treatment for ears - Page 1

Yesterday my 13 month old pup was in the pool (just started this for exercise sunny hot Florida) and she stuck her head in the water to get a toy that was on  the second step, resulting in getting lots of water in one ear. She did this twice and I expect she will do this in the future as she has no fear or hesistation of sticking her head in the water. She even does it just because she likes it. 

I have a couple of ear products,  but wasn't sure what was best to prevent a future problem. I have a homemade Blue Power solution made with alcohol, boric acid and gentian violet and an antifungal solution/wash from the vet. I have also heard good things about using Karen Beckers solution of hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar and water. Thoughts or suggestions? 

I know to prevent swimmers ear by drying and changing PH, I use a fifty - fifty solution that was recommended by my kid's Dr., of rubbing alcohol and vinegar. 

I think your recipe by Dr Becker has the same goals. Some people don't like to use peroxide like they used to; said to damage skin tissue? I have used peroxide to clean ear infections for years, myself. Hope this helps.

You can get the water out by using slightly warmed sweet oil. For infections and cleaning there is an awesome recipie I use from online and that Dog1 shared with me years ago.
 

Thank you, Beetree! That is very helpful. 

Apple cider vinegar is great for killing yeast or fungal infections in the ear ( or anywhere, for that matter!) It must be unpasturized and organic.

I like the apple cidar (with Muther) not the processed we eat...and the water, hydrogen P or alcohol...the amount of alcohol is tiny but it helps dry the ear...

you must use Bottled water...no chlorine ...

YR

zymox

Zymox Enzymatic Ear Solution contains Hydrocortisone (0.5%), along with natural bio-active enzymes, which form an antimicrobial defense system in your pet's ears. This unique, no-antibiotics solution requires no cleaning of your pet's ears before and during treatment, so that the enzyme activity is not disrupted. Can be used daily. Safe for cats and dogs of all ages.

This ear solution is very good..I have a bottle sitting right here..

YR

Wiping gently with plain white vinegar on a cotton ball (so that some seeps down into the ear on its' own) works well as a preventative measure if you don't suspect infection.  Otherwise I'll second the peroxide/vinegar or rubbing alcohol/vinegar/water mix.

Thank you everyone. So far I haven't used anything because she hasn't shown any signs of her ears bothering her, but since she swims almost daily and loves to dunk her head,  I think I will go with the vinegar as a preventative.  Zymox is something I only use on my dogs when one has an infection, but it is a very good product.