If your pet experiences chronic ear infections, chances are you have gone through your fair share of ear cleaners. Not only are they expensive, but some are full of harsh ingredients that can harm your pet. Ear cleansers are easy to make, and making your own allows you to control the quality of the ingredients that go into your dog's ear.
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Homemade Ear Cleaners
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There is a wide variety of homemade ear cleansers from which to choose. It may take some time to determine which will work the best on your pet. An easy one to try is made with 16 ounces of isopropyl alcohol, four tablespoons of boric acid powder and 16 drops gentian violet solution 1 percent. Mix all of these ingredients in a squirt bottle and pour the mixture into your dog's ear. When the solution begins to come out, massage the ear then wipe out any debris.
You can also try solutions with equal parts alcohol and white vinegar; three parts white vinegar and one part water; two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one cup of warm water; or three parts apple cider vinegar and one part witch hazel.
For ears that are chronically infected, you may need to use a cleanser that is a bit more aggressive. Pour six ounces of isopropyl alcohol in a bottle with one-half tablespoon of boric acid powder and two ounces of white vinegar. Shake the mixture well until the powder dissolves. Then add a teaspoon of Betadine antiseptic and shake again.
Another homemade ear cleanser can be made by mixing together a one-ounce package of domeboro powder with three parts white vinegar and one part water. It is best to use water that has been boiled for at least five minutes. Allow it cool completely before using it in your dog's ears.
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