In a previous post, I talked about my dog Abby's ear infections (otitis), and that I was testing a home remedy. I'm happy to tell you the results are very good after using it for 2 months; her ears look and smell normal, and there hasn't been any itching and digging since I started the treatment.
First of all, if your dog's ears are badly infected, with open sores, I recommend you first treat them with a product I've used with good results called Zymox Otic available at Amazon.com for around $10. It contains 3 enzymes derived from milk products, and is highly effective against yeast and bacterial infections, completely safe with no side effects. It is a cleaner as well as a treatment, and is very soothing. As I said previously, Abby's ears were to the point that even antibiotics didn't work long term, and unfortunately neither did Zymox long term. It kept her comfortable, but if I didn't use it every few days, the itching would return. Get your dog's ears in good shape with Zymox, then try the following ear wash to keep the itchies at bay for good. The link to Amazon.com is at the right.
You will need the following ingredients: (If you can't find these locally, they are available at Amazon.com)
16 oz. rubbing alcohol
4 TBSP. Boric Acid
16 drops of Gentian Violet (1% is fine)
The boric acid and gentian violet are both antibacterial and antifungal agents. Just add the boric acid and gentian violet to the alcohol bottle. Then transfer a portion of it into a small squeeze bottle. (I used an empty antibiotic dropper) Then daily squeeze a few drops into the ear and massage. Just a word of warning, the gentian violet in the mixture will stain any surface, including the dog a light tinge of lavender. I used it daily for about 1 week, then went to every 3 days, then once a week, and now we go about 10 days between applications. My dog's ears look very healthy and there is no itching, something I thought Abby would never experience the rest of her life.
p.s. This is also effective for human's itching skin, like mosquito bites. I tried it and got relief instantly.
9 comments:
This tip on relief for dogs ears is real useful I have to give it a try thanks for the tips you give on your blog. Oh let me know if you were the one who adopted a dog on Dogcents the owner to be did not leave me the infor I need so Im trying to locate her or him? I have given you a couple of clicks today, I do want ot help. Come and visit me.
Lilyruth,
I;m so glad this info helped you. It has really made a difference in Abby's ears too. I'll give you a couple clicks too. Thanks
After 4 years, and thousands of dollars spent at two different vets., this post has done more than anything the vets prescribed. My Irish Setter can hear again.. not to mention the cessation of suffering and elimination of the stench.
To me, this is nothing short of a miracle cure. I followed the post's directions, and after two weeks, all signs of an infection have disappeared. I'm starting every-other-day treatment now. I'll re-visit this blog in a month to update.
My sincere thanks
Dear anonymous,
I am so glad to hear that the remedy helped your dog's ear problem. It makes my day when I hear that I've helped someone. Abby has not needed antibiotics or any other ear treatment other than the home remedy since I started it, and as you said it is like a miracle to see her ears so healthy.
I am going to try this right away. I am sick of all the junk the doctors are feeding me about my Weimerainers ears. I feel so bad for Lexy with all that scratching and whinning. We switched her food to Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach...for about 3 weeks now. They say it takes about 2 months of food switching to see a difference. We notice she doesn't "eat her feet" anymore already. Now we need to battle the ear problem at hand. I can't wait to try this! I hope it is successful for me as it has been for Abby!
Hi Anonymous,
Glad to hear you're going to try this ear treatment - you won't be disappointed - it works like a charm. Abby went to the vet this month for her yearly checkup, and our vet gave her "the best cocker ears award." She couldn't believe how clean and clear her ears were, especially with her bad ear history.
I wish I found you a month ago. Our Great Pyrenese suffers from chronic ear infections. We spend a few hundred dollars a year at the vet. THIS month the bill was $500!
The vet said the infection turned into the worst "flesh eating" bacteria she can get. He said it is contagious and antibiotic resistant. They put her to sleep and cleaned the ears. When we got her back (after an over night stay at the vet) her ears look raw!
So painful. We are now treating her with a very strong antibiotic and ear drops. I am going to try your remedy to hopefully prevent this from reoccuring!
Thank you so much for posting these great helpful hints!
Jules,
I can't imagine how painful your poor baby's ears are. I hope the remedy works well for you
I've just had my first experience with nasty ear infections with my mastiff. I am hoping it will not be on-going. The vet gave me anti-biotics and cleaner, but I really don't like using drugs unless it is a last resort.
If she gets another ear infection, I will definitely try this formula first.
Thanks for the info.
Post a Comment