Mix apple cider vinegar and distilled water into a half and half solution. If you have a solution bottle or syringe, you can put the solution directly into the ear canal by squirting it in. Avoid using cotton swabs in your dog's ears. A solution or syringe bottle will have a long tip to get the solution into the ear.
There are various types of ear cleaners, but the most important thing is that you only use a good quality dog ear cleaner. Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog's ear.
To prepare the most popular combination of homemade cleaner, you simply need to mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a clean container. Soak a cotton ball or pad with the solution and gently wipe down the insides of your dog's ears.
Alternatively, for mild yeast infections I will recommend a homemade mixture of 1- part white vinegar to 2-parts warm water as a nice cleaning solution. Remember, before purchasing any ear cleaning solution, please contact your veterinarian for advice.
Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog's ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog's ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.
Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your dog's ears using a cotton ball. Another natural remedy is tea tree oil — but be warned, it is potent and should be diluted before use.
You don't need to swab your dog's ear but might want to wipe debris from the ear flap. Apple cider vinegar is best. However, apple cider vinegar may stain white or light-colored fur. If your dog has white or light-colored, you may want to use distilled white vinegar instead.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
Grasp the flap of the ear and gently pull it straight up and slightly away from the head towards you to open the ear canal. Fill the ear with the prescribed cleanser until the liquid starts to spill out of the ear canal. Some of this cleaning liquid may also be rubbed on the ear flap if necessary.
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Normal saline can be used and is very safe. This includes products like Virbac's Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner. Epi-Otic has a low pH of 2.2 and contains no chlorhexidine or alcohol. Other popular, safe options include Zymox cleanser with bio-active enzymes and ear wipes like these.
Keeping Fleas and Ticks Away
To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out. Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.
While taking your pup to the vet is always a safe bet, some easy and effective home remedies can help relieve their discomfort, like wiping their ears with cider vinegar, coconut oil, or tea tree oil. However, as with any ailment, it's best to invest in the best pet insurance for dogs for added peace of mind.
First and foremost, it's important to regularly clean your dog's ears with a gentle ear cleaner. You can also use natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to combat infections. However, it's crucial to avoid inserting anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can cause further damage.
Though they are not likely to cause immediate harm to your furbaby the first time you use them, they are not the recommended answer and solution to your cleaning and sanitary routines. So the short answer is no, you should not use baby wipes or other human wipes on your dog.
If you notice that the insides are coated in a dark-colored discharge, instead, you may be alarmed, and for good reason—discharge in the ears is a tell-tale sign of an infection or health problem. Although dogs are known for getting messy here and there, the inside of their ears should stay clean and dry.
Ear mites in dogs typically look like tiny, moving dots in the ear canal, but are so tiny that you may not be able to spot them at all. It takes a vet with an otoscope or microscope to properly spot an infestation.
Dog Ear Mites vs Ear Wax: How Can You Tell The Difference? Ear wax is normal in healthy dogs, but regular ear wax is light brown and doesn't have an odor. The wax in dogs with ear mites is usually darker brown or black, resembles coffee grounds, and can give off a foul odor.
Use a cotton ball or a cotton pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog's ear canal and outer ear. Use a cotton swab only if necessary and only on the visible portion of your dog's ear. Reward your pup with another treat and then repeat these steps for the other ear.
If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.