Cleaning ears

[Askosrose]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I'll try here.

I took Nelson to the vet today for his shots and I found out that he has an ear infection I've been cleaning his ears with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar and water with a cotton ball.

When I saw the vet cleaning the yuck out, I noticed that she went inside the ear gently. I've basically only been cleaning the outer opening of his ear, so I feel like it's my fault he got the infection.

We got some ointment and a bottle of commercial ear cleaner. I noticed that the bottle says to actually squirt the cleaner in the ear tunnel and let the dog shake it out, then to clean the excess with the cotton ball.

So, can someone tell me a) how I should best clean the ears, and b) since he already has an infection (he's 13 weeks), does this mean that he will be getting them regularly?

I'd appreciate any pointers.

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

I also use a commercial ear cleaner that you squirt a little into the canal, and the dog shakes it out.. in between I use the ear wipes every other day..seems to work fine so far...

 

[Jeannie]

I have commented on this many times. My newfs rarely have ear infections. You can help your newfs avoid ear infections too. First, ear infections are usually a yeast infection (just like women get) that grow in warm damp area. Start by getting air to the ear canal by trimming the hair around the ear canal. Trim away because when the ear flops down you won't see your trimmings anyway. Since your dog has an infection use a 50/50 mixture of white vinager and water (Yes the same thing women used years ago) Pour it into the ears. (I use an old ketchup bottle with the long spout) Now you can and should clean down in your newfs ears. Do not I repeat do NOT put a q-tip in the ear. Use a cotton ball and go as deep as you can cleaning all the gunk out of the ear canal. Repeat until you have a fairly clean ear but do not make the ear sore. After that I pour some in the ear, message the ear, then let them shake until their hearts are content.

Now when my newfs do not have an infection I change the mixture to 50/50 white vinager and alcohol. The vinager will kill the bacteria and the alcohol will dry the ear. Do not use alcohol in infected sore red ears. It will burn. I use the vinager/alcohol mixture on a bi-weekly basis just to clean and dry the ears. I always use it after a bath or swim.

 

[Askosrose]

Thank you both for replying

Yes, when she pulled the ear back (and we smelled it

) She did mention yeast.

I will finish with the ear product I just bought from the vet (she insisted we use it...she said vinegar would burn his ear), and then I'll re-fill it with the homemade mixture.

I didn't realize I should be pouring the solution in. I'd been using a cotton ball, but was scared of going any deeper than the surface for fear of hurting him.

Trimming the fur around his ear is a great idea! Thanks so much for the suggestion!

Karen

 

[Mickey1]

Hi! My last newf Crocker used to get ear infections all the time. I cleaned his ears constantly with Novalscan( I think that's the spelling)and a cotton ball. I was always very timid about getting in there and was afraid to hurt him. But my vet said the way a dogs ear canals are formed is virtually impossible to hurt him with a cotton ball and it's necessary to get the yuck out! If your pup gets them frequently have the vet send a "sample" away to the lab to get the cause. My dog's problem seemed to coincide with his grooming appt. They were not being dried sufficiently. So it is really imp to keep those ears trimmed.. Boy, that ear infection smell is unmistakable!!!Yuck! Good luck!
Charlee

 

[Jeannie]

Originally posted by Charlee:
Hi! But my vet said the way a dogs ear canals are formed is virtually impossible to hurt him

A dog's ear canal goes down then makes a 90 degree turn, so it is impossible to cause injury to the ear drum, unlike humans whose ear canals are straight

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

Jeannie.. that was some great information you gave. I always bought commercial ear cleaning solution, but your recipe sounds fine to me

and I am sure a lot less expensive.. but I have a few questions for you Murphy goes to the beach almost everyday now that the weather is warmer, he does splash around and get his ears wet. Can that 50/50 white vinager and rubbing alcohol be used every time he has got his ears soaked with Ocean salt water?? Or how often do you suggest with a dog thats in the water almost everyday?? Natta question-> when you make your solution, do you only make enough for each cleaning, or do you make up enough and keep it in a bottle for a certain amount of time??

 

[Jeannie]

I mix a cup of each every time so I don't have to make it up as often. Since we have our pond now "The Drool Pool" Sam and Panda tend to want to swim each day. I use it after every swim as a preventative.

[ 04-07-2003, 03:14 PM: Message edited by: jggrosch ]

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

Jeannie.. thanks for the response

I will use it every time Murphy swims or has a bath ..The stuff I was buying was pretty expensive.. Do you have any other home remedies you care to share?? Your a wealth of knowledge

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I too use the vinegar and alcohol mixture to clean ears. My vet told me to use 2/3 parts alcohol and 1/3 part white vinegar. But the 50/50 sounds easier to mix so I may switch to that. I have used it for yrs and find it works to keep the ears clean.

 

[Marthas Vineyard Newfie]

Thank you Jeannie and NewfYork. Murphy's ears thank you, and my pocketbook thanks you