Ear Cleaning Solution

[Woogie Man]

I found a site that has a 'recipe' for an ear cleaning solution you can make at home. Supposedly, it's used by many Cocker Spaniel exhibitors. Has anyone here tried such a solution and, if so, is it effective and safe? I was wanting to try it but thought I'd check here first. Here's the link Cocker Spaniel Ear Cleaner Recipe - Ear Infections Thanks for any input.

[cataholic]

I have never heard of that cleaning formula. I have a cocker whose ears get infected. I get ear cleaner from my vet. I think I would be afraid to try this mixture with the Boric acid in it. Otherwise I probably would have tried it. Maybe you can call a vet and ask them if it is okay to use?

[fannie]

I have not tried this mix. However, what I use is a mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. When they are done with their bath, I tear a cotton ball in 1/2 and soak it in the mix. Place 1 piece in each ear, fold the ear over and rub so the mix goes down into the ear.

[Woogie Man]

Here's what I found on Wikipedia about using boric acid........".Medicinal

It can be used as an antiseptic for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in dressings or salves or is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash in a 1.5% solution or 1 tbsp per quart of sterilised water. As an anti-bacterial compound, boric acid can also be used as an acne treatment. Boric acid can be used to treat yeast and fungal infections such as candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) by inserting a vaginal suppository containing 600 mg of boric acid daily for 14 days (PMID 10865926). It is also used as prevention of athlete's foot, by inserting powder in the socks or stockings, and in solution can be used to treat some kinds of otitis externa (ear infection) in both humans and animals. The preservative in urine sample bottles (red cap) in the UK is boric acid". When I went to get the ingredients, I got the boric acid at the pharmacy and asked the pharmacist about using it in an ear cleaning solution and he said it should be fine. I have everything on hand but was just checking here before using it. Thanks for the replies.

[maxmom]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

Here's what I found on Wikipedia about using boric acid........".Medicinal

It can be used as an antiseptic for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in dressings or salves or is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash in a 1.5% solution or 1 tbsp per quart of sterilised water. As an anti-bacterial compound, boric acid can also be used as an acne treatment. Boric acid can be used to treat yeast and fungal infections such as candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) by inserting a vaginal suppository containing 600 mg of boric acid daily for 14 days (PMID 10865926). It is also used as prevention of athlete's foot, by inserting powder in the socks or stockings, and in solution can be used to treat some kinds of otitis externa (ear infection) in both humans and animals. The preservative in urine sample bottles (red cap) in the UK is boric acid". When I went to get the ingredients, I got the boric acid at the pharmacy and asked the pharmacist about using it in an ear cleaning solution and he said it should be fine. I have everything on hand but was just checking here before using it. Thanks for the replies.

My grandmother used to mix alcohol and boric acid for my face as acne treatment, as it is a astringent agent.I do it for my kids as well and really works.

[Breny]

I use and sell HealthyPetNet Ear Care formula and it really works!

My husband has a Bassett Hound and they are very known for ear troubles. His ears are not nice and clean. At first we used it more often but now we just use it after everybath.

It Cleans ears and eliminates odor, dissolves ear wax and removes dirt and debris by bringing it to the surface. Ear Care Formula dries the ear but don't worry, there's no alcohol. It also soothes the ear during application and long after.

I use it on my yorkies too. I really like it. You can check it out here :

ProductDetail

[iLuv Reeses]

Originally Posted by maxmom

My grandmother used to mix alcohol and boric acid for my face as acne treatment, as it is a astringent agent.I do it for my kids as well and really works.

boric acid + cornstarch+mild baby powder
removes/prevents tearstains too and used by many shih tzu exhibitors/breeders...
it's effective as well...

[DarlingDelilah]

Delilah's ears smell terrible and I'm waiting to go to the vet to see if she might have an infection. Anyone else had this problem?

[Babz]

Originally Posted by DarlingDelilah

Delilah's ears smell terrible and I'm waiting to go to the vet to see if she might have an infection. Anyone else had this problem?

I do
When I manage to clean the ears it doesn't smell so terrible anymore which led me to think it might just be dirty, but she's still scratching and scratching.

I wonder if I should take her to the vet, or buy one of those ear cleaning solution. Anyone heard of Bio Groom? Is it any good? I can only clean her ears after bath (once a week) and she's swaddled in her towel.

[iLuv Reeses]

Originally Posted by Babz

I do
When I manage to clean the ears it doesn't smell so terrible anymore which led me to think it might just be dirty, but she's still scratching and scratching.

I wonder if I should take her to the vet, or buy one of those ear cleaning solution. Anyone heard of Bio Groom? Is it any good? I can only clean her ears after bath (once a week) and she's swaddled in her towel.

Did you notice some dark gunk from the ears when you were cleaning it? It might be ear mites... It's best that your girl's ears be seen by the vet so appropriate treatment to soothe her itchy ears and won't smell again.

[Babz]

Originally Posted by iLuv Reeses

Did you notice some dark gunk from the ears when you were cleaning it? It might be ear mites... It's best that your girl's ears be seen by the vet so appropriate treatment to soothe her itchy ears and won't smell again.

There is some gunk on her ear, but I just thought that was ear wax or just dirt? It's the color of soil. Is that what you're talking about?

[Woogie Man]

Here's a link with some good info on ear mites......Ear Mites

[iLuv Reeses]

Originally Posted by Babz

There is some gunk on her ear, but I just thought that was ear wax or just dirt? It's the color of soil. Is that what you're talking about?

Great link has been posted by woogie man. The soil-like gunk is actually the waste products of the mites. The mites are so tiny for the naked eye to actually see and the vet has to see the mites under the microscope. There are drops used to treat ear mite infection. It can also spread if you have other dogs/cats in your home so you better check their ears as well.

[Babz]

Oh, eeeew. Just... eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww. Poor Mocha.

My mom is adamant it's not mites of any kinds, but I'm a worrier, and she HAS been scratching so much. She sleeps with me, so I guess only I see her at her worst.
Thank you for the link. I will clean her ears thoroughly, and if her scratching persist, I will call the vet by next week. Thank you all.

[Woogie Man]

Here's a link that says ear mites may also live on the feet and tail area of a dog. Ear Mites in Dogs I'd never heard of this before. That might explain some of the behaviors that people attribute to food and seasonal allergies..