Ear Cleaning Recipe
If your dog is experiencing recurrent ear infections, it’s important that you consider the diet as well.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup part distilled water
Cotton balls or pads
Optional: Witch hazel (can be substituted for part of the water)
Optional Essential Oils: Choose from - Lavender, Copaiba, Frankincense, and Chamomile. Tea Tree, Bergamot or Thyme.
Add approximately 20-40 drops total per cup (approx 0.5% - 1% dilution)
Never drop essential oils directly into the ear canal
Add several drops of coconut oil to mixture.
Instructions:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a clean container. The vinegar helps to break down dirt and wax buildup while also creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria and yeast.
If your dog has particularly dirty ears or is prone to ear infections, you can substitute some of the water with witch hazel, which has natural astringent and antiseptic properties. A ratio of 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, and 1/2 part witch hazel can be effective.
Soak a cotton ball or pad in the solution. Squeeze out any excess liquid, so it's damp but not dripping.
Gently lift your dog's ear flap and wipe the visible part of the ear with the soaked cotton ball or pad. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal as this can damage the eardrum. Be gentle! Inflamed ears hurt!
Use a fresh cotton ball or pad for each ear to prevent the spread of any potential infections.
Repeat the process until the cotton ball comes out clean. You may need to use multiple cotton balls for heavily soiled ears.
Allow your dog to shake their head to remove any excess moisture from their ears.
Reward your dog with praise or a treat for their cooperation during the ear cleaning process.
It's essential to only use this solution on the outer parts of your dog's ears and never inside the ear canal. If your dog shows signs of discomfort during the cleaning process, such as excessive head shaking, scratching, or pain, stop immediately and consult your veterinarian, as these could be signs of an underlying ear infection or injury.