Boric Acid Powder Uses for a Dog's Bath

General Allergies

• If looking for a green alternative to alleviating your dog's allergies, look no further than boric acid, which may be claiming space under your bathroom sink. If Fido exhibits dog-pattern baldness or excessive scratching or licking, chances are it has allergies to something in the environment.Vetinfo.com recommends 3 tbsp. dissolved in boiling water to be used during a bath. Rub this into the dog's skin to relieve the symptoms.

Ear Wash

• If the family dog is shaking its head excessively, he could have an ear infection. The first step would be a trip to the vet, but try this first. Many over-the-counter remedies, which a vet may recommend, contain boric acid. Combine 4 oz. rubbing alcohol, 2 tbsp. boric acid and 1 tbsp. glycerin. You can find this in a drug store or pharmacy. Massage the mixture into the ear for one minute, two times per day for the first week, then apply it one time per week for the next two weeks. Another mixture contains 4 tbsp. boric acid, 16 oz. isopropyl alcohol and 16 drops of 1 percent gentian violet solution. This antiseptic liquid works well, but you may have to hunt a bit for the ingredients. Apply this mix like the other.

Eye Wash

• An eye wash can be used, and should be used, to eliminate the particles that naturally occur in the air. If your dog is allergic to any of these inhalants, eye wash is a must. If your dog looks like it is getting an eye infection, try the following: Boil 1 quart of water, adding 1 tbsp. boric powder. Mix this very well. When the mixture has reached room temperature, use an eye dropper to put two drops in each eye once a day for two to four days. If the eye dropper isn't going to work, you can swipe this mix along the eyelids with a cotton ball. Boric acid can be found in many of the eye washes on the market.

Tear Stain Removal

• Although not an allergy in itself, tear stains can be the symptom of an eye infection, usually caused by inhalant allergies. Sources also can be a food allergy or a type of shampoo. Clean the face every day to prevent tear stains. Use 1 tbsp. boric acid to 1 cup filtered or distilled water. After this has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and stir in the boric acid until it has fully dissolved. Set the mixture aside to let it cool. Once it is at room temperature, place it in a squeeze bottle. Boil a fresh mixture every week.

Flea/Tick/Mosquito Treatment and Prevention

• A pet owner knows what a nuisance a flea infestation can be. Boric acid can be used to eliminate this household problem to keep fleas from further attacking your dog and your home. Dogs also may have an allergy to these creepy critters or their larvae. The acid can be applied in one of two ways, either as a powder or as a liquid. Both will kill the hatching fleas and dehydrate them before they can grow into adults. If using the liquid solution, apply it to the carpet and furniture. Allow this to soak into the treated areas for five to seven days and then vacuum thoroughly.

  Steam cleaning the carpet before treatment also helps. Sprinkle the boric acid on dry carpet. The Hy-Tech website recommends applying 1.5 lbs. of powder per 150 square feet of floor space where pets sleep or spend the most time. Brush the powder deep into the carpet until it isn't visible. Keep this in your carpet for three weeks.