Regular cleaning of your dog's ears is important for prevention of ear mites, allergies and infections. Commercial ear-cleaning products are available in pet stores or from your veterinarian, but this can get expensive if you clean your dog's ears as routinely as is necessary. You can make a safe ear cleaner from simple ingredients that will satisfy your need to keep both your dog and your budget healthy.
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Ear Flush
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An ear flush to clean your dog's ears and aid in prevention of infection (or help heal infection) consists of isopropyl alcohol, boric acid powder, distilled white vinegar, and generic betadine solution. Other ingredients to consider adding to an ear flush are domes powder, Gentian Violet Solution, apple cider vinegar and water. Squirt you solution into your dog's ears, massage for 2-3 minutes, then allow him to shake out any excess solution.
Essential Oil Cleaner
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Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender and chamomile are naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Combining one drop of each in warm (not hot) olive oil creates a cleaner you can apply to your dog's ear and the area outside of the ear. After an ear massage, wipe the oil away with a cotton ball. Because this cleaner is all natural, discard any unused portion immediately.
Some dogs are allergic to essential oils, so test the cleaner on a small patch of skin 24 hours prior to using.
Ear Mite and Infection Cleaner
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Hydrogen peroxide combined with wheat-germ oil and water makes a good cleaner to rid your dog's ears of mites and infection. With the solution warmed to body temperature, apply the mixture to your dog's ears, then massage the ear area. Your dog will likely shake his head to clear his ears of excess mixture. Clean the area with cotton balls and repeat this procedure each day for 3 days, then repeat the same the next week.
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