserable and his ear stank. I put a pinch of diatomaceous earth (swimming pool filter grade)in each ear. He seemed to be a bit better in about 40 minutes. He has stopped shaking his head and seems less lethargic. We'll see if he needs something more,(if he has a bacterial infection. His ear smelled like feces. ewwwwww!

WARNING!

FYI! I lost a beautiful German Shepherd and the sweetest kitty because they ingested pool grade diatomaceous earth. Keep it away from your beloved pets!

I can't imagine that it would feel good, to put vinegar on inflammed, irritated skin. Vinegar is very acidic.

If you have to do this, please rinse afterwards with water and put something soothing on there, like aloe.

I appreciate the vet comments on 4/16. There are several items available like Revolution. Milbe-mite is one. I have one indoor/outdoor cat and 8 barn cats. Revolution, Advantage, and Milbe-mite range in price from $20+. I cannot afford these things. So I welcome affordable alternatives. Does any one have info about what to do about a kitten while treating the other cats?

I was alarmed and confounded to find that my 2 cats were infected with ear mites as I had faithfully been applying on each (on the nape of the neck as instructed), a dose of Revolution on a monthly basis for 2 years. What gives?

WARNING!

Read the label on Revolution, for cats, about mites. Does it not say something like "for the treatment and control of ear mites"? Not cure, eradication, not resolution... Besides, do you want a systemic pesticide circulating through your kitty when there are no long-term studies on safety? (My guess is that long-term, it'll shorten your cat's life.)

I tried an old-school (maybe organophosphate type) ear-drop miticide on my cats. Not only did it not get rid of the mites, but it caused severe inflammation and open sores that took weeks to heal.

Mineral oil worked FAR, FAR best for my cats.

I would like to know if I can use this remedy on a bunny's ears? I know that their systems are very delicate and I do not want to threaten my rabbits health. Some things are better not used on rabbits. Thank you.

Whatever you do, do NOT put tea tree oil in an animal's ear. Studies have shown it can damage animals' ears. Also it burns quite a bit.

RE: Holding down a cat:
An easy, friendly way to hold a cat so that you don't get shredded during care is to toss a quillt over their back, as they are unsuspecting, then wrap them up in your arms and hold them like a baby. you can hold them with one hand and give care with the other. Have all your supplies on a table beforehand, so you can easily grab them with your one hand. Eventually your cat will know that when you do this he/she does not need to be scared. My cat no longer needs to be wrapped up when I cut her nails. She growls quietly, but is never violent.

Of course if you pour H2O2 - or acid vinegar, or any of many standard vet medicines in your pet'eyes when they are supposed to go into their ears - it *WILL* blind them !!!!

As I mentioned a couple years ago I used the Ted's Mange cure (slighlty modified) with success on my cat - and so far, there has been only one small resurgence last year, immediately snuffed.

For reference, again this is what I posted

09/29/2007: Andre from New York, USA writes: "I tried the oil based treatments, actually using coconut oil since I heard it has antiseptic properties, and hydrogen peroxide. This only slowed down the ear mites. After a couple of weeks of this, I started with a mix of Borax (20 Mule Team), hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and a little Dr Bronner soap. After just two days the mites are disappearing. To prevent my cat from lcking off his wet fur, that I allow to dry naturally as indicated, I got him a collar. See his picture on Fickr, tag: ear.mite.cure.for.cats, or go directly to the page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycandre/1459080973/

Thanks a lot, Ted and everyone else here! nycandre

Posted by Theresa

×

Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

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(Mpls., Mn) on 08/21/2017

Hey Sarah,

Your dog may have fleas, that or you both have sarcopic mange. Ted's Mange Remedy can help with the sarcoptic mange, and you might consider a lamp flea trap to see if your house is harboring fleas as well.

CY Gabriel soap is very effective for most skin problems including scabies. We also treat the affected area with warm coconut oil. Dip a piece of cotton in the oil and swab on the affected are start from the outside boarders. We make our own coconut oil so I'm not sure if supermarket bought vco's will work the same.

I tried the peroxide-borax remedy: Day 1. Dear Ted, In desperation searching for Hartz Mt. ear mite medicine, the best over-the-counter for cats I've found, I went to 10 stores but there was a run on the stuff! I turned to the web,found your site and read about the ear mite control. Bought the stuff, mixed it up, bathed my poor old cat's ears which were hairless on the outside, bad looking with the bloody stuff inside. So far on Day 1, this treatment has brought Nicki instant relief. She has been sleeping with her ear up for some days now, unable to go into deep sleep mode due to the ear mites. Right now she's in a deep sleep, all curled up like normal. I found all ingredients quickly in my small town but could not find Hartz Mt. ear miticide in faraway larger town after 3 hr. of searching. Thank you! Will let you know as things progress but so far, Day One is going well.

I tried the oil based treatments, actually using coconut oil since I heard it has antiseptic properties, and hdrogen peroxide. This only slowed down the ear mites. After a couple of weeks of this, I started with a mix of Borax (20 Mule Team), hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and a little Dr Bronner soap. After just two days the mites are disappearing. To prevent my cat from lcking off his wet fur, that I allow to dry naturally as indicated, I got him a collar. See his picture on Fickr, tag: ear.mite.cure.for.cats, or go directly to the page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycandre/1459080973/

Thanks a lot, Ted and everyone else here! nycandre

Hi! I have two cats and my daughter has one. She didn't know her cat had ear mites when she moved into our home. Now I have to deal with all 3 of them having ear mites. I tried cat mite medicine from a store, plus the one called Adams. All it did was make my cats very sick and their ears heated up, and became irritated!! I was at my wits end when I thought I would look up about ear mites on-line. I was so happy to hear about your natural remedies!! I have been using vegetable oil,' for the past 3 days and it seems to be working!! If it doesn't clear them all the way up, I am going to try some of your other remedies. I like the vegetable oil, because it doesn't irritate their ears, and doesn't make them vomit. (the other remedies from the store made them vomit and run fevers.) They don't seem to be scratching as much with the vegetable oil either. It is a battle though putting it into two of the cats ears, as they don't like anything in their ears. Thank you so much for helping me deal with these pesky mites who seem never to leave!! Now maybe my cats and me can get some rest!! Thanks again. I will write more to let you know how they're doing. Thanks again!!

Hi, Nimueh back again. Still working with this situation. Since previous notes, have done three rounds with the vet, separated by 2-3 weeks, of: 1) fogging the house with a pyrethins-based fogger to stop mite cycle of mites scattered around the place. [Took all 6 cats out of the house for 3 hours each time; also plants; covered kitchen surfaces. Didn't mind the fogging too much as it dissipates afterwards quickly and left no discernible residue.]; 2) simultaneous to the house fogging, treated 3 cats with Acarex topical treatment in ears - these 3 were doing pretty well and do not have much symptoms, and 3 cats with my vet doing "off-label" transdermal shots of Iverectin (same stuff as Acarex - I think it's the same as Milbemite)as these 3 haven't yet shaken all the symptoms.sigh; 3) the first time, I also flea-shampooed the cats too. This has been quite costly and a hardship for me. (I am trying to set up another job to help us through this.)

In the last few days I am trying one more natural approach. Like I said, we may have tough mites here in the desert. My vet is trying hard to help us, but it's not gone yet. In the time between treatments, it gets almost all better, but then starts up again when the cycle starts over in about 2-3 weeks.

In the intervals between treatments, for relief, I have used: -- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) - but prefer not to, because it's so drying on all our feet and the surfaces in the house; -- also flea shampoo in their ears - very toxic! done in desperation! - not perfectly effective either. --Now I thought of ENZYMES. I found a human shampoo and mousse formerly called "Not Nice To Lice"- totally natural, not harmful - from Walgreen's, then re-ordered online. Now it seems to be selling at the same website www.notnicetolice.com but with with the new name "Lice R Gone", plus Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint that can be used as a pet shampoo. I have been putting my remaining Not Nice To Lice shampoo in their ears, first cleaning with Qtips with this solution, then squeezing a dipped cottonball in the ear and rubbing the ear base while attempting to keep it shut. (Yes, I'm covered with it from their shaking afterwards.) It's a very thin shampoo solution that doesn't leave much residue, and in the last few days I think it's helping. The 3 cats who need it most, their skin is not as irritated as with the poison flea shampoo (duh!), and in fact, all is healing up well, AND they aren't shaking and scratching. It is so much better for these 3, that tonight I used it also in the ears of the 3 who don't need it too badly, and now no one is scratching. It is peaceful. Aaaahhhhhh.

Enzymes digest anything and everything. Enzymes are how we digest our food and do any chemical function in the body. So I am picturing this solution dissolving the critters and their eggs. Thus, no matter what immunities the little mite-monsters have managed to develop, the enzymes have the potential to just dissolve these invaders regardless. Enzymes don't hurt the cats or me or my hands or feet, or the household surfaces. I am once again hopeful.

Though the Lice R Gone shampoo, 8 oz., is $22, and the Enzyme Cleaner - Peppermint, 32 oz., is $35 ( - there is a smaller one too), plus $8 shipping, if it works, this will be much cheaper than what I have been doing. I will keep you posted. I appreciate you all and Earth Clinic. Good luck.

Friends, I don't know why but the wet application of DE failed to help my 6 cats, even as much as the dry DE application. I am back to applying the DE, dry, on a cotton ball to ears - pressing a good amount into the ear, paws, tails' tips and privates, and anywhere else they are scratching. At least they have immediate relief, and it surely minimizes the mite excrement and ear wax that is in the ear. I will research getting the Milbemite from my vet. I will keep this DE up until I can arrange for the vet treatment, hopefully it will start to end this as it has been going on so long (3 months). I will let you know. Many thanks for all the sharing.

Andy, Pleasantville, (New Jersey)

Mineral oil is a petrochemical product and has undesirable side effects. Instead a low percentage of hydrogen peroxide (less than 3%) and or warmed olive oil with garlic are usually helpful.

Neem oil is excellent for ear mites and needs only a few applications for the removal of mites.

Namaste, Om

After trying Revolution monthly, I am now trying it twice monthly as I read online somewhere. Still, with various cleaners from the vet and from online, my beloved cats are still shaking their heads and scratching.I have also been using DE powder whenever they display these symptoms. I grab a cotton ball and dip it in the DE powder and press it firmly into each ear, also to their paws front and back - just dust the top of the paw, to the tip of their tails - as the paws and tail tip contact the ears, and their private parts - just dust there with the DE-coated cotton ball. Plus any place else that they are scratching. These are places where the parasites, eggs and such may be, so the DE will just stop them from developing. DE microscopically is very sharp shards as well as very dehydrating, so it wipes out all kinds of parasites and pests, in the garden too, etc. However, I am tired of them having more problems with this coming up still day after day. I am glad that the DE gives them immediate relief. I will continue for a month, as one writer suggests here, though I may have already done that. DE is very drying, so wash your hands thoroughly as it will dry your nails; also floors, etc. Still I would do anything to have their suffering end. I will try Milbo-Mite, as the oil didn't work for me & wasn't manageable - oil everywhere! Thank you!

Hi. I read your posts and wanted to warn you and others to not ever use swimming pool grade DE for pets or people, especially if they can lick it and ingest it. I've heard of this killing some people's cats! (It has very toxic chemicals ). I appreciate your warning about the extra fine flour grade getting into the air and harming the lungs. I've read that one person's cat died from inhaling it. I see that you care and love your furry babies an awful lot, and it's refreshing to see someone trying so hard to make them comfortable. I hope you've found a remedy that at least works for a while. One trick to help keeps mites to a minimum on pet bedding, is to enclose cat beds in a zippered pillowcase, or two. That way you can easily just wash the pillowcases and changed them out fast without doing a ton of laundry (or put a folded up blanket or quilt inside the pillowcases). You can even use a big role of clear scotch tape to take the mites off and also some mineral oil to see if there are any on there with a magnifying glass. I hate ear mites!! Best of luck!

I really appreciate all the great advice I've gathered from reading your site. But, if I had used the remedies that are recommended specifically for ear mites, I would have severely annoyed my cat and myself and she would still be scratching. Thank goodness I made the association between ear mites in cats and mange in dogs and used Ted's wonderful mange cure. (My mixture was 2 parts apple cider vinegar, to 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part Borax; diluted in a gallon or so of water) And it worked like an absolute charm. Bathing a cat is never fun, but the next day her incessant scratching had stopped and has not returned. What a wonderful gift this man has given to animal lovers and caretakers around the world! Thank you so much Ted, for sharing and proliferating your extremely useful knowledge in the way that you have. And I'm sure there are millions of small four-legged creatures who no longer have itchy and infectious skin that are singing your praises as well. Thanks again.

I would caution against using Milbo-mite in certain cats, especially if they are older, sick, sensitive etc. I just read where a woman gave it to her cats and the one who was 14 ended up having to be put to sleep because of it. After using it in her ears, she became lethargic and slowly started going downhill. I think it's a neurotoxin and harmed the cats nervous system. Her other 2 cats who were younger were ok. The 14 year old was perfectly healthy..eating, playing right before the Milbo- mite. Certain cats can be pretty sensitive. Also, don't use the "natural " Pyretherins made from the chrysanthemumflower, they are supposedly ok for dogs, but toxic to kitties.

We took in a kitten or rather young cat that was hanging out in our back yard. We bought a tag that said "Please call Lisa @ 555-5555 if this is your cat. She was really tame and we started letting her stay in our home longer and longer until she no longer sat by the back door wanting to get out. After two weeks we brought her to the vets for a check-up because there were other rather wild cats hanging around. We figured what they were hanging around for, but she really wasn't our cat, but then we said, to heck with it and took her in for shots and a check-up. The Vet reported that she was pregnant and had ear mites, but that he couldn't treat them without risking harm to the kittens. So we've spent the past month watching her struggle with ear mites. If only we looked at your natural remedies earlier we could have at least soother her discomfort with your recommended treatments. We will never neglect our pets again or wait for the local Vets to answer all of our concerns. Thank you so much

Lady I don't know what you are talking about I have 14 cats Yes 14 used to be 10 until I found four abandoned little kittens that were loaded with mites so thick it was so hard it was like little rocks in there and when I put vegtable oil in there and loosened it they shook there heads and it sounded like gravel hitting the counter I had them on..... Now for the last 2 days with the vegetable oil its not as itchy and there a lot more relieved with there ears. If your the kind that run to the doctor every time your kid is sick you or your husband must have HUGE BILLS!!!! You try home remedies first they do work if you know what you are doing!!!