Ear Treatment and Prevention
You can try a few different home remedies if your dog has reaccuring ear infections. First it is best to be sure that your dog does have an ear infection by having him/her checked out by your veterinarian.
The first remedy is 1/3 tea tree oil solution. 2/3 olive oil or any other light, non-toxic oil for the solution.
The second is 70% isopropyl alcohol, 10% povidone-iodine solution, or 0.5% chlorhexidine solution.
When using either of the remedies be sure to clean out the affected ear thoroughly with a rubber bulb syringe (being careful not to wedge the syringe in the ear, causing pressure to build up that can rupture the ear drum) filled with a warm antiseptic soap solution. Then you'll need to instill several drops of either of the rememdies mentioned above. If you see improvement 3-4 days, continue the treatment for two weeks. If no improvement.....seek professional help.
An easy home remedy to *prevent* ear infections (will not cure an existing one) is:
2 Tablespoons Boric Acid
4 oz Rubbing Alcohol
1 Tablespoon Glycerine
Shake well. Put 1 small eye dropper full in each ear. Rub it around first, and then let the dog shake. Do this once a week and you shouldn't see any ear infections. It works by raising the pH level slightly inside the ear, making it less hospitable to bacteria.
