Blue Powder Ear Wash-A Remedy That Really Works! Ear Infection: My dog keeps getting chronic yeast infections in her ears. Is there an over the counter medication I can give her to relieve the pain in any way? This seems to be a common problem, especially for dogs with long floppy ears. The best remedy we have found (and we've tried a lot of them) is an inexpensive mixture you can make yourself called 'Blue Powder Ear Wash'. Blue Powder Ear Wash is effective for treating ears problems arising from mites, wax buildup and even canker. We advise against using this product on a pregnant or lactating dog. Below are the ingredients you will need to make your own. Blue Powder Ear Wash
Witch Hazel, Gentian Violet and Boric Acid are generally all found on the same aisle of any Walgreens or Wal-Mart stores. Gentian Violet should not be more than two dollars. It is found on the Hispanic aisle of Walgreens and if not found on the shelf at Wal-Mart, request it from the pharmacy and they will order it for you at no extra charge. CVS wanted about ten dollars for a "larger" bottle but that cost is ridiculous, don't even bother with them. Some formulas call for alcohol but USE WITCH HAZEL instead since it serves the same purpose and does not burn like alcohol. The last thing you want to do is cause more pain by adding alcohol to already irritated ears! Mix the above ingredients together and shake well before each use. Gentian Violet stains everything so use outdoors if possible. This solution is designed for flushing and/or treating the inner ear and should not be used orally or near the eyes or genitals of your pet as it will cause discomfort. Treatment: To make two ounces (medicine dropper equivalent), divide the above formula by eight. Shake well before each use as the boric acid doesn't dissolve. These items are available at most drug stores. Sometimes they are kept behind the counter so you may have to ask for them but they are usually found in the same aisle as the rubbing alcohol. If you do not already have a syringe, ask for a medium sized one from the pharmacy (without the needle of course). They generally give them to you if you tell them what it is for. On the initial application GENTLY squeeze the contents of the syringe into the dogs ear. Do NOT attempt to hurriedly force in the liquid nor push the syringe deep into the ear canal, otherwise you may rupture the dogs eardrum. You are only trying to cleanse any loose debris from the ear. Allow the dog to shake out any excess and then wipe out the ear with a clean paper towel. Using the syringe again, gently squeeze in the contents and rub the base of the ear (where it meets the dog's skull) to ensure the liquid is properly distributed. If the dog will allow for it, wait 15 seconds while gently rubbing the outside portion of the ear near the base. Allow the dog to shake out any excess liquid. This could get nasty, depending on how gunkified the ears are, so be prepared! This treatment has worked in many a dog that was destined for surgery. In about 80% of the cases, it will take care of the problem. If your dog has chronic ear infections, look into what you are feeding them as diet play s a very important part in their health and the health of their ears.
Looking closely at this drawing, one can quickly ascertain why Q-Tips or any other stick like object inserted into a dogs ear for cleaning purposes should only be done by a qualified vet. The "L" shape of the interior of the ear can easily be damaged causing not only much pain but in some cases, irreversible damage. If you must clean your dogs ears, use only a soft, thin cloth and gently wipe the inside of the ear but do not venture deep into the ear canal. It is not worth the risk of having the dog lose it's hearing. The solution above will work great and the dog shakes out the excess along with any debris lodged in the ear. Follow-up schedule of treatment:
Dogs on the verge of ear canal surgery have been returned to normal with only the regular follow-up treatment to keep the ear healthy.
If an infection seems to be remaining in the treated ear after the above course of treatment, he may have Pseudomonas bacteria in the ear which can be eradicated by using a gentle flush of raw Apple Cider Vinegar and warm water. Note: A diet lacking proper enzymes and nutritional supplements or containing many unnecessary grains used as 'fillers' may sometimes be to blame for recurrent ear infections. Please consider what you are feeding your dog and if necessary, make the needed changes. It is less costly in the long run. |
